slushie007

TOR VS WPG -8.5

The Grey Cup is here! Too bad Chad Kelly won't be playing in it. Toronto really rallied around Arbuckle after Kelly went out with injury last week. They have a great O line and RB, decent WR core and a stout D line. Toronto can stay in this game.

Winnipeg looked like they wanted to go for the kill blow against my poor Riders and crushed them from start to finish, the game was never in question. They looked polished on offense and defence. This is their 5th straight Grey Cup appearance and this is a rematch of Grey Cup 109 in Regina where Toronto edged the Bombers 24-23. This game comes down to the QB situation. If Kelly was playing, I'd be on the Argos. Now we have Arbuckle VS a future hall of famer in Collaros. Give me the Bombers to win and just cover this shrinking spread.

30-20 Bombers

TEASERS: 41-10

TEASER: 6pts

WPG -2.5 (pair this up with an NFL game or 2 you like.

Good luck!

Mustafa Johnson is OUT for Montreal.  That's a huge blow for them.

I believe we have the 4 best teams in the league left. Let's get to it.

TOR +1.5 @ MTL
The Argos absolutely dismantled the RedBlacks. I can't believe Dru Brown had 61 pass attempts. After having a 3 point 1st quarter, the Argos went on to score another 55 points. The Argos didn't have much of a running game, it was all Kelly throwing 4 TD passes and the Argos defence/ST. The Argos have a bitter taste in their mouth from last years shallacking they took from Montreal in the East Finals (38-17) and you can bet they'll be fully prepared and ready for Montreal this time around. They have also been hot at the right time winning 5 of their last 7 games.

When is the last time Montreal has played a meaningful game? I believe week 12 they clinched a playoff spot, and not long after 1st in the East. That is not a good thing in my opinion. The Argos have been playing intense meaningful football right until the end of the season (minus the final game) where the Als haven't for 2+ months. Kelly needs to not force the football when it isn't there and the Argos must establish a run game. Argos win and cover.
27-24 Argos

SK +4 @ WPG
What more can I say about the Riders. Harris looks hungry, wants another ring and is the perfect field general for this team. Ouellette looks like he wants to injure people and is the perfect battering ram for this team. Emelius is a reception machine. And finally, the star of the show: the Riders defence. 3 INTs against VA last week and this team thrives off turning the ball over. The Riders have really meshed and came together as a team and are playing well at all 3 levels. Just like the Argos, the Riders are hot and are playing their best football when it matters most.

Winnipeg is coming off a bye (which was gifted to them due to weather elements). The Bombers are going to have to ride Collaros in this game as the Riders boast the best run defence. In 3 games this year, the Riders held Oliveira to just 134 yards on 32 carries. If the Riders can make Winnipeg one-dimensional, the Bombers are in trouble. The Riders have a great 1-2 punch/change of pace RBs with Ouellette and Armstead and the Bombers not so much. Having a bye week is great because you get a guaranteed pass to the West Finals and get to heal some wounds, but it can also be bad. Winnipeg will start slow in this game and will try to establish Oliveira without much success. The Riders will have a great balance of run/pass and I trust the Riders defence more than the Bombers D. Call me a bit of a homer here but Riders win and cover and advance to play the Argos in the Grey Cup against Corey Mace's old team.
24-22 Riders

TEASERS: 40-9
TEASER: 6.5pts

TOR +8
I like the Argos to win in what should be a tight game either way and we have an 8 pt cushion.

SK +10.5
Again this should be a close game and having a 10 pt cushion with the Riders who are playing as a well rounded and oiled cohesive unit.

Good luck!

It was a great regular season betting wise. It started off slow but finished strong, just like my Riders. Let's get to the playoffs.

OTT @ TOR -6
This is a tough game for Ottawa. This will be Dru Brown's first playoff game and he doesn't have much of a run game to help him out against the East's best run defence. The Argos also sport the best pass rush in the league with 48 sacks on the year. Making matters worse for Ottawa's defence is Adarius Pickett won't be playing and he is the heart and soul of their D. Ottawa has had a great season but unfortunately this is where it ends.

