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Edgar Chaput
Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders Prediction: CFL Week 7 Point Spread, Odds
It’s funny how quickly the drama changes in football. A fortnight ago two of the major storylines in the CFL were the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ poor start and how amazing the Saskatchewan Roughriders were. Although the Manitoban side has not caught up to its Regina-based rival, Week 7’s matchup is key and could influence standings down the road.
Wouldn’t you know it but the Blue Bombers are -2.5 favourites, as per the CFL odds.
CFL Odds and Betting
Now would be about time for the Roughriders to demonstrate to the CFL world that they can handle the pressure of contending with the Blue Bombers. Not just because the West Division rankings have slightly tightened, but because Winnipeg totally dominates the head-to-head history. The Bombers have won nine of the last 10 meetings. Speaking of domination, the Blue Bombers flattened the Riders in their last four wins. The two closest games were decided by 18 points each.
Mike O’Shea’s Winnipeg outfit is playing better football these days. That said, they remain an elusive club against the spread with a miserable 1-5 record. This will only be their third away game of the season, but Winnipeg are still looking for their first taste of victory on their travels. There was a slight concern for RB Brady Oliveira heading into the week, but he returned to practice on Tuesday.
Week 6’s defeat to the BC Lions put a blemish on what had been a perfect start to the season for the Riders. Saskatchewan went from 4-0 to 4-1 ATS. This will be the side’s third match without their usual starting QB Trevor Harris. Shea Patterson hasn’t exactly been lights out (62.1 per cent accuracy only one TD toss) but he’s the best the Riders have right now. He might not have OL Jemarcus Hardrick protecting him. The latter has missed practice this week (knee).
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Week 6 was gut check time for the Blue Bombers and they fought tooth and nail for a 41-37 win at home versus the Calgary Stampeders.
In a nutshell, the matchup exemplified the strengths and weaknesses of this Winnipeg side since last season. When their offence is on they might be the most difficult side in the CFL to slow down. QB Zach Collaros was back from injury and in fine form, throwing for 344 yards and two majors. It was also an excellent game for RB Oliveira, who rumbled his way to 109 yards on only 15 carries. Finally, Ontaria Wilson went ballistic, hauling in 13 passes for 201 yards and a TD.
Conversely, there is still something weak about this Blue Bombers ensemble, especially on defence. They were up 23-13 in the second quarter with little time before the break yet Calgary levelled the score 23-23 by the time the whistle came. The Stamps also led 37-33 with less than half of the fourth to go, with only a heroic comeback saving the day for the Bombers.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
It’s time to regroup in Regina. After a brilliant start to the season, last week proved that playing with a backup won’t always pay dividends if other players don’t step up.
Week 6’s battle in Vancouver against the Lions was probably the kind of game its supporters hoped wouldn’t happen but had to expect sooner or later. Despite earning a quartet of sacks and two interceptions, the defence still got smoked for 504 total yards. Limiting the opposition to field goals is usually a good sign but not when the other team still ends up kicking seven for 21 points.
RB AJ Ouellette had a decent outing, earning 72 yards on 12 carries and two TDS. WR Samuel Emilius was both good (161 yards) and bad (one fumble). Going undefeated was always unlikely, so chalk this one up to a bad day. Make the final a 35-20 loss. Another stern test comes Friday night, so we’ll know how good this Riders team is at navigating rocky waters.