Last week was not as tight as I thought it would be but there was still some alright football played. I went 3-1 to bring my record to 16-7 straight up this season. The only game that caught me was the REDBLACKS beating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It was just a game that didn’t really grab my attention at all while it was on. Neither team looked very good and I’m starting to think maybe the east was who we thought they were. There is some big divisional matchups that highlight this week’s games. Let’s take a look at them.

(4-2) Ottawa REDBLACKS @ (1-5) Toronto Argonauts Thursday 7:00pm ET

The REDBLACKS are the top team in the east and have yet to really play a great game. If Trevor Harris can finally get to a level that most people think he can play at Ottawa should run away with the East Division this season. Toronto is certainly not playing good football either. As soon as Ricky Ray went down this team went to shambles and the Argos will start their third QB of the season this week as Mcleod bethel-Thompson takes the reins for Double Blue. Unless James Wilder Jr. runs for 200 yards and three touchdowns I don’t see an upset happening this week.

Prediction: REDBLACKS win 29-18

(3-3) Saskatchewan Roughriders @ (4-2) Edmonton Eskimos Thursday 10:00pm ET

The Riders battled the best team in the CFL last week and quickly learned what it is going to take to be a top contender in the west. The Stamps embarrassed the Riders in the first quarter before they got their feet under them and were able to put a decent second and third quarter together. Some big changes are coming to the Riders this week and it will play into their favour against the Esks. Zach Collaros is back under centre for the Green and White, Duron Carter is back on offence playing in the slot and rookie corner Nick Marshall is back on the outside ready to solidify Saskatchewan’s secondary. The Eskimos are looking to pull away a little bit from the Riders for second in the west. Last season the Riders crushed Edmonton in Edmonton so I’m sure they will be looking to exact some revenge. The Eskimos will have to stop the Riders elite pass rush and I’m just not sure that, that is going to happen. I’m taking the Riders in a slight upset this week.

Prediciton: Roughriders win 31-27

(2-4) Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ (1-5) Montreal Alouettes Friday 7:30pm ET

The Tiger-Cats have lost three in a row. After a hot start Jeremiah Masoli has come back down to earth and has looked pretty pedestrian lately. The key to victory for the Ti-Cats this week is to air it out to their dynamic tandem at receiver. Jalen Saunders and Brandon Banks are third and fourth in receiving yards in the league and should be able to put up good numbers on the Alouettes defence who averages near the bottom in almost every statistical category. Like I’ve mentioned before I don’t fully blame the Als defence because they are always on the field but still Hamilton should be able to out duel the Alouettes in that battle. For Montreal it is Johnny Money time. Manziel will get his first career regular season start in the CFL on Friday. I am relieved he is getting the start because people can finally shut up about him if he tanks. I’m not saying he is going to but I’m just sick of hearing about a backup QB. I don’t think Manziel is the savior for this Alouettes team. There is still so many holes on the depth chart but he could make the games a little more respectable. I’m taking Hamilton but I think it will be close.

Prediction: Tiger-Cats win 22-17

(2-3) B.C Lions @ (6-0) Calgary Stampeders Saturday 9:00pm ET

The Lions come off of their second of three bye weeks last week and have to battle the far and away best team in the CFL in the Calgary Stampeders. B.C is going to be fighting an up hill battle this week even with a rejuvenated Travis Lulay at quarterback. I just don’t see anywhere where the Lions are going to have an edge on the field. For the Stamps it is just business as usual. They should establish the run early to make room in the passing game. If that is the case I just don’t think B.C has the horses to cover the amazing depth at receiver that the Stamps possess. I see the Stamps continuing their undefeated season.

Prediction: Stampeders win 33-14

This week has games that could make teams seperate themselves from the pack or clog divisions right up. If Montreal wins they would move into a tie for second in the east. Crazy to think about, I know. If that happens and Toronto also pulls off an upset that means there would be a three way tie for second in the east. This would make for a mess. Edmonton can create a little space in the west for second place with a win as well. So there is some meaningful games early in the CFL season this week. It should be interesting. Thanks for reading!