CFL: Argos and Blue Bombers Look to Build on Winning Starts

The Argonauts travel to Winnipeg in a clash of Week 1 winners. After delivering resilient road displays last week, which of these teams will come out on top? Al Dannity previews this game and the rest of the weekend’s CFL action.

Owens a doubt for Argos
CFL betting fans are patiently awaiting news of Chad Owens’ status for tonight’s meeting between Toronto and Winnipeg. The Argonauts’ return man left the game injured last week, although the Argos rallied to win at Calgary. The latest news on Owens is that he was fit to train this week and should be available to play tonight. The Argonauts will need him as they have a dreadful record at Winnipeg. This is the 100th regular season meeting between these sides since interlocking play began and while Toronto leads 49-48, with two ties, the Blue Bombers hold a 33-17 edge at home.

Winnipeg’s big questions surround the protection of Buck Pierce. The Bombers’ quarterback was sacked five times, including this fierce hit by Jamall Johnson. Pierce rallied well despite the hits but Winnipeg need to do a better job of ensuring he’s in a fit state for the long road ahead.

Stampeders need to step up
Henry Burris wasn’t clicking last week against Toronto and the Calgary quarterback wasn’t helped by poor run support. Indeed it was left to Burriss to pull of the biggest run of the weekend, as he scrambled for 34 yards on one play. The Stampeders’ cause wasn’t helped by injury to kicker Rob Maver, who tore his quad and will be out for the foreseeable future. Former Concordia kicker Rene Paredes has been signed to fill in for Maver.

Tonight they must contend with a B.C. Lions team that scared the Alouettes last week. B.C. has won the last two meeting between these sides but has lost five straight at home. I like the Lions to put that right and win in front of their own fans.

Edmonton target landmark
The Eskimos could become the first team to reach 600 wins since World War II with a home win over the Tiger Cats this weekend. The Eskimos won’t be lacking confidence after beating up the Roughriders in Regina in Week 1. Saskatchewan will look to make amends for that loss in Saturday’s massive rematch of the 2010 Grey Cup Final. The Alouettes will be eager to build on last week’s victory over the Lions but nothing can be taken for granted when these rivals meet. Expect some fireworks throughout a tense battle, with Montreal holding a slender advantage at the end.