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Edgar Chaput
Argonauts vs. Blue Bombers Prediction: CFL Week 17 Point Spread, Odds
The Toronto Argonauts have been kings of the East Division for two weeks already since claiming the top spot in Week 15. Life isn’t as simple for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who are in a ferocious battle with the BC Lions to capture the West Division and it’s far from over.
CFL Odds and Betting
Before this preview goes any further, given this is a sportsbook, it should be noted that the Argos have decided to give starting quarterback Chad Kelly some rest and will begin the game with Cameron Dukes. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie has said that Kelly will feature in the match, but when and how much, that’s his secret.
It’s fitting that two clubs with as much success as these two have split their previous six contests, including last year’s Grey Cup. What’s more, the past three were decided by only one score.
We’ve been talking about it for weeks, be it for game previews or the CFL Power Rankings. Toronto has not only handled its business in the win-loss columns but against the spread as well. 10-3 is a stellar record for a team that’s favoured nearly every week, sometimes quite heavily.
Just as life in the West Division has been harder this season for Winnipeg, so has the challenge of covering spreads. Despite a good-looking 10-4 record in the standings, the Bombers are only 7-7 ATS. In fact, they’ve failed to handle four of their six most recent opportunities. On the flip side, all four losses were on the road and they’ll be at home on Friday night.
Toronto Argonauts
One reckons that after the brilliant campaign the club has had, some of its most important players deserve a breather. As such, star QB Chad Kelly will be on the sidelines, at least for the start of the match.
In Week 16, Toronto celebrated its division title by hosting an old foe, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Argos did to Hamilton what they’ve done to so many clubs in 2023: come out fast and strong, breaking the opponent’s spirit early. By halftime, it was already 20-4, with the Argonaut defence making the Ticats’ attack look pedestrian. Funnily enough, Hamilton outgained Toronto 380 to 309. The latter were far more efficient, earning their total on only 45 plays whereas Hamilton did so in 63. Both Kelly and Taylor Powell tossed a couple of picks, making it a bit of a sloppy night for the gunslingers. WR Dejon Brissett led the way with 98 yards and two scores and Wynton McManis had the two Toronto interceptions. Argonauts complete the season sweep of the Tiger-Cats, 29-14.
There was some concern regarding RB A.J. Ouellette, but he partook in full practices this week.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Winnipeg rested in Week 16 courtesy of a bye afforded by the schedule. As such, the club has been able to prepare itself to rebound from their shock 29-23 defeat in Hamilton a fortnight ago.
In some respects, that makes the Argos’ decision to rest Chad Kelly disappointing. Not only were fans hoping for a delicious Grey Cup rematch, but the Bombers ware coming off a bad loss and surely want to pick themselves up and exact a measure of vengeance on Toronto. Of course, what the Argonauts choose to do with their lineup is not Winnipeg’s concern. They have a division to win. QB Zach Collaros is one such player looking for redemption. His 344 yards against the Ticats is a nice stat, but his three INTs much less so. WR Dalton Schoen, who had 110 yards, is a little banged up this week but did practice.
The next two weeks could decide a lot, as Winnipeg heads to Vancouver next to finally play the Lions again.