Well, if you handicap football for long enough — and I have been doing it for over 50 years — you know that you will see some odd weeks. Last week was one of them. It was our first losing weekend this season, as a couple of late interceptions by the Argo defence, one a pick-six, handed down the first loss for the Play of the Week. PoW is now 5-1 on the season.
Overall, we still sit at a respectable 14-8-1. The one “push” came last week on a missed late extra-point attempt at IG Field. Let’s get at it for week seven.
Alouettes @ Redblacks – Battle of the Desperate
Both Ottawa and Montreal could have won last week. This week, the league’s two-eastern most franchises tussle in the nation’s capital on Thursday Night.
The Redblacks are +2, but I’m taking them on the money line, which will get a little extra payout (+110 on the money line vs -110 against the spread).
Here’s hoping the Caleb Evans-led crew can get their first victory of the campaign.
Tiger-Cats @ Lions – Big Cats Clash
Gotta think the Lions will roar back into action after their bye week. Still, with the Cats finding a way to win in week six, and getting eight points, I’m looking at the over/under.
With Dane Evans and Shiltz sharing snaps, the Tiger-Cats seem to have found some offence. And, we don’t have to say much about BC’s high-powered attack.
Although at 51 total points, the o/u is a bit on the high side, I’m going to take the over (-110) and make this my Play of the Week.
Blue Bombers @ Elks – Champions Against the Vulnerable
It’s a classic trap game with Winnipeg, having run through the “battle of undefeated” the past two weeks. Will an improving Elks squad sneak up on Winnipeg at Commonwealth?
A few years back, I remember the Bombers taking down an unbeaten Edmonton. Will this be revenge?
I think Winnipeg just has too much talent right now. I’m not only going to stick with the Bombers, but I’m also going to take them giving the seven points (-110).
Argonauts @ Roughriders – TDA Rematch… Maybe
I was parking near Tim Horton’s field in Hamilton on my way to see the Cats tangle with the Redblacks, and it seemed the Riders had the Argonauts on the ropes. When I checked the score after walking four blocks to the stadium, things had changed dramatically.
Saskatchewan has some injuries, some suspensions, and has been really undisciplined.
Can the Riders bounce back in a rematch, this time at Mosaic? I think so. Can they cover the 6.5-point spread? I’m not so confident about that.
There’s not much of a payout in it, but with recent Rider inconsistencies, I’m staying safe here with the home team on the money line (-210)
My Odds ‘n Ends bets this week were placed on the DraftKings sportsbook opening lines released Monday evening
Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results, and — as ever — I do make plays other than those I suggest here. Enjoy week seven, and if you bet, please be responsible.
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