CFL
Nik Kowalski
August 5, 2021

Nik’s Picks: CFL Week 1 Betting Predictions, Point Spreads, Odds

The CFL is back with a 14-game season, and it kicks off with four Week 1 contests out West. The headline of the week is the opening game, which is a 2019 Grey Cup rematch hosted by the champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Nik’s Picks is here for you to gain an edge on the lines throughout the 2021 CFL season, and while some Week 1 lines are still to be determined — I will offer my current leans based on the week’s matchups.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Hamilton -2, Over/under 49.5

The consensus is Hamilton and Winnipeg enter 2021 both as top-three CFL clubs. A lot of familiar faces remain on the Tabbies and Blue Bombers, who both made it to the most recent CFL season’s championship game.

Unfortunately, the injury bug has hit some key players on each side. For Winnipeg, superstar running back Andrew Harris is out with an injury Thursday as are receiver Darvin Adams, weak-side linebacker Kyrie Wilson, and defensive backs Mercy Maston (Achilles) and Alden Darby Jr. Brady Oliveira is expected to get his first CFL start in place of Harris and will line up beside quarterback Zach Collaros and behind arguably the league’s best offensive line.

On Hamilton’s side, receivers DeVier Posey and Bralon Addison, halfback Cariel Brooks, safety Tunde Adeleke, and former Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Chris Van Zeyl will not play Thursday.

At the end of the day, Hamilton is loaded from top to bottom and will have Jeremiah Masoli under centre — unlike back in November 2019. With revenge on their mind, look for the Ti-Cats to spoil the party in the ‘Peg Thursday.

CFL Betting Prediction: Hamilton 27 Winnipeg 18

Best Bet: Hamilton -3.5

BC Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: TBD

Going into 2021, the health of Mike Reilly means everything to the BC Lions — especially after the beating he took in 2019. Reilly’s officially the Lions starting quarterback Friday but is dealing with a right elbow injury, and Friday night he’ll be dealing with a sold-out crowd in Regina.

Saskatchewan meanwhile is rolling with breakout pivot Cody Fajardo, but could have some protection issues of their own after changes on the offensive line. The Roughriders are also having to replace several key defensive starters with younger, more inexperienced players. But this is still an offence with playmakers Shaq Evans and William Powell, and a defensive unit with Nick Marshall and Loucheiz Purifoy in the secondary.

Reilly and the Lions have star receiver Bryan Burnham to throw to, and a back front on defence that features a ton of talent and 2020 first-overall pick Jordan Williams at middle linebacker. BC’s healthy at offensive line, but are lacking some firepower on their defensive front.

In what should be a close battle, the crowd and Fajardo’s offence should be the difference. Take the Riders in a close one, and likely roll with the moneyline rather than the spread.

CFL Prediction: BC 22 Saskatchewan 26

Best Bet: Saskatchewan moneyline

Toronto Argonauts at Calgary Stampeders

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: TBD

It’s fair to say the two teams with the most unknowns in the 2021 CFL season are the Argonauts and Stampeders. Toronto’s completely revamped their organization since 2019, from the coaching staff to their roster and on the flip side, Calgary has lost a plethora of key talent.

What makes Saturday even more intriguing is Toronto’s roster overhaul includes bringing in a bunch of Stampeders. Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie is the main name, but receivers Eric Rogers and Juwan Brescacin, defensive lineman Cordarro Law, and quarterback Nick Arbuckle have all made the move to Toronto. Arbuckle is likely the Argos’ QB1 in 2021 but is battling a glute injury meaning it may be veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson under centre.

Calgary’s still led by former Most Outstanding Player Bo Levi Mitchell, but Mitchell’s weapons aren’t what they’ve been in years past. On defence, Jameer Thurman is back after a two-year stint down south but a lot of questions remain on the defensive line.

On paper, Toronto’s more talented. But it’s not easy to go into Calgary and win, so be cautious.

CFL Prediction: Toronto 23 Calgary 22

Best bet: Toronto moneyline

Ottawa Redblacks at Edmonton Elks

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: TBD

Barring a CFL miracle, 2021 is going to be rough in Ottawa. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, the Elks are looking to begin their new era on a good note — and if so it’ll likely be by scoring piles of points.

Ottawa’s lacking talent everywhere, but have the old Winnipeg combo of Paul LaPolice (Redblacks head coach) and Matt Nichols (quarterback) that could surprise some people. Ottawa’s defence has some solid veterans such as Cleyon Laing and Don Unamba, but a lot is still to be desired with this unit that was below-average in 2019.

Edmonton’s trio of head coach Jamie Elizondo, quarterback Trevor Harris, and receiver Greg Ellingson is bad news for Ottawa. All are former Redblacks and may show no mercy Saturday. The Elks also brought in former Argos Derel Walker, Armanti Edwards, and James Wilder Jr. on offence since the 2019 season so expect some fireworks from the home team. In all honesty, Edmonton should have no problem winning by double digits.