Slam Dunk picks: Hitting our targets

It took awhile to comprehend what Johnny Sears Jr. was staring at while he watched Bakari Grant get up off the turf and turn a sure stop into a first down that led to Saskatchewan’s game-clinching touchdown, which cost us another perfect week.

Since then we’ve been staring at the lines to find value, but don’t worry we’ll actually hit are targets unlike Sears Jr.

Calgary Stampeders (4-1-1) at Toronto Argonauts (3-3)

Thursday, August 3, 7:30 p.m. EST

Qudarius Ford meet DaVaris Daniels. One man makes his professional starting debut and the other won the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie award last year and just moved into the top targeted position in Calgary’s offence. Ford gives up four inches and 40 pounds to Daniels.

The Stampeders have come out of their slow early season start and look ready to hit their stride.

Line: Stampeders favoured by 6 points

Pick: Calgary

Bet: $11 returns $10

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-2) at Ottawa Redblacks (1-4-1)

Friday, August 4, 7 p.m. EST

Mo Leggett, less problems for Winnipeg. The talented strong-side linebacker returns after missing two games with an injury. He’s the best SAM in the league and defensive coordinator Richie Hall will be happy to get him back in the lineup, especially with Brad Sinopoli and Greg Ellingson lining up at the field slotback spots for Ottawa.

Teams have been targeting the field side in their passing attacks against the Bombers with two rookies out there, plus Chris Randle and T.J. Heath have been lockdown in the boundary. Leggett’s presence could change the script for Winnipeg, especially with his ball-hawking ability.

Line: Redblacks -140 and favoured by 2.5 points

Pick: Winnipeg

Bet: $10 money line returns $12

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-5) at Edmonton Eskimos (5-0)

Friday, August 4, 9:30 p.m. EST

Nothing like a practice fight to rally the troops. June Jones should run-and-shoot some enthusiasm into the Ticats.

Eventually, Hamilton is going to get a win and it might not be this week, but getting 14 points is a lot of cushion. And with Edmonton’s lengthy injury list the Tabbies could be an ideal spot play.

Line: Eskimos favoured by 14 points

Pick: Hamilton

Bet: $11 returns $10

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-3) at B.C. Lions (4-2)

Saturday, August 5, 7 p.m. EST

Line: Lions favoured by 6.5 points

Pick: Saskatchewan

Bet: $10.50 returns $10

Bonus: four-team, six-point teaser

Picks: Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Saskatchewan

Bet: $10 returns $30

Season record against the spread: 13-4-2

Money line: 4-2

Teasers: 2-1

Parlays: 0-2

Bankroll: $217 from $100 starting budget