Odds and Bets: Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders Engage in Labour Day Classic

Edmonton Elks vs. Calgary Stampeders

The double-header Labour Day Classic in the CFL concludes when provincial rivals the Edmonton Elks (2-9) head to McMahon Stadium to play the Calgary Stampeders (3-8). In a pleasant twist, Edmonton enters the contest on a winning streak. Yes, a streak. Granted, it’s only lasted two games, but it must feel in that locker room as though the weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders. Calgary, who had gone into the season with high expectations, are the ones feeling the burden of failure.

Looking at the numbers for this contest, the total is established at 46.5. That’s an alluring prop to play. The Stampeders have struggled all season with punching the ball into the end zone. One of the exceptions came last week against the Argonauts when the Stamps put up 31. Was that an outlier or has the offence finally switched gears? QB Jake Maier is third in passing yards, which is excellent, but has only hit double-digit TDs (12) because of last week’s match in Toronto. As for Edmonton, the attack has flowed a bit more with Tre Ford quarterbacking, but it’s not been a perfect operation.

Best Bet: Under 46.5

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Boston Red Sox (71-66) are on red alert now. The last week has been rough, with only a two-game winning streak against the lowly Royals on Saturday and Sunday providing any smiles for Boston fans. On Labour Day they start a series in Tampa Bay against the Rays (83-54). Conversely, Tampa has played better lately but fell in two of their three games against the Guardians this past weekend.

Boston will go with starter Brayan Bello (10-8, 3.57 ERA), whereas Tampa Bay will defend its honour with Aaron Civale (7-3, 2.64 ERA). It should make for an interesting pitching duel, as both have put up nice numbers on the season. Civale has been great in his last five starts, never giving up more than three runs, and even that only happened twice. Hitters like Rafael Devers and Masataka Yoshida will have their work cut out for them.

Best Bet: Under 8.5 runs scored

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers

Here we go. Another battle of Texas, but this carries incredible weight to it. The Houston Astros (77-61) will be in Arlington to play the Rangers (76-60). The AL West features a rare three-dog fight in which any of the participants can finish first. The Seattle Mariners have turned their season around and are now a strong 77-59, thus giving them a one-game lead over both Houston and Texas. Maybe the Rangers were looking ahead to Monday because they dropped two of three to the Twins over the weekend. The Astros were even worse, getting swept by the Yankees.

J.P. France (10-5, 3.49 ERA) takes to the mound for the Astros and Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.16 ERA) for the Rangers. This is the kind of series where the momentum can shift for the remainder of the regular season, determining how teams are seeded, or who even makes the playoffs. The Astros have been one of the best teams in the league for many years, with the Rangers playing the part of the new challengers. They’re at home and a glorious opportunity beckons.

Best Best: Texas Rangers on the