We’re set for Week 3 of the Canadian Football League season and below are our predictions for two of this weekend’s four critical games.
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Week 3 CFL betting odds and picks: Best bets for B.C. vs. Winnipeg, Saskatchewan vs. Calgary
Following an exciting first two slates of the season, Week 3 holds more promise with another quartet of intriguing battles. We’ll hone in on what could well be the best game of the week — the Lions-Blue Bombers clash — as well as a Roughriders-Stampdeders showdown at McMahon Stadium.
Thursday, June 22: B.C. Lions at Winnipeg Blue Bombers – 8:30 p.m. EDT
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Vernon Adams Jr. has hit the ground running in his first full season as the Lions starter. The mobile veteran QB has quickly compiled 600 passing yards, 46 rushing yards and four total touchdowns.
B.C. running back Taquan Mizzell has been excellent as James Butler’s replacement, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and recording seven receptions over his first pair of contests.
The Lions’ deep pass-catching crew is also in strong form early. Star receiver Dominique Rhymes won’t play due to a foot injury, though Lucky Whitehead is ready to return from a hamstring injury that held him out of last week’s win over Edmonton.
On the other side, the Blue Bombers’ offensive arsenal appears to be as potent as ever. Brady Oliveira is listed as a game-time decision due to a thorax injury, while Dalton Schoen will play despite dealing with a hip issue. Regardless, Zach Collaros should have a good chance of keeping up his torrid early-season pace.
The veteran signal-caller already has 647 passing yards and five touchdowns over his first two games, while completing an elite 72.1 percent of his throws. In addition to reigniting last season’s prolific connection with Schoen, he’s also been locked in with both Nic Demski and Drew Wolitarsky, the latter of whom is seemingly on pace for a career-best season after posting an impressive 8-131-2 line in the first pair of contests.
Given the talent on either side and the fact the Bombers’ defence has shown a bit more vulnerability than usual early, I like the chances of the Over hitting.
The Pick: Over 49.5 points or less (-110 or better)
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Saturday, June 24: Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary Stampeders – 7:00 p.m. EDT
The Roughriders’ offence looked a bit more cohesive in its second game under Trevor Harris’ guidance, even while facing the Blue Bombers.
Saskatchewan amassed 461 total yards, with Harris accounting for 413 of them through the air. The veteran signal-caller also threw for three touchdowns and displayed impressive chemistry with the trio of Shawn Bane Jr., Tevin Jones, and Samuel Emilus.
Jamal Morrow is explosive coming out of Saskatchewan’s backfield, while the Stampeders have plenty of firepower as well. Jake Maier threw for 332 yards against the Redblacks in Week 2 after a sluggish start to the season versus the Lions. Dedrick Mills made Ka’Deem Carey’s absence due to a toe injury a non-issue with an efficient performance on the ground, as well.
Both teams’ defences have performed impressively against inferior offences early but struggled when up against the talented units of the Blue Bombers (Roughriders) and Lions (Stampeders). With each squad sporting plenty of high-upside skill players, I’m in the camp of the Over for this game as well.
The Pick: Over 45.5 points or less (-110 or better)
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