Okay, it’s tough enough picking against the spread, which I boldly did last week to step up to the challenge of my critics, but it’s even more difficult when you don’t know whether a key player will play.
Last week, uncertainty surrounded the status of Montreal quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who had a wonky calf from the week before, but had suggested he would likely play.
At the very least, it seemed he would try to play.
He didn’t.
It is for this reason that my noted financial advisor, Randall The Handle, had the game circled, meaning extreme caution had to be exercised when gauging the handle (no pun intended), because of a key injury.
In the National Football League, teams are required to state the injury status of their players.
While the NFL won’t admit it, the reason has to do with betting on games.
In the CFL, teams are not required to declare the status of players. An hour before the game, teams set their rosters, but they don’t publicly announce their quarterbacks.
So if you want to bet on CFL games – or use my suggestions in your wagering – beware of the dreaded circle.
Okay, that’s my sermon for the week.
Once again I will pick against the spread to step up to the challenge.
And away we go with this week’s version of Perry’s Peerless Prognostications.
Friday
Toronto (3-13) at Edmonton (7-9)
There is absolutely no reason to feel optimistic about the Argos winning. Head coach Bart Andrus made some curious calls last week against Hamilton, as he has done all season, and we’ve given up trying to figure out his logic.
There is talk Andrus may give some playing time to backup quarterback Stephen Reaves, which begs the question: Why was he not even in uniform until two games ago?
Anyhow, if Reaves, who has zero playing time this season as a rookie, does something of consequence, he’ll stay on the field, otherwise it’s Kerry Joseph starting and finishing the game. It’s the same Joseph whom Andrus has wrecked with his awful offence.
We can’t wait for Andrus to finally let Joseph roll out of the pocket.
There were signs of it in the last game. I’m not convinced Joseph is as bad as his statistics would suggest. It’s the scheme. As usual, the Argos’ only chance is if the defence shoulders the load. Against Edmonton, who have struggled offensively, there is a chance to keep the score low.
The Eskimos are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league and have given up the most points. They are seriously in danger of missing the playoffs. This is their chance to at least stay alive heading into the last week.
The Eskimos beat the Argos by only three in Toronto, needing the running game and a turnover. We think the Eskimos will prevail on their own turf – if they don’t the fans will boo louder than the Argo fans do in Toronto.
This is a tough one to predict in terms of the spread. Randall has Eskimos by 7½.
Winner: Edmonton (but I’m taking Toronto and the points).
Saturday
Saskatchewan (9-6-1) at Hamilton (7-9):
The Roughriders are coming off back-to-back overtime games. They are the heart of the CFL. They refuse to give up and credit goes to their offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice – this guy is among the best in the league. His schemes are imaginative and creative.
Defensively, coordinator Gary Etcheverry has a similar type of design, and will surely use that to thwart the Ticats’ suddenly high-flying passing attack. Defensive ends John Chick and Stevie (Ray) Bagg both have to be considered for Defensive Player of the Year, and they will factor in significantly in applying pressure on the Ticats’ offensive line.
Riders’ quarterback Darian (Duran) Durant is the choice in this corner for the West Division’s Most Outstanding Player. The Ticats are rejuvenated by the play of quarterback Kevin Glenn, who has moved the offence in the air with precision. Going vertical against Saskatchewan may be tough if the offensive line doesn’t hold up the Roughriders’ rush. We think this will be the telling point, which is why the Ticats need to establish a running game. Randall has this as a pick-‘em.
Winner: Saskatchewan
Calgary (9-6-1) at B.C. (8-8):
Awesome tilt.
The Stamps are slowly starting to get it together on offence. But the key is whether or not they can avoid turnovers. Henry Burris is regaining his confidence, and the offence is showing signs of balance. The defence will be put to the test if quarterback Casey Printers shows the mobility in his second game that he did in the opener.
The Lions’ running game is strong with Martell Mallett, while the receiving corps has improved substantially now that Geroy Simon is in a groove. The Lions have not beaten the Stamps going back to the start of last year. Head coach Wally Buono is winless against his disciple John (Huffington Post) Hufnagel to this point.
But this may be the case. Randle has the Stamps favoured by 2½.
Winner: B.C.
Sunday
Winnipeg (7-9) at Montreal (13-3):
The Blue Bombers lit it up last time out in a shocking and thorough humbling of the Als in the ‘Peg. The aerial attack under quarterback Michael Bishop is strong now. The running game is capable with Fred Reid.
When Bishop is on his game, he is hard to stop. The Als defence, in particular the secondary, is awful now. They need to find a way to shore up the long gains. To be sure, the Als at home will not want to be embarrassed.
Expect Calvillo to play and make a difference. Randall has not established a line for this game due to the uncertainty of Calvillo’s playing status.
Winner: Montreal (we don’t expect Calvillo to be watching)
Record last week: 2-2
Record to date: 41-22-1
Record against the spread: It’s circled.