Labour Day weekend brings us the one and only five-game week on the 2016 Canadian Football League schedule. That means an opportunity to pick more winners.
BC Lions (6-3) @ Toronto Argonauts (4-4)
After beating Ottawa 29–23 last week, BC stayed in the nation’s capital in advance of a visit to BMO Field. The Lions practised at the University of Ottawa and had a familiar host—Gee-Gees head coach Jamie Barresi, who coached with the Leos back in 2006 and 2007. That means there will be no issues changing time zones for BC.
Meanwhile, Toronto’s lineup will look different than the past few games. During the Argos’ bye week, strong-side linebacker Keon Raymond was released along with primary return man Larry Taylor. Younger players Thomas Gordon and Diontae Spencer should take over the majority of their respective duties.
But with Ricky Ray back at quarterback, that’s enough to get on board the Argonauts’ ship.
Line: Lions -3
Pick: Toronto
Ottawa Redblacks (4-4-1) @ Montreal Alouettes (3-6)
Finally, Duron Carter’s appeal process has resulted in a decision. An independent arbitrator has upheld the one-game suspension he received for bumping Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell. It took a while, but the timing seems fair with the boisterous receiver sitting out against the team he committed the crime against.
Just two weeks ago, Ottawa gave up a season-high 43 points to Montreal. That loss is part of a current 1-4 stretch for the Redblacks. Changes have been made on defence since that game, though, with Canadian linebacker Antoine Pruneau benched and David Hinds released.
Expect a strong outing from Ottawa as the team looks to put a five-game funk behind them.
Line: Redblacks -2.5
Pick: Ottawa
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-4) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-8)
The Prairie rivalry gets renewed on Labour Day weekend with two teams heading in completely opposite directions. Winnipeg has won four games in a row while Saskatchewan enters with five straight losses.
The Bombers have been causing all kinds of turnovers—a league-leading 33 takeaways, to be exact. On the other side, the Riders have been careless with the football, totaling a CFL-worst 23 giveaways.
There are rumblings from Regina that the players are an unhappy group with the way they’re being treated. Until that changes, it’s hard to expect the green and white to give maximum effort for Chris Jones.
Line: Bombers -5
Pick: Winnipeg
Edmonton Eskimos (5-4) @ Calgary Stampeders (7-1-1)
Rookie head coaches Jason Maas and Dave Dickenson are set to experience their first Battle of Alberta as bench bosses.
Edmonton remains within striking distance of Calgary for top spot in the west. A Labour Day victory would help close that gap and put the Eskimos in a favourable position for the return matchup at Commonwealth Stadium less than a week later.
In Week 10, Shakir Bell took a lot of the load off Mike Reilly’s shoulders with an 18-carry, 138-yard performance—both Eskimos season highs—against Saskatchewan. Whether it’s Bell in the lineup again or John White back toting the rock, that balance could be beneficial facing a stout Calgary defence.
Line: Stampeders -6.5
Pick: Edmonton
Toronto Argonauts (4-4) @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-5)
No favours were given by the CFL schedule-maker to the Argos—it will truly be a laborious week for Toronto. The Double Blue take on BC Wednesday and five days later strap up for the annual Labour Day showdown in Steeltown with Hamilton.
The Ticats are 2-0 on the September holiday Monday at Tim Hortons Field since the stadium opened in 2014. Neither one of those games were played on short rest for the Argos.
If Jeremiah Masoli could shred Toronto’s defence in Week 1—318 yards and three touchdowns—Zach Collaros can, too.
Line: Ticats -7.5
Pick: Hamilton
Overall record against the spread: 24-16