Slam Dunk picks: Value in small West road favourites

Two West Division teams are (small) road favourites against East opposition in Week 10.

Winnipeg is flyin’ high conversely B.C. has lost two straight.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-2) at Montreal Alouettes (3-5)

Thursday, August 24, 7:30 p.m. EST

Matt Nichols – 16-5 win-loss record in his last 21 starts – has had a hot hand and he’s entering the league’s elite quarterback group. The Bombers are piling up points on the strength of Nichols’ right arm and Paul LaPolice’s offensive mastery. And turnovers are coming in bunches again for Winnipeg’s defence. That’s a winning formula for the Bombers.

Line: Bombers favoured by 1.5 points

Pick: Winnipeg

Bet: $22 returns $20

Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-4) at Edmonton Eskimos (7-1)

Friday, August 25, 9:30 p.m. EST

The real Riders will show out in Edmonton and the question will be answered – unfairly or not – if Saskatchewan can actually contend in the West. Off a convincing home win – the Riders have been a vastly different team at Mosaic Stadium – and a bye week the green and white have momentum and rest on their side. The last time that happened Calgary another upper echelon Alberta team embarrassed Chris Jones’ group.

Line: Eskimos favoured by 5.5 points

Pick: Edmonton

Bet: $11 returns $10

B.C. Lions (5-4) at Ottawa Redblacks (2-6-1)

Saturday, August 25, 3:30 p.m. EST

Wally Buono’s bunch try to complete the full East road sweep having already beaten Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton in the Eastern time zone. Jon Jennings gets right and the Leos get back in the win column.

Line: Lions favoured by 1 point

Pick: B.C.

Bet: $10.50 returns 10

Toronto Argonauts (4-5) at Calgary Stampeders (6-1-1)

Saturday, August 25, 9 p.m. EST

Calgary is automatic at home, so it’s about determining the margin of victory for the Stampeders.

Line: Stampeders favoured by 10 points

Pick: Calgary

Bet: $11.50 returns $10

Season record against the spread: 18-8-2

Money line: 6-3

Teasers: 2-3

Parlays: 0-3

Bankroll: $258 from $100 starting budget