Week One Predictions

I know - division previews AND week one predictions, all in one day.  It's a lot of reading.  Both of my readers are on overload right now.  Mea culpa. 

(all odds courtesy Oddshark)  

Montreal (-3) @ Saskatchewan (+3)
You know the Riders have been salivating over this since the schedule was announced - vengeance!  Well, sort of.  You have to expect Saskatchewan will come out like gangbusters, but there's no better veteran core in the league than Montreal.  They can handle it.  The Roughriders look to be the class of the league, but if this were a best of seven, you'd need the full seven games. 

Saskatchewan 36, Montreal 32 

Toronto (+13.5) @ Calgary (-13.5)
On paper, easily the week's biggest mismatch - hence the astronomical line.  Toronto better get used to it, especially against western teams and/or on the road.  The Argos need time to gel, especially QB Cleo Lemon.  Their defence will keep things respectable, though, and their defensive line will pose a stiff test for Calgary's new o-line.  I wouldn't give them 13.5 points, put it that way.  I have to think turnovers will play a significant role - if Lemon starts throwing picks, this could get ugly. 

Calgary 30, Toronto 19

Hamilton (-3) @ Winnipeg (+3)
Hamilton is probably superior, but Winnipeg will be tough at home, and Buck Pierce isn't hurt.  Yet.  Pierce should give Winnipeg a puncher's chance, and as talented as the TiCats look, they still have the whiff of mistake-prone about them.  The Bombers know this is the kind of game they need to win to have any shot at the playoffs this year - but I just think the Tiger-Cats are better across the board. 

Hamilton 24, Winnipeg 16

BC (+4) @ Edmonton (-4)
As close to a pick'em as you'll get, despite the line.  These teams seem evenly matched; the Lions' d will have its hands full with Ricky Ray, Kelly Campbell, and Arkee Whitlock - but I think the game will come down almost entirely on how Casey Printers performs.  If he's brilliant, the Lions might win in a walk.  If he's inconsistent and makes a few mistakes - and that's a safer bet - the Eskimos should be able to take advantage.

Edmonton 40, BC 33