Slam Dunk picks: Road shows

Three road favourites stand out on the Week 13 CFL slate.

Saskatchewan and Edmonton travel to the eastern time zone laying points while Ottawa makes a short trip for a divisional matchup. Calgary plays at McMahon Stadium and that means a large spread.

Let’s sort through.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8)

Friday, September 15, 7 p.m. EST

Reinforcements arrived for Chris Jones and Otha Foster at strong-side linebacker is the biggest boost. Even with that improvement on defence it’s hard to lay points with Saskatchewan.

June Jones has changed the dynamic around Hamilton. The Ticats scratched and clawed for two straight wins under their new head coach – a new identity is developing.

Line: Riders favoured by 4.5 points

Pick: Hamilton

Bet: $11 returns $10

Edmonton Eskimos (7-4) at Toronto Argonauts (4-7)

Saturday, September 16, 4 p.m. EST

Yes, Edmonton has lost four games in a row, but those all came against West Division foes. And, even though it was a loss, the Eskimos played Calgary tight a week ago and deserved a better fate.

Contrast that with a 5-0 record when taking on East squads and you get the sense Edmonton is going to bring back the winning ways to the one empire.

Line: Eskimos favoured by 2.5 points

Pick: Edmonton

Bet: $22 returns $20

Ottawa Redblacks (4-7-1) at Montreal Alouettes (3-8)

Sunday, September 17, 1 p.m. EST

One league source said: Drew Tate gets the chance to start and never gives it back to Trevor Harris. Strong statement, but it shows how much faith some have in the quarterback’s abilities. Tate was fairly sharp and nearly brought the Redblacks all the way back in Week 12.

Line: Redblacks favoured by 1.5 points

Pick: Ottawa

Bet: $11 returns $10

Bonus: four-team, six-point teaser

Picks: Hamilton, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa

Bet: $10 returns $30

Season record against the spread: 22-16-2

Money line: 6-3

Teasers: 2-4

Parlays: 1-3

Bankroll: $225 from $100 starting budget