Alouettes vs. Eskimos Prediction: CFL Week 10 Point Spread, Odds
The Eskimos are huge Sports Interaction favourites, but the line also is in flux.
Betting Analysis
This spread opened as Edmonton -16.5 (one of the highest in the CFL this season) and a total of 53. The early betting leans were heavily on the Als plus the points and over that total.
If you read these weekly CFL previews, then you know this is the spot were we list a few prop options on each team like race to 10 points, first to score and margin of victory. All those are off the board as of this writing and the spread and total may well change dramatically because Montreal quarterback Johnny Manziel is in question to make his third straight start for his new team. The former Heisman Trophy winner was placed in the league’s concussion protocol Wednesday after missing a second straight practice.
Als coach Mike Sherman all but said that Manziel would have to practice Thursday to play. With CFL and NFL teams now being so cautious with concussion-like symptoms, the odds are against “Johnny Football” getting on the field. Antonio Pipkin took first-team reps with the Alouettes on Wednesday.
It’s the last scheduled meeting between the Als and Eskimos. Edmonton won in Montreal in Week 7, 44-23. Mike Reilly threw for four scores and rushed for another. That was Manziel’s first game with the Als since the trade from Hamilton, but he didn’t get off the bench with the quick turnaround. Vernon Adams was under centre and was 15-for-28 for 217 yards and a pick.
Montreal has covered just one of the past nine meetings in the series, and the total has gone over in 10 of the previous 14.
Montreal Alouettes
Certainly would be a shame if Manziel sits because he seems to have a bit of momentum back in his professional career. After a horrendous debut in a home blowout loss to Hamilton in Week 8, Manziel was much better in last week’s 24-17 loss in Ottawa – Montreal’s fifth straight defeat. Manziel was 16-for-26 passing for 168 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions after four picks vs. the Ticats. Manziel also rushed for 36 yards on three carries and would have had a TD run if not for a fumble.
Pipkin, meanwhile, was a terrific NCAA Division II dual-threat quarterback at little Tiffin University, the best QB in school history. He has attempted nine career CFL passes, completing two for 14 yards last year with the Als. He was released in mid-June but then re-signed earlier this month.
Edmonton Eskimos
Edmonton likely wasn’t going to catch unbeaten Calgary in the West Division regardless, but that’s now all but a formality because the Eskimos were upset 31-23 at BC last Thursday. That high-powered Eskimos offence managed just three second-half points. Reilly finished 26 of 41 for 302 yards with two touchdowns but two interceptions. He also rushed for a score. Derel Walker caught five passes for 117 yards and a TD.
The Edmonton defence will get a boost this week with national linebackers Adam Konar and Christophe Mulumba-Tshimanga taken off the six-game injured list. The Esks have covered only one of their past five vs. teams with a losing record.
