Hamilton at Winnipeg

This is a tough game to pick as both quarterbacks are coming off strong individual performances against good defences in Week 1. Bombers’ quarterback Drew Willy went 22-of -25 for 325 yards and three touchdowns in Winnipeg’s win over Saskatchewan. On the opposite side, Zack Collaros was 27-of-38 for 281 yards in the Tiger-Cats’ one-point loss to the Stampeders. I look at Winnipeg running back

Paris Cotton as the guy who could make the difference. He was effective both as a receiver and running back for the Bombers in Week 1. He’s the type of dual threat Hamilton has yet to find in its backfield.

While Winnipeg’s offensive line is noticeably better after one game, there are still run defence concerns. Saskatchewan running backs Anthony Allen and Jerome Messam racked up 177 yards on 15 carries against the Bombers in Week 1. That has to improve for Winnipeg to make a Grey Cup run.  Hamilton is staying in Calgary early in the week before traveling to Winnipeg for the game. It might assist in preparation but I would much rather be at home and in the routine that works for me. This could be the best game of Week 2.

Bombers prevail in the fourth quarter

Calgary at Montreal

I’m anticipating Alouettes quarterback Jonathan Crompton will be to be good to go after suffering a bruised shoulder in the opener, but it’s impossible to know how healthy he will be. If he can’t go, Canadian rookie Brandon Bridge could get the call in a start that would an education experience in his development as a CFL quarterback. I knew that Calgary receiver Jeff Fuller was good, but nine catches for 148 yards was some start to his season.  Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell came through with the best pressure play of Week 1, tossing a number of big completions on the final drive of the game to set up Rene Paredes’s game-winning, 50-yard field goal. With the injury to Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly, Calgary has a chance to take control of the West Division early this season.

Calgary over Montreal on the road                         

BC at Ottawa

Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell used a little coaching magic to beat the Alouettes in Week 1. The Redblacks had a fake punt and a fake field goal attempt work on the same drive in the third quarter before wrapping it up with a touchdown and successful two-point convert. Those were gutsy calls because if any of the three situations did not work, Campbell would have been highly criticized. Redblacks quarterback Henry Burris can absolutely throw bullets every pass play but he must be more accurate. His three interceptions almost cost the Redblacks the win. The Lions are the safe pick on paper. Head coach Jeff Tedford has shown he knows what he’s doing, and quarterback Travis Lulay is looking like the Travis Lulay of two seasons ago. The Lions have better personal as the more established team, but this is Ottawa’s home opener and the Redblacks have to be feeling confident after winning in Montreal. Ottawa is better than last season, but the jury is still out on B.C.

Redblacks                        

Toronto at Saskatchewan

This is a second consecutive home game for Saskatchewan and a second consecutive road game for Toronto. The Argos have to play good run defence because if Allen and Messam get it going, all other aspects of the offence will fall into place for the Riders . Defensively, the Roughriders will know what they will be facing in Toronto quarterback Trevor Harris after being able to study his video from Week 1. I can't see Saskatchewan losing two in a row at home to start the season, even though the Argonauts are significantly better than anticipated. The Roughriders need this to remain confident. You can win with Kevin Glenn, and we now know you can win with Trevor Harris.         

Riders over Argos by three