Drew Morrison
Record last week season
GAME PICKS: 2-1 15-6
PLAYER PROPS: 1-1 6-3
OVERALL: 3-2 21-9
| Record | Last Week | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Game Picks | 2-1 | 15-6 |
| Player Props | 1-1 | 6-3 |
| Overall | 3-2 | 21-9 |
I touted Kaidon Salter’s arm entering his first career start last week in Winnipeg. I even predicted a potential victory for the Lions as the underdog. I failed to mention Zander Horvath. The Lions backup running back ran for a career-high 191 yards and three touchdowns. Salter added 160 rushing yards as the Lions racked up a franchise record with 377 yards on the ground. Salter barely threw the ball, which made the victory bitter-sweet if you also picked Justin McInnis to go over his receiving yards total. Oh well. Lions’ receivers will be licking their chops this week with the reigning MOP returning. BC is last in the West with a 2-5 record but Fanduel traders aren’t sleeping on them. The Lions Grey Cup odds are the same as Winnipeg’s even though the Bombers have two more wins. It also might be worth a sprinkle on Nathan Roukre to repeat as MOP at +1900. The Maple Messiah could be on a mission, and if so, his odds won’t get any longer. I’m obviously excited for Saturday night, but there’s a lot of CFL football to enjoy first.
Calgary Stampeders at Toronto Argonauts
The Argos are set to play in front of their home fans for the first time this season. Although Toronto attendance is always abundant, BMO field is expected to be closer to capacity for the long-awaited opener. There is optimism for the Argos. They’re coming off a bye and despite their 3-4 record, they opened as a 1.5-point favourite. but that line has since flipped. It was only last month that the Stamps won this matchup by 22 points at home. Vernon Adams had seven total touchdowns in that win and he still hasn’t thrown an interception. The Stamps lead the CFL with over 40 points per game, almost a touchdown more than the next closest team. By comparison, the Argos are averaging under 24 points a game over their last three outings. Perhaps a return home and a week of rest can turn things around for Toronto, but I’m betting on what I believe is the better team.
THE PICK: STAMPEDERS -1.5
Ottawa Redblacks at Saskatchewan Roughriders
Why am I afraid of a winless team like the Redblacks? ‘Take their opponent and run!’ part of me keeps screaming. I didn’t pick the Als last week and they covered easily. The Riders will probably do the same this week, but their injuries are making me turn away from a 7.5-point spread. Canadian receivers Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker haven’t practiced and the defence might have lost Roland Milligan for the season. It’s a short week after playing last Saturday and it could be a letdown spot after back-to-back games against the division leading Elks. But just so there’s no confusion, don’t accuse me of liking anything about the Lumberjacks.
THE PICK: NO PICK
Montreal Alouettes at Edmonton Elks
A potential Grey Cup preview with both division leaders meeting for the final time, unless they meet in the Big Game. The Elks won by three on a touchdown by Cody Fajardo in overtime against his former team back in week 3. It was the Als’ only loss of the season so far. While revenge is an obvious factor, like it was for the Riders last week in Edmonton, the injuries to Montreal’s secondary could be significant. It is the strength of their defence and three of their starters could be sidelined. Montreal can cruise to an East Division crown. They’ve won six straight, five by at least six points, and their last two wins were by double-digits. Edmonton, on the other hand, is hardened. The Elks have played three straight games decided by less than a field goal. Only one of their six victories was by double-digits. The Als are the Grey Cup favourite for a reason, but the Elks are a legitimate contender. It should be close.
THE PICK: ELKS +3.5
PLAYER PROP PARLAY:
Justin Rankin had a season-high 179 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in Edmonton’s week 3 win over Montreal. He added 51 receiving yards on five catches. Rankin had over 100 total yards in five straight games to begin the year, he on pace to break records, and he was pushing Davis Alexander as the favourite for MOP at Fanduel. He hasn’t had over 39 rushing yards or 76 total yards in a game since. Coinciding with Rankin’s decline in production was a calf injury to veteran centre David Beard. Beard is back. It should solidify the Elks offensive line and Rankin could find more room.
As mentioned, the Als have injuries to their secondary. Austin Mack had 48 yards and a touchdown against his former team in week 3. It was just his second game reunited with QB Cody Fajardo from their days in Montreal together. Since then, he’s had at least 50 yards in five of the last six games, with at least 77 yards in four of them. He’s the Elks clear number one target with at least four catches in seven straight games.
JUSTIN RANKIN 60+ RUSHING YARDS / AUSTIN MACK 50+ RECEIVING YARDS (-119)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Lions
The Ti-Cats defence can only do so much. They’ve kept games close since Bo Levi Mitchell’s injury, at least for three quarters, but eventually any defence will break when they’re left on the field all game. Nathan Rourke’s return could lower the breaking point on this unit. The Lions got a much-needed win without him last week and in Rourke’s absence, the Lions defence has improved dramatically. A little run would quickly get them back into playoff contention in the West.
THE PICK: LIONS -6.5
BONUS PLAYER PROP: KEON HATCHER OVER 75.5 RECEIVING YARDS
Keon Hatcher led the league in receiving last season by over 400 yards. With Nathan Rourke as his quarterback, Hatcher averaged over 95 yards a game. With the reigning MOP returning, I think he’ll put his favourite target to work.
