Edmonton @ Winnipeg preview

Last Meeting ( May 31, 2019 ) Edmonton 3, Winnipeg 20

The Edmonton Eskimos look to set the early pace in the West Division when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. The Eskimos opened the season with a 32-25 victory against the Montreal Alouettes before taking down the BC Lions 39-23 in Week 2 to spoil former quarterback Mike Reilly's return to Commonwealth Stadium, and will try to score 30 or more points for the sixth straight game.

"When our offence is clicking it's both sides working, the running game and passing game," Edmonton coach Jason Maas told reporters. "I'm very excited about the way those guys are playing right now." Winnipeg kicked off the new campaign with an impressive 33-23 victory on the road against BC before being off in Week 2. The Blue Bombers kept most of their offensive core, including quarterback Matt Nichols and running back Andrew Harris after recording their first playoff win since 2011, and hope to make an early statement of intent in the West Division by knocking off the Eskimos for the second time in three meetings. "It's going to be a good test for us because they're coming in hot as they've played two great games," Harris told reporters. "The Week 2 bye is not ideal, but I feel like we're feeling fresh… and we're looking forward to have them here at home."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (2-0): Trevor Harris continued his sizzling start to the season as he threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns to go along with a rushing score against the Lions. C.J. Gable is the CFL's leading rusher after he went over 100 yards on the ground for the second straight week as he gained 111 on 23 carries while surpassing 4,000 yards for his career. Edmonton signed defensive lineman Mark Mackie and added veteran offensive lineman J'Michael Deane, who has played for three different teams during his eight-year career, while linebacker Korey Jones was released Monday.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-0): Matt Nichols threw for 184 yards and three touchdowns while Andrew Harris continued where he left off after winning the rushing title last season by gaining 148 yards against BC. Wide receiver Chris Matthews is set to return to the lineup after missing the last month with an undisclosed injury and hopes to regain the form which saw him win the CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie Award in 2012. Linebacker Kyrie Wilson returned to practice after suffering a head injury against BC and is expected to play Thursday while offensive lineman Pat Neufeld will miss his second straight game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Trevor Harris leads the league in passing yards (741) and total touchdowns (eight).

2. Edmonton has been penalized 31 times for 283 yards in its first two games.

3. Andrew Harris has rushed for more than 100 yards in six regular-season games since the start of 2018.

PREDICTION: Blue Bombers 34, Eskimos 29