Toronto has been peeking at the right time and has been playing good football on both sides of the ball. Toronto will be too much for Ottawa. The Argos finished 7-2 at home during the regular season where Ottawa was 2-7 on the road. It is going to be hard for the RedBlacks to run the ball, making them one-dimensional on offense. I love the Argos to get to the Grey Cup. Argos win and cover.
34-21 Argos

BC +3.5 @ SK
This is going to be a great game and you have to think the whooping BC got from the Riders a few weeks ago is still fresh on their minds. I feel BC is making the right call starting Adams over Rourke. This is VA's team (this year anyway), he is a great leader and has the locker room behind him. This game could be won in the trenches: Riders OL vs BC DL/pass rush. The Riders allowed 35 sacks (4th lowest) and BC sacked the QB 39 times (2nd most). Stanbeck will have a tough time finding running room as the Riders boast the leagues best run defence allowing just 80 rush yards per game. The Lions finished 4-6 their last 10 games and haven't lived up to the team we expected at the beginning of the year.

The Riders OL has been playing good but they must keep Harris upright and healthy. The home crowd will also be a huge factor. This game can very much come down to a game winning field goal and since week 12 Lauther has connected on 28/29 of his FGs so he has been coming up clutch when it matters. This is exactly the type of game and time of year why the Riders signed Ouellette, to pound the rock and wear down the defence. Armstead also practised in full on Tue and Wed, he is trending to playing which will give the Riders a great change of pace back in Armstead and let's not forget about Hickson. Bane won't be playing but the Riders are deep at WR. Lanier has practised in full Tue/Wed. Riders win by a FG in a tighter game then anticipated.
27-24 Riders

TEASERS: 38-9
TEASER: 7pts

TOR +1
Just need the Argos to win and I love them to do just that.

BC +10.5
Think this will be a close game that the Riders win. BC won't lose by more than 10 points.

Good luck!

CAL @ SK -4

If Montreal somehow beats Winnipeg then Mosaic Stadium will be absolutely on fire and it will be a bloody murder for the Stamps. If Montreal loses, I still imagine the Riders will be playing their starters for at least half the game since they have to release their starting lineups as they don't know what will happen in the Bombers game. Either way I like the Riders in this spot and even more if Montreal wins. Riders are also coming off a bye.

Calgary is a mess losing 4 in a row and if they lose to the Riders this week they'll finish 0-9 on the road. Will Shiltz or Maier start? It doesn't really matter. Riders win and cover.

29-18 Riders

TEASERS: 36-8

TEASER: 7pts

EDM +8

Argos aren't playing for anything but to not get hurt and likely playing backups most of the way and we have an 8pt cushion here.

WPG +0

Bombers just need to win against Montreal not playing for anything other then to prepare for the East Finals.

SK +3

Riders win this game either way and we have a 3pt cushion just incase weird things happen.

My final power rankings for 2024:

1)Winnipeg

2)Toronto

3)Montreal

4)Saskatchewan

5)BC

6)Hamilton

7)Ottawa

8)Edmonton

9)Calgary

It was a fun season, Good luck everyone!

See you next week for playoffs.

The last week of the season is here! Lots of uncertainty this week.

HAM @ OTT -2

Hamilton has been hot the last month of the season but are already eliminated from the playoffs. Ottawa is now on a 5 game losing streak and are 6-1-1 at home. Bo Levi is the leagues first 5000 yard passer since 2018 but his team won't be making the playoffs.

Ottawa is also not playing for anything but they need this game. They've lost 5 in a row and need to get back on track and build some momentum for the playoffs. Dru Brown will be starting which is a big deal for Ottawa. If the TiCats beat Ottawa, they'll be the first 8 win team to miss the playoffs since 2014. Ottawa wins and covers.

28-21 RedBlacks

TOR @ EDM +1

This is a meaningless game for the Argos. They just want to get in and out of this game healthy and don't care what the scoreboard says. I like Toronto to get to the Grey Cup.

Edmonton's players are basically in rehearsal mode playing for jobs or to play somewhere else next year. It looks like Tre is going to start. The Elks are also coming off a bye. With the Elks wanting to end their season on a high and playing their starters, and the Argos not caring about the outcome of the score and just want to get out of the game healthy. I like Edmonton to win and cover.

26-16 Elks

WPG -5.5 @ MTL

It's too bad Montreal isn't playing for anything in this one, otherwise it would have been a great game. Winnipeg needs to win or tie to take first place in the West. They will give it their all as an extra bye week in the playoffs is huge for this older/veteran team. The Bombers are also coming off a bye.

