Both are coming off losses in Week 3 too. Week 4’s slate ends in Winnipeg with Sunday night football as the Bombers host the Stampeders.

Nik’s Picks is here for you to gain on edge on the lines throughout the 2021 CFL season.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Montreal Alouettes

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Pick’em, Over/under 45.5

On paper, Hamilton and Montreal got very strong, star-powered rosters. Each’s talent shines on offence, in particular. So you guessed it, the CFL’s under trend should get a rude awakening to start Week 4. And yes Hamilton’s scored just 14 points on offence in two games, two tough road games followed by a bye week to reconven3, get Brandon Banks more involved, and figure out some early offensive line blocking issues. All the while Alouettes defensive starters Antonio Simmons, Najee Murray, and Wesley Sutton are all missing periods of practice with injuries.

For Montreal, Vernon Adams Jr.’s offence is registering 380.5 yards and 26 points per game, both second in the CFL. They may have their toughest test as Tunde Adeleke and Cariel Brooks appear ready to make their season debuts in Hamilton’s secondary. The duo may slow down the Alouettes, but there’s really no opponent stopping Montreal’s attack until proven otherwise. The only problem might be getting in their own way like in Week 2. Als bounce back.

Prediction: Hamilton 25 Montreal 31

Best bet: Over 45.5

BC Lions at Ottawa Redblacks

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: BC -2, Over/under 42.5

Defending the Ottawa Redblacks is playing Devil’s advocate in the eyes of the public these days and allow me to do just that. Ottawa’s just a two-point underdog despite having exactly 300 yards of net offence and 820 yards against of net offence in two games. That said, they’ve showed a ton of promise on defence and in key statistical categories such as the turnover ratio.

Ottawa’s got a plus-one rating when it comes to turnovers and takeaways and it led to their Week 1 win. Second, they’re not a statistical outlier but rather a middle of the pack club in nearly all defensive categories aside from yards against. It’s even more impressive considering Ottawa’s offence is going two-and-out eight times per game. The Redblacks have also surrendered (and scored) a single touchdown this season, doing so in two Western road games.

The Lions really haven’t brought much to the table either. A healthy Michael Reilly still looks MOP legit, B.C.’s defensive is solid overall but it could be all for not with protection issues creeping back up last Thursday. Call me crazy, but Paul LaPolice’s team grinds one out at home.

Prediction: BC 12 Ottawa 16

Best bet: Under 42.5

Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Winnipeg -5.5, Over/under 43.5

Jake Maier’s 304-yard, one-touchdown CFL debut is a fun stat line to look at and quite honestly the 24-year-old showed both poise and confidence under centre in Week 3. His Stampeders were also gifted 149 yards in penalties and if not for a final play going for an extra yard, Calgary would be staring down 0-4 while heading to Manitoba for a date with the defending champs.

Winnipeg finally lost a game with Zach Collaros, who’s now 6-1 starting with the Bombers. Collaros and Winnipeg struggled to both score and possess the ball in Week 3 at Toronto but Winnipeg also ranks seventh in net offence, yards per play, and average gain per pass.

A potential Andrew Harris return should fix these problems, but there’s no word yet on his status for Sunday. The likes of Kyrie Wilson, Alden Darby, and Steven Richardson could also come back in Week 4 to bolster what’s already looked like the best defence in the CFL. Maier’s going to have to earn a win as Winnipeg should clean up their mistakes. Bombers by nine.

Prediction: Calgary 14 Winnipeg 23

Best bet: Under 43.5

2021 Nik’s Picks:

Best bet record: 6-6

Moneyline record: 5-7