Week 1 was a week filled with good football and one high profile controversy. Winnipeg looked exactly as good as I thought they would be, Edmonton’s offence is off and running, Calgary hit an early speed bump and the Riders are scrambling early. Last week I went 3-1 straight up and 3-1 against the spread. Thanks Calgary for ruining my perfect week. This week there is just three games because three teams are on a bye. How will week 2 play out? Let’s take a look.

(0-1) Saskatchewan Roughriders @ (1-0) Ottawa Redblacks Thursday 7:30pm ET

The Riders had a rough start last week due mostly to Simoni Lawrence’s disgusting hit on QB Zach Collaros three plays into the game that sent Collaros out for the remainder of the game and for the foreseeable future. The hit was late, unneeded and just overall a dirty play. Lawrence calling Zach a bitch as he was leaving the field and delivering another head shot to William Powell later in the game kind of negates that weak apology at the end of the game. Lawrence got two games which is what I expected but he has no respect for his fellow players safety. Getting to this weeks game I really liked what Harker had to show and if I had a vote he would start over Fajardo who looked a little jumpy in the pocket but does have the ability to make plays with his feet. I foresee both QBs getting into the game against Ottawa on Thursday. I think the Riders revamped run game and their stellar defence will keep them in most games this season no matter who is under centre. As for Ottawa it was a bit of a shock, in my eyes, that they took down the defending Grey Cup Champions last week, The offence did turn the ball over four times so I’m not sure if it was a bad game from the Stamps or a good game from the Redblacks last week. Only time will tell. I liked Dominique Davis’ ability to slang the ball all around the field and the run/pass option is going to be a staple in the Ottawa offence all season long. He could be the answer to replacing Trevor Harris but I haven’t seen a big enough sample size yet. I think this is a close game and my gut is telling me the Riders pull this one off based on strong defensive play in a low scoring game.

Prediction: Roughriders win 24-19

(0-1) B.C. Lions @ (1-0) Edmonton Eskimos Friday 9:00pm ET

The Lions got out to a bit of a rough start in week one. They dropped a 33-23 decision to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. There could be excuses made that the Lions have a bunch of new players and it may take them some time to mesh. They actually got out to a pretty good start and were in the lead at the half but they only managed six points in the second half. The Lions need a run game big time. They had four TOTAL rushing attempts for four yards. You aren’t going to win any games doing that. Without a run game this Lions team is going to sit near the bottom of the West all season long. As for the the Eskimos they also have a whole new offence but it looked like they had been working together for years. New QB Trevor Harris looked lights out in his first regular season appearance with the Esk’s throwing for 447 yards and three touchdowns. I really think this Edmonton team will be battling with Calgary for second in the West and they are going to be a force as long as the defence plays well. I see Edmonton going 2-0 to start this season.

Prediction: Eskimos win 34-24

(1-0) Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ (0-0) Toronto Argonauts Saturday 4:00pm ET

The Tiger-Cats looked alright last week against Saskatchewan but I was expecting a little more out of the offence. I think the Tiger-Cats should be the runaway favourite to win the East and with the Riders playing with a second and third string QB there is no way the game should have been that tight. This week they play a team who had a bye in week one and I really think Jeremiah Masoli should come out and dominate the Argo defence. I liked what I saw from Sean Thomas-Erlington last week. He is good in the run and the pass game and could be a game breaker for Hamilton this season. For Toronto I do expect them to be much better this season than they were a year ago and it starts with James Franklin having a better year. He wasn’t very good last year but I do think he has the ability to be a top end starter in this league. I also think the Argo’s need to lean on their run game especially to start the game. They have a three headed monster in the backfield led by James Wilder Jr. and I expect all three backs to play a part in the offence. I think Toronto keeps it close but Hamilton pulls ahead late.

Prediciton: Tiger-Cats win 29-26

Point Spread Betting Odds (Bodog)

Season Record: 3-1

Saskatchewan @ Ottawa: Take Saskatchewan +6.

B.C. @ Edmonton: Take Edmonton -4.

Hamilton @ Toronto: Take Hamilton -2.5

This week is a big week for a couple 0-1 teams in the West. The Riders and Lions will both be looking to get to .500 as the West could be tight all season long. Im most intrigued by Toronto this week because I see potential for a good team there but I’m not sure what team will come out and play this week. It should be interesting! Thanks for reading and remember to check out Squib Kick Radio for more in depth CFL, NFL and College football talk!