We are not sure what Maas will do with his players. Fajardo threw 9 passes last week but does he want to give his QB some more playing time before playoffs? Especially since Montreal has next week off and hasn't really played meaningful football the last month. I imagine the starters will play a bit, maybe 1-2 quarters. But the urgency level for the Bombers is high in this one whereas there is no urgency for Montreal other then to get fine tuned before playoffs.

32-23 Bombers

Ummm how about Bayern to win? 

Thanks CFLChef, hope you're doing well.

TEASERS: 33-8
TEASER: 5pts

This week is perfect for a 5 point teaser and to boost your odds a bit!

HAM +0.5
Hamilton just needs to win and I like them to do just that coming off a bye, playing the worst team in the league, in their season finale at home with a bitter taste in their mouth after being eliminated from playoff contention during their bye week.

TOR +0.5
Toronto needs to just win and I like them to clinch 2nd place in the East. They are great at home and playing strong to finish the season where Ottawa lost some of it's identity on offense trading away Armstead to the Riders.  Toronto is a strong candidate in my eyes to take down Montreal and make it to the Grey Cup this year.

BC +3.5
I love BC to win in this spot and have a 3 point cushion to boot.  BC knows their fate...they'll have to go through the prairies (Sask and then Winnipeg) to make it back home to BC to play for the Grey Cup.

Good luck!

Thankfully I changed my OTT +4.5 pick to MTL -4.5 last week because it paid off. All posted.

CAL @ HAM -4.5
Both teams are playing for nothing in this one. The TiCats left into their bye week with a slim chance at the playoffs, but that wasn't meant to be. It looks like Schiltz is starting for Calgary and Bo Levi (for now) for Hamilton. Expect to see Powell in this one.

It is hard to say exactly what each team is going to do with their lineups, but I'd lean more to Hamilton wanting to end the season on a high note then Calgary. Hamilton wins and covers at home in their season finale.
28-20 TiCats

OTT @ TOR -4.5
Eastern Semi-Final preview here! If Toronto wins, they'll clinch 2nd. If Ottawa wins, they'll control 2nd spot heading into the final week of the season. Toronto is 6-2 at home and Ottawa 2-6 on the road. Toronto also has the extra rest advantage having played on Oct 11 whereas Ottawa played on Thanksgiving.

It looks like Dru Brown is starting (taking 1st team reps) and he would provide a huge boost to Ottawa's offense as Masoli just doesn't have it anymore. Ottawa also needs to try to establish some sort of run game. Will Dru Brown be rusty? Toronto is trending in the right direction at the right time of the season. Toronto wins and covers.
27-21 Argos

MTL @ BC -1.5
If I were Maas I would play all backups in this game and then play some starters next week for a bit to get ready for playoffs. Montreal is already locked into the #1 seed in the East and BC locked into #3 in the West, but BC needs this a heck of a lot more then Montreal does.

BC has been in freefall mode going 3-7 in their last 10 and getting absolutely bent over by my Riders in a very meaningful game for 2nd place last week in Regina. Vernon Adams will start this one. You never know what Jason Maas will do with his lineup but you'd have to think this is the game to be resting the starters. Urgency level in BC: MAX. Urgency level in Montreal: Minimum. BC wins and covers this short line.
31-23 Lions

Hey vanzack,

Do you like the Texans and Bengals to win, just not cover?

Thanks!

I am changing my OTT +4.5 pick to MTL -4.5.

Masoli is starting and Ottawa has no run game.  Montreal has been disappointed with how they've played the last month.  They'll come out and play well this game for the last time this year before playoffs.  Montreal wins and covers, 27-16.

Also changing my teaser pick from OTT +11.5 to MTL +2.5.

Good luck!

TEASERS: 29-8
TEASER: 7pts

TOR +10.5
Think this game is close either way and have a nice 10pt cushion with the Argos

EDM +8.5
The wrong team is favored in this game and you're giving me over a TD (+8.5) cushion? Sign me up

SK +5.5
Again this should be a closer game and I love the home team to win outright and/or definitely not lose by more then 5 points

OTT +11.5
Another game I think will be a close defensive type game and have a double digit (11.5) cushion with the RedBlacks

Good luck!

TOR +3.5 @ WPG
Toronto needs just 1 point in their last 3 games to knock the TiCats out of the playoffs. It's crazy to think the TiCats beat the Argos all 3 times this year by a combined 8 points. The Argos are coming off their bye and are looking to wrap up the last playoff spot. They play the RedBlacks and Elks their last 2 games after this one.

