Slam Dunk picks: Some easy pickins

Somehow the only perfect team in the league is an underdog while two other West division squads are favoured on the road.

Edmonton getting two points in the nation’s capital feels like stealing. Meanwhile, Winnipeg and B.C. are small favourites. Sometimes you just need to take the easy route.

Edmonton Eskimos (6-0) at Ottawa Redblacks (1-5-1)

Thursday, August 10, 7:30 p.m. EST

Most people figure Edmonton’s injuries have to trip them up at some point, but Mike Reilly is healthy and he’s been the steady presence on offence and the all-American defensive front has consistently disruptive. Those two factors have kept the Eskimos win streak going.

Add Edmonton’s best halfback Marcell Young into the lineup for the first time and the defence instantly improves.

The Eskimos have proved they can finish a game.

Line: Redblacks -140 and favoured by 2 points

Pick: Edmonton

Bet: $10 money line returns $12 and $21 spread returns $20

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-2) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-6)

Saturday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. EST

There are essentially two new coordinators in Hamilton and it’s hard to imagine those units playing well in fresh schemes for the players, even though it sounds like Phillip Lolley will run a much more simple defence.

Matt Nichols has shredded the last two East division teams he’s faced.

Line: Bombers favoured by 2.5 points

Pick: Winnipeg

Bet: $22 returns $20

B.C. Lions (5-2) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-4)

Sunday, August 13, 8 p.m. EST

If you watched what B.C. did to Chris Jones’ bunch on the Left coast last week there’s no way to put your cash on the Riders.

Jonathon Jennings – undefeated against Saskatchewan in his career – returns under centre with a slew of dangerous targets around him. That should be fun to watch – for everyone except Rider faithful.

Line: Lions favoured by 2 points

Pick: B.C.

Bet: $22 returns $20

Bonus: three-team, six-point teaser

Picks: Edmonton, Winnipeg and B.C.

Bet: $10 returns $18

Bonus: three-team money line parlay

Picks: Edmonton, Winnipeg, and B.C.

Bet $5 returns $27

Season record against the spread: 15-5-2

Money line: 5-2

Teasers: 2-2

Parlays: 0-2

Bankroll: $229 from $100 starting budget