Odds and Bets: Argonauts on Upset Alert Versus Stampeders

Toronto Argonauts vs Calgary Stampeders

Friday night’s CFL action sees the undefeated defending champions Toronto Argonauts (6-0) travel to Alberta to play a Calgary Stampeders (2-5) team facing a crisis. While the Argos are riding high after a successful weekend in Halifax against the Roughriders, the Stampeders are piling up close defeats after falling to Montreal in a field goal war of attrition in Week 8.

Calgary put a lot of faith in QB Jake Maier after Bo Levi Mitchell joined the Tiger-Cats in the offseason, but the results are mixed. He leads the CFL in passing yards, yet the team is 2-5 and rarely punches its drives into the end zone when it matters most. The team is also still looking for its first home victory of the 2023 campaign, having started 0-3. This feels like the sort of game when a club with talent needs to get out of a funk and steps up against a big opponent. Upset alert.

Best Bet: Stampeders on the moneyline

Philadelphia Phillies vs Miami Marlins

This week in the MLB has no shortage of divisional matchups. From the Orioles vs the Blue Jays, the Rays vs the Yankees, to the Diamondbacks vs the Giants. Another series with potential playoff implications down the line is the Philadelphia Phillies (58-49) visiting the Miami Marlins (57-51). Philly has already taken the first two tilts of the set, thus placing them one and a half games above Miami in the NL East and in a Wild Card spot as the Marlins remain on the outside looking in.

On Wednesday evening the Phillies are going with Zach Wheeler (8-5, 3.74 ERA) whereas the Marlins will defend home turf with Braxton Garrett (5-3, 4.08 ERA). Miami has stumbled lately – 4-6 in their last 10 – no longer as impressive as they were earlier this summer. The reality is that their run differential is -25, a rather steep number for a team fighting for a postseason birth. Luis Arraez has had a great series even if his team hasn’t (5-for-9 at the plate and two runs). If the team can step up a bit, they can avoid a sweep.

Best Bet: Miami Marlins on the moneyline

Morocco vs Colombia, South Korea vs Germany

Yes, a two-for-one! There is plenty up for grabs in Group H at the Women’s World Cup. South Korea is sadly eliminated and only playing for pride, but both Morocco and Germany are fighting for their World Cup dreams. Morocco had little chance of topping the division even if they defeat the Colombians since goal differential comes first as a tiebreaker rather than head-to-head results – Morocco was flattened 6-0 in the opening game by Germany.

The x factor on Wednesday will be how much effort Colombia puts into its game. If they lose and Germany wins, then the Europeans take the top spot. Oh, the possibilities. So what will happen? The Deutschland will certainly rely on the services of Alexandra Popp, who has scored thrice already at this tournament. For Colombia, Linda Caicedo is the woman of the hour. Only 18, she’s been sensational at this tournament. In the case of Morocco, they are definitely the team out of the three who need to believe the most. They beat Korea, but the latter isn’t very good this year. They played a strong German side and were obliterated.

Best Bets: Germany wins. Colombia and Morocco play to a draw.