Argonauts vs. Stampeders Prediction: CFL Week 1 Point Spread, Odds
It’s the Toronto Argonauts at the Calgary Stampeders in Week 1 of the CFL season. But, if you wanted to say the old Calgary Stampeders at the new Calgary Stampeders… that would work too. After finishing 4-14 in 2019, Toronto didn’t mess around and loaded up as much star power as they could. At the helm of that star power is Ryan Dinwiddie, Calgary’s quarterbacks coach the past four seasons.
Kickoff at McMahon Stadium is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. EST.
CFL Odds and Betting
Although both teams (and pretty much every CFL team) has seen high turnover since last playing almost two years ago, there’s some telling history between Toronto and Calgary head-to-head. The Stamps have won nine of their last 10 against Toronto, outscoring the Argos 32-16 when averaging out the total points. The Stamps are also 7-2-1 against the spread in that stretch, with the under hitting in seven of the 10 games.
A line and total for this game is to be determined on the CFL odds.
Toronto Argonauts
Week 1 will see McLeod Bethel-Thompson back under centre for the Argonauts, but likely not by Dinwiddie’s choice. Former Calgary quarterback Nick Arbuckle signed with Toronto back in February but is out with a lower-body injury Saturday, putting a major storyline on hold. Bethel-Thompson is still a fine option though, with over 6,200 passing yards and 35 touchdowns in his last two CFL seasons.
Instead, receivers Eric Rogers and Juwan Brescacin, defensive lineman Cordarro Law, and cornerback Robertson Daniel are all former Stampeders looking to silence the Stamps’ crowd. Bear with me, but Toronto’s also added receivers DaVaris Daniels and Ricky Collins; defensive ends Charleston Hughes and Odell Willis; linebackers Henoc Muamba, Cam Judge, and Chris Edwards, and many others.
It’s a near super team on paper in The Six. Although whether these high-profile names can gel together, in a difficult environment none the less, remains up for question.
Calgary Stampeders
Two-time Most Outstanding Player Bo Levi Mitchell is back for his eighth season with Calgary, and is coming highly motivated after getting bounced in the first round of the CFL playoffs in 2019. Mitchell won’t be facing his former backup in Arbuckle, but it’s still a “prove-it” game for Calgary after the talent they’ve lost — Reggie Begelton, Tre Roberson, Brandon Smith, Nate Holley, and more. Receivers Kamar Jorden and Hergy Mayala should be Bo Levi’s top targets, with running back Ka’Deem Carey is returning for his second season after averaging 5.6 yards per carry in 2019.
On defence, Jameer Thurman is back after a two-year stint down south but a lot of questions remain on the defensive line. Some veteran faces are back in the secondary, plus the additions of defensive backs Brandon Dozier and Richard Leonard.