The Labour Day weekend is in the rearview mirror but it’s important to look back at how things unfolded with some key matchups that should provide a strong indication of what to expect moving forward. The Calgary Stampeders took care of business in a 45-24 win over the Edmonton Eskimos, and should have a clear edge heading in to the rematch this week. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats weathered the storm at home against the rival Toronto Argonauts with a 49-36 comeback win last week and will look to build on their strong finish in the rematch with a chance to close in on top spot in the East division this week. Here is a look at the CFL betting rundown for week 12.
Friday September 9
Montreal Alouettes @ BC Lions
CFL Betting Odds: BC -9.5
BC will have had nine days to rest and prepare for this matchup by the time they take the field against the Alouettes. The Lions have been excellent on the road this season but they will be looking to finally break through at home where they have a .500 record through their first four games. BC was able to grind out a close 16-13 win over the Toronto Argonauts in week 11 but Jonathon Jennings and the offense should bounce back at home on Friday. Meanwhile, the Alouettes are coming off back-to-back losses and even with Rakeem Cato back under center it won’t be enough to get back in the win column. Montreal has struggled with consistency all season so the potential is there for the Lions to wing big this week.
Pick: BC -9.5
Saturday September 10
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers
CFL Betting Odds: Winnipeg -10
The Blue Bombers have hit their stride with five straight wins including last week’s thrilling 28-25 victory over Saskatchewan and will be motivated to extend their win streak this week in the rematch. Winnipeg is just 1-3 at home this season but should have a strong chance at getting another home victory against a Roughriders’ team that is a CFL-worst 1-9 overall. Saskatchewan showed some fight in a close loss last week but it could be a much different outcome this week in a tough environment on the road against a Blue Bombers’ side that should be motivated to produce a convincing win for their home fans. Take the Blue Bombers on the point spread here.
Pick: Winnipeg -10
Friday September 10
Calgary Stampeders @ Edmonton Eskimos
CFL Betting Odds: Calgary -1.5
The Stampeders improved to 8-1-1 this season with a 45-24 win over Edmonton last week. Now they have the opportunity to add to the best record in the CFL in the rematch with the Eskimos this week. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns while Jerome Messam had his way against the Edmonton defense on the ground with 110 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Calgary is not only the best team in football right now, but they have a lot of momentum. Calgary has hits its stride on both sides of the football heading in to the final stretch of the regular season and there isn’t any reason to expect them to slow down as a small favorite on the road against the Eskimos this week. Look for Messam to have a big game as he’s going up against his former team.
Pick: Calgary -1.5
Sunday September 11
Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Toronto Argonauts
CFL Betting Odds: Hamilton -3
Toronto nearly upset their biggest rivals on the road in the Labour Day Classic but the offense faltered late and the defense couldn’t keep Zach Collaros in check for a full four quarters. Collaros threw for 359 yards and four touchdowns while a pair of key interceptions helped make a difference in a 49-36 win. It was certainly a valiant effort for an Argos’ team that was playing its second game in five days following a loss to the Lions but a week of rest might not be enough to make a difference in the rematch. Toronto should make this another competitive game but the Argos are just 1-5 at BMO Field this season so we don’t expect them to beat a tough Tiger-Cats’ team in the rematch this week.
Pick: Hamilton -3