Winnipeg is in cruise control winning 8 in a row and needing just 1 point to clinch 1st place in the West. They are 6-2 at home and the Argos are 2-5 on the road. They play the Alouettes in their final game after this one. Winnipeg wins in a close FG game but Toronto covers.
27-24 Bombers

EDM +1.5 @ CAL
This is a meaningless game for both teams as both are eliminated from the playoffs. The Elks are starting Tre, and the Stamps may be starting Schiltz. The Elks have now lost 3 in a row, and the Stamps dropping their last 2.

Calgary has completely lost their identity and will not be making the playoffs for the first time in forever. Infact, neither Alberta team will be making the playoffs this year. That also hasn't happened in my lifetime. The Stamps are at home, but just a fun fact: they are 0-7 on the road. Edmonton wins and covers. Why are they underdogs?!
29-17 Elks

BC @ SK -1.5
The game of the year coming up! This will pretty much be a battle for 2nd place in the West. BC has looked lost the last month but got a much needed win against the worst team in the league last week. Now they have to travel to RiderVille where this game will be borderline sold out (if not) against the hot Riders winning 3 in a row.

The Riders offense with Harris back has slowly found their way. Corey Mace's defence are turnover machines, match that with a huge homefield/crowd advantage and the Riders riding a wave of momentum. This will be a TOUGH game for BC. Rourke and the offense are going to have one hell of a time pre-snap and audibling at the LOS. I love the Riders to win and cover.
28-24 Riders

OTT +4.5 @ MTL
Ottawa is coming off a bye having already clinched a playoff spot but fighting off the Argos for 2nd place in the East. I think Ottawa will play Montreal close and tough.

Montreal already clinched 1st in the East as the best Ottawa can do is tie Montreal, but the Als have beaten the RedBlacks both times this year winning the season series. The Als won't put the pedal to the metal but will do enough to win this game and prepare for the playoffs. I don't feel players will be sitting yet as they have 3 games left and then will also have a 1st round bye come playoffs. Montreal wins, Ottawa covers.
23-20 Alouettes

TEASERS: 26-8

TEASER: 7pts

WPG +3

Hard to bet against Winnipeg at the moment, I know Hamilton is hot too but I will take my chances with the Bombers and a 3 point cushion. Push would be the worst case scenario if the Bombers lose by a FG.

BC -0.5

BC should crush Calgary and just need to win here.

SK +4.5

Should be a close game either way, give me a 4 point cushion with the better defense and the team riding with more momentum at the moment.

Good luck!

WPG -4 @ HAM

The Bombers have won 7 games in a row and the TiCats 4. Something has to give in this one. The TiCats are basically playing for a crossover to the West as they are 2 games behind the Argos for 3rd in the East with 3 games remaining. I feel a bit of a letdown game coming for the Cats after clawing back last week down 16 at halftime and ending up winning in OT with an 18 point 4th quarter. Bombers win and cover and get one step closer to clinching 1st in the West.

28-21 Bombers

CAL @ BC -7.5

Calgary is coming off their bye as the worst team in the CFL and BC is coming off another terrible loss losing to Hamilton in OT after being up 16 at half. The Lions have only 2 wins in their last 8 games which is hard to believe with all the talent they have with 2 high profile QBs and Betts on the DL. Calgary isn't much better going 1-6-1 in their last 8. I'm Giving BC one last chance, hoping for a much needed huge bounce back game at home against the worst team in the league. Sense of urgency is at an all time high in BC. Lions win and cover.

41-20 Lions

SK -2.5 @ EDM

The Riders are back in 2nd in the West and on a 2 game win streak but go into this game limping on offense. Armstead and Bane looked to have suffered serious injuries, while Emilus and Schaffer-Baker were also injured. Lanier is back on D and will pay dividends. The Elks have lost back to back games against Winnipeg which hurt them a lot. It looks like Bethel-Thompson is starting over Tre which is a good thing for Sask. This will be a tough game for the Riders as the Elks need this game more than they do and are in a must win mode. The Riders are deep at WR and RB so the injuries shouldn't be a huge problem. Riders win and cover in a close, tough game.  

25-22 Riders

MON @ TOR +1.5
The Als are still missing a couple of WRs and haven't been playing Montreal football since coming off their bye. Montreal is getting a bit lazy having almost clinched 1st in the East.

Terrible last second loss for the Argos last week against Hamilton. Looking for them to bounce back in this one at home seeking revenge from the East finals pounding they took last year (38-17). Argos win and cover.
29-22 Argos

TEASERS: 23-7
TEASER: 7pts

Go big or go home this week!

WPG +3
Worst case we get a push if the Bombers lose by a FG

BC +0.5
BC just needs to win this one

SK +3
Again worst case is a push in what should be a close defensive battle, siding with the Riders due to motivational angle/momentum/Armstead wants revenge

TOR +8.5
I like Argos to win this game and have an 8 pt cushion just incase

Good luck!

EDM @ WPG -4
I chose Winnipeg to win in my pickem's and pools last week but sided with the Elks on covers. I won't make the same mistake this week. Bethel-Thompson is starting for the Elks, Leake is out. There goes their scary QB/RB backfield.

The Bombers have now won 6 in a row but have to be careful Collaros doesn't get hurt or else their season is done. Oliviera finally got into the endzone last week and I'm expecting more of the same this week. Bombers win and cover.
27-20 Bombers

HAM @ BC -6.5
Hamilton has been playing great ball and is on a 4 game winning streak. Their offense is clicking and defense has been playing great since signing Chris Jones.

BC is coming off they bye and is looking to make a statement in this one. It is a must win for them to keep pace with Winnipeg for 1st place. Rourke is starting and will be laser focused. BC wins this comfortably and covers.
34-20 Lions

OTT +4 @ SK
Brown got hurt and Masoli is starting for the 1st time since he got injured in SK back in 2022. Armstead is also playing his former team and he has a huge chip on his shoulder. Bet all props over for Armstead who will want to beast out against the team that dropped him. Ottawa has a great run defense, it will be a great matchup.

The Riders finally got a huge win last week and now carry that momentum into this game at home against Ottawa minus their starting QB and ex-RB. Fun fact: Ottawa hasn't won a game at Mosaic Stadium since 2018 when Trevor Harris was their starting QB! Riders win, RedBlacks cover.
27-24 Riders

HAM @ TOR -6.5
The TiCats already have taken the season series from the Argos. The TiCats are also playing their best football of the season. The defence has been re-ignited by Chris Jones. Hamilton is in a must-win situation with a 4-9 record. Bo Levi is 14-2 in his career against Toronto.

What an impressive victory over BC last week by the Argos. Their defence was dominant. Since 20221, Toronto is 10-4 vs Hamilton (6-0 at home). Hamilton comes back down to earth and Toronto takes care of business and covers.
32-22 Argos

SK -2.5 @ CAL
The Riders are coming off their bye after a 10 game stretch and are winless in their last 7. Calgary is winless in their last 5. Both teams have been involved in a tie. Pretty much most of the Riders coaching staff are also former Stampeders. The Riders haven't won a game after Labour Day since 2021.

The Stamps were on a 4 game losing streak with 3 losses by double digits before tying Montreal last week. Their turnover ratio went from 0 to -15 in the last 2 months. Give me the Riders fresh legs coming off the bye to take this one and cover.
26-21 Riders

MON -3 @ OTT
Montreal looked lackluster last week and it showed missing their 2 top WRs Mack and Philpot. They are now winless in the last 2 games after coming off their bye and just have 562 yards combined in the last 2 games.

Ottawa got spanked by Hamilton last week and now will be without Adarius Pickett which is huge. Montreal ends their 2 game winless drought and gets back on track and covers.
24-20 Alouettes

WPG @ EDM -1
Toughest game of the week to predict, both teams are coming off a bye. Through weeks 1-8, Winnipeg and Edmonton combined for a 2-13 record and are 10-1 since. Winnipeg has won the last 10 games against Edmonton. No Bighill for Winnipeg.

The Elks have won 5 of their last 6 games. Tre is starting and his brother is a DB for the Bombers so that will be interesting to see! No Leake for the Elks. This game could go either way but lets ride with the Elks here to win and cover.
29-27 Elks

TEASERS: 21-6
TEASER: 6.5pts

TOR +0
Just need the Argos to win

SK +4
I like the Riders to win and if they lose it won't be by more than 3

MON +3.5
I also like Montreal to win and got a FG cushion just incase

6 point teaser:

BAL -2.5
DAL +0
DET -1.5
KC -0.5
HOU +0
PHI +0

Good luck!