Slam Dunk picks: Laboured picks for Labour Day

Labour Day has inspired us to work even harder to ensure winners for the holiday weekend across Canada.

Ottawa Redblacks (3-6-1) at Montreal Alouettes (3-6)

Thursday, August 31, 7:30 p.m. EST

After general manager Kavis Reed called out quarterback Darian Durant expect the veteran pivot that Montreal traded for in the off-season to put forth a strong outing.

All three of Montreal’s wins have come in La Belle Province this season and the two losses at Percival Molson have come by one score.

Line: Redblacks favoured by 1 point

Pick: Montreal

Bet: $11.50 returns $10

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-2) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-4)

Sunday, September 3, 4 p.m. EST

Saskatchewan deserves full credit for laying a beatdown on the Eskimos, but two touchdowns came on pick-sixes and another on special teams, the plays were made, but don’t count on major errors like that to happen against Winnipeg.

The Bombers are flying high and Mike O’Shea’s group already knows what it takes to win at new Mosaic Stadium.

Line: Riders favoured by 2 points

Pick: Winnipeg

Bet: $11 returns $10

Edmonton Eskimos (7-2) at Calgary Stampeders (7-1-1)

Monday, September 4, 3 p.m. EST

Mike Reilly had his worst game in recent memory that led to a surprising losing margin in front of the biggest crowd in a while at Commonwealth Stadium. Edmonton is getting healthy and the Labour Day series sure should see Reilly come out with an improved effort.

The Eskimos cannot afford to get down early at McMahon – cliche yes – but Saskatchewan got the green and gold out of their rhythm and it was over after that.

Line: Stampeders favoured by 11 points

Pick: Edmonton

Bet: $11 returns $10

Toronto Argonauts (4-6) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-8)

Monday, September 4, 6:30 p.m. EST

Coaching and quarterback changes are the most notable happenings that relate directly to the annual Labour Day classic in the Hammer. Jeremiah Masoli gets the call as June Jones makes his CFL head coaching debut. There has been one newsworthy story after another during Hamilton’s bye week. The Ticats could either bunker down and play well or blow up.

Line: Argos favoured by 4.5 points

Pick: Toronto

Bet: $11 returns $10

Season record against the spread: 20-10-2

Money line: 6-3

Teasers: 2-3

Parlays: 0-3

Bankroll: $267 from $100 starting budget