We’re set for a four-game slate in Week 10 of the Canadian Football League season and below are our predictions for two of those contests.
Week 10 CFL betting odds and picks: Best bets for Calgary vs. B.C., Ottawa vs. Toronto
There are likely to be some big returns from injury at quarterback this week, one apiece in the games we’ll be spotlighting below.
The Lions and Argonauts both faltered badly on offence a week ago while missing their top signal-caller for all (B.C.) or part (Toronto) of their games, so we’ll analyze whether there are resurgences in store for both clubs this week.
Saturday, August 12: Calgary Stampeders at B.C. Lions – 7:00 p.m. EDT
The big storyline coming into this game is the projected return of the Lions’ Vernon Adams Jr. from his knee injury. While head coach Rick Campbell hasn’t offered an iron-clad guarantee the veteran will be back under center, the fact he took first-team reps in Wednesday’s practice has matters pointing in the right direction.
However, the Lions’ defence may find optimism a bit harder to come by considering the shellacking it took against the Blue Bombers in Week 9. Winnipeg finished with 50 points and a whopping 576 yards of net offence at 12.3 yards per play.
While a renewed focus on redemption will undoubtedly permeate the unit this week, the Stampeders will present a tough challenge in their own right.
Jake Maier barely saw a ball hit the ground in the Week 9 win over the previously undefeated Argos. He continues to enjoy the benefits of a deep pass-catching corps spearheaded by Reggie Begelton, as well as speedsters Tommylee Lewis and Marken Michel.
Then, do-it-all running back Ka’Deem Carey appears ready to reenter the fray in Week 10 after overcoming his toe injury.
If starting-quality backup Dedrick Mills, who’s coming off his best game of the season in Week 9, continues to be afforded some touches, Calgary will prove especially challenging to slow down.
Given the factors cited and the fact Adams may still not be 100 percent, I’m in the camp of a Stampeders cover.
The Pick: Stampeders +6.5 (-110 or better)
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Sunday, August 13: Ottawa Redblacks at Toronto Argonauts – 7:00 p.m. EDT
The Redblacks’ offence has been a more productive and consistent unit by far under the guidance of quarterback Dustin Crum, even as his numbers through the air have come down over the last two games.
But that’s a matter the young signal-caller could rectify Sunday. The Argonauts have been one of the league’s most generous pass defences, with only Ottawa’s 314.6 passing yards per game allowed outpacing the 297.0 per game Toronto has surrendered.
The Argos have also given up the league’s highest completion rate (72.8 percent) and most touchdown passes (11). Meanwhile, the Redblacks have yielded the second-highest average yards per completion (9.7) and most completions of 30 or more yards (20).
Chad Kelly, who exited the Argos’ Week 9 loss to the Stampeders in the second quarter due to an ankle injury, appears to have a good chance of returning for this game after fully participating in Wednesday’s practice. His versatility under center rivals that of Crum’s and would only increase the scoring potential in this game, as does Ottawa’s weaknesses against the pass.
Given all the factors at play, the Over is certainly a pick I’d consider here.
The Pick: Over 44.5 points or less (-110 or better)
