3rd And 1: Best Bets for CFL Week 8

Davis Alexander clutched at his hamstring in the 4^th quarter of Week 6. An all too familiar motion for a guy who missed most of the year before with that injury. My head went to the worst place -> He’d reach for the back of his leg, then miss multiple weeks. Forgive me for fearing that we might be seeing the same pattern play out. But Alexander responded with over 400 yards and three touchdowns in another win against the league’s best pass rush; hamstring healthy. He also became the first quarterback in CFL history to win 16 of his first 17 regular season starts.

A third of the way through the season, Captain Obvious has a few takeaways.

1) With injuries to Nathan Rourke and Bo Levi Mitchell, Alexander is the top choice for MOP.

2) Without any current competition in the East, the Als are priced right as the 113^th Grey Cup favourite at Fanduel.

Let’s get to this week’s picks.

Edmonton Elks at Saskatchewan Roughriders

It will be an emotional evening in Saskatchewan after the events of this week. It could go either way for the Riders. They could be charged and come together after the death of one of their captains, or they could be exhausted from it all. Emotions aside, this game is for first place in the West. They will meet again next week in Edmonton. The schedule certainly favours Saskatchewan with a bye before a home-and-home against the division leaders. The Elks also have some injury issues on the offensive line which could affect Justin Rankin’s ability to run the ball. But here’s why I’m backing the road team on short rest, despite the scheduling disadvantage, and injury concerns: JC Sherritt’s defence is dominating. The 2012 most outstanding defensive player award recipient is in his second year as coordinator and his unit is first in the CFL in almost every category. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but great defence, combined with a good ground game always plays well when the leaves change and the temperature drops.

THE PICK: ELKS +4.5

PLAYER PROP: JUSTIN RANKIN UNDER 140.5 RUSHING+RECEIVING YARDS

I don’t want to bet against one of my favourite players to back. Justin Rankin has a chance to break the CFL’s yards from scrimmage record this season. He’s gone over this number in three of his six games so far, but only once in his last four games. Rankin will either pile up rushing yards or receiving yards, but rarely both on the same day. Rankin obviously has the potential to break off a few huge gains, and that’s what he’ll need to do to get to this number. On short rest and on the road against a good defence, I’ll take the under.

Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Dru Brown’s comeback victory over the Redblacks in overtime probably overshadows his performance. He finished with over 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he could have had a few interceptions that don’t appear on the stat sheet. The Stamps are coming off back-to-back tough losses to the best team in the league. Vernon Adams is leading the league with 17 touchdown passes and he has yet to throw a pick.

THE PICK: STAMPEDERS +1.5

Toronto Argonauts at BC Lions

Chad Kelly and company should be able to score more points than Chase Brice’s offence. But, what if Lirim Hajrullahu’s costly kicking issues continue?

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Montreal Alouettes

Tre Ford became the first Canadian QB since Russ Jackson to throw for 200 yards and rush for 100 yards in a game. Can the Als contain him after a week to prep for him as the starter? Even if they can’t cover the huge spread, Montreal will come away with the win.

Moneyline Parlay: Argonauts and Alouettes (-120)