Toronto at Montreal (-13.5, 51)
Montreal (4-1, 3-2 ATS) was knocked from the unbeaten ranks at Edmonton 33-19 and returns home to face rival Toronto (2-3 SU&ATS). Maybe its an anomaly, but it is of note the Alouettes have scored a total of 40 points the last two weeks after averaging over 44 points per game in their first three contests. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo will go up against Toronto’s No.2 pass defense; however that has not been a problem with Montreal 10-2 ATS in home games vs. excellent passing defenses allowing 6.9 or less passing yards per attempt.
Toronto tumbled again last week at home to Winnipeg and has scored 30 total points in last three contests. Easy answer as to why, unfortunately the fix is not. Kerry Joseph has tossed nine interceptions in last four games and along with 11 other fumbles by the Argos, they have averaged five turnovers a game the last four weeks in losing three of four. Joseph’s deep throws have been off the mark and with Arland Bruce III gone as home run hitter; defenses are sitting on short passes. The Argos are 4-13 ATS in road games versus teams outscoring opponents by nine or more points per game on the season.
This is the first meeting of these teams, with the Als 16-7 SU, but 11-11-1 ATS at Percival Molson Stadium. Montreal is 7-3 ATS off a loss and a questionable wager considering how roads dogs have played in 2009.
Saskatchewan at British Columbia (-1, 59)
These are trying times for British Columbia (1-4 SU & ATS), being alone in last place in the West. A perennial Grey Cup contender most of the decade, the Lions ineptitude has left many shaking their heads. B.C. has -5 in turnover margin, which has led to many scoring droughts and the defense has failed to pick the squad up, ranking tied for next to last in points allowed at 31.8. With poor offensive showings, British Columbia is 9-24 ATS in home games off two or more consecutive Unders.
Saskatchewan (3-2, SU&ATS) is tied for first in the Western Division and has picked up two wins and covers in as many tries on the road this season. Late game heroics by receiver Chris Getzlaf, who caught a 65-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Darian Durant late in the fourth quarter, gave the Riders the win. Saskatchewan is seventh in total offense and total defense but is finding ways to win. They’ll come into this matchup 10-2 ATS in road games after one or more consecutive wins against the spread.
B.C. is a one-point favorite, but that could change by game time. The Lions are 10-22 ATS as a favorite over the last four seasons and 4-14 against the number hosting the Roughriders. Close call, watch the line.
Will be back later w/ some more trends..............
