The Calgary Stampeders have established themselves as the early frontrunners in the CFL once again through the first three weeks of the regular season. The Stampeders have won three in a row, outscoring their opponents 93-35. The rest of the league will get a break this week with Calgary on a bye. Here is a look at what to expect around the CFL in Week 4.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Saskatchewan Roughriders
Odds: Tiger-Cats -7
The Tiger-Cats offense has clicked in back-to-back wins over the Edmonton Eskimos and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in which they averaged 34.5 points per game. Jeremiah Masoli threw for 369 yards with a touchdown and an interception in last week’s 31-17 win over Winnipeg. As long as he continues to put up big numbers, he should remain the starter ahead of Johnny Manziel. Meanwhile, the Roughriders are coming off a tough loss to the Montreal Alouettes in which they blew the opportunity to move to 2-1 on their home field. Brandon Bridge was held to 111 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by David Watford, who went 10-of-22 for 108 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the loss. Saskatchewan is in big trouble without injured starter Zach Collaros. It won’t get any easier against a tough Hamilton team at home on Thursday night.
Pick: Hamilton
Ottawa Redblacks @ Montreal Alouettes
Odds: Redblacks -6.5
The Alouettes showed signs of life in last week’s win over the Roughriders but their defense will face a much tougher test this week at home against Ottawa. The Redblacks hit a wall in last week’s loss to the Stampeders but will be motivated to bounce back with a much more favorable matchup this week. Trevor Harris and company will look for a similar performance to what they did in Week 2 when they scored 40 points in a 23-point win over Saskatchewan. Ottawa will need to get its ground game going with running back William Powell leading the way on the ground. As long as the offense clicks, the Redblacks should have no problem securing a lopsided road win over Montreal.
Pick: Ottawa
Edmonton Eskimos @ Toronto Argonauts
Odds: Edmonton -5
Speaking of quarterback troubles, the Argonauts could be in big trouble without Ricky Ray this week. The addition of James Franklin gives Toronto a capable option under center but there is a clear drop off from Ray to Franklin, especially considering the lack of reps Franklin has had in this offense. The fact that the Eskimos are in town this week puts even more pressure on the Argonauts offense as Franklin tries to keep up with Mike Rielly and company. Rielly has already thrown for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns this season. Rielly needs to be a little more efficient in terms of cutting down on turnovers. Even with Toronto coming off a bye week, the Eskimos should be able to take care of business on the road in Week 4.
Pick: Edmonton
BC Lions @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Odds: Blue Bombers -3.5
The final game of Week 4 features two teams coming off tough loss in Week 3. BC couldn’t keep up with the Eskimos in a 41-22 loss and now they will have to travel again this week. Meanwhile, Winnipeg fell short in its second of back-to-back road games in a 31-17 loss to Hamilton but is back home looking to get back in the win column in front of its home fans. Chris Streveler has shown flashes of his immense potential and needs to continue to put up big numbers with both his arm and legs to keep opposing defenses honest. Meanwhile, the Lions have a capable offense led by Jonathon Jennings but could be dealing with fatigue playing on the road against a tough opponent for the second week in a row. Take the Blue Bombers to win a close matchup at home.
Pick: Winnipeg
*Odds are courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
