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Edgar Chaput
Blue Bombers vs. Argonauts Prediction: CFL Week 8 Point Spread, Odds
As a blunt assessment of how Winnipeg and Toronto’s campaigns are going so far, one might reply with: “not great.” Neither the Blue Bombers nor Argonauts have played up to par when one considers that they both led their respective divisions throughout most of 2023. There are many reasons why, some of which we’ll get into later in the preview. Both also lost their most recent contests, the Bombers 19-9 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the Argos 27-24 to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The CFL odds view this bout as even-Steven. Toronto is technically favoured, albeit at -1.
CFL Odds and Betting
Interestingly, despite that these franchises clashed in the 2022 Grey Cup – won by the Argonauts – the league saw fit to schedule only one rematch during the 2023 campaign. For what’s worth, the Blue Bombers won the day, 31-21.
Of note, the last time either of these sides won head-to-head meetings at least twice in a row was from 2018 through 2019 when Winnipeg strung together a trio of victories.
Blue Bombers supporters are probably hoping that the only way from here is up. Their team is a shocking 2-5 straight up through seven contests. What’s more, betters might be hoping for the same given that the Manitoban outfit is but 1-6 ATS. Then again, they may have seen enough and know not to trust Winnipeg. The Bombers are banged up too, with LB Brian Cole (foot), LB Kyrie Wilson (shoulder), and FB Bailey Feltmate (elbow) missing practice on Wednesday.
Not that the Argonauts are lighting up the CFL either. If anything, they are the league’s forgotten squad. After starting the season 2-0, they’ve cooled off, losing three of their last four for a 3-3 tally. Toronto is also an unimpressive 2-4 versus the spread this season, making this a pair of clubs that is difficult to have faith in. They too are decimated by injuries. DL Jared Brinkman, DB Jonathan Edouard (elbow), LB Jamie Harry (hip), and LB Daniel Kwamou (knee) were all away the field during Wednesday’s practice.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Injuries can and do afflict teams, but the level at which the Bombers’ attack has slowed down is befuddling. They have the lowest points average (21.3), the second-lowest net offence (332.9 yards), and the second-lowest passing yards (243.3).
That was painfully apparent last week in Regina versus the Roughriders. Winnipeg had won twice in a row and the Riders had just suffered their first defeat of the season, but one would never have guessed those were the trends when watching the contest. The 19-9 defeat was much more emphatic than the final score suggests. That the Bombers could do no better than score 9 points is quite alarming.
WR Drew Wolitarsky, usually so reliable, had a pair of catches for 29 yards, and Nic Demski caught a trio of passes for 56 yards. Those are good averages, but three turnovers sunk drives (including a dumbfounding Zach Collaros INT).
Toronto Argonauts
In Week 7 the football gods favoured the hated rival. After surprising the Alouettes on the road the week before, the Argonauts rolled into Hamilton to play a weakened Tiger-Cats ensemble. By evening’s end, they saw their rivals celebrate their first win of the season, 27-24.
It wasn’t all bad. The Argonauts didn’t go down without a fight. Once QB Cameron Dukes was replaced for Nick Arbuckle (who could start this week), the offence started to click. His chemistry with WR Damonte Coxie (five receptions, 87 yards) was exceptional. What was a desperate 27-10 deficit shrunk to a 27-24 game thanks in part to yet another brilliant return by Janarion Grant to the house.
Still, these Argos are navigating rough waters. We may learn a lot about them on Saturday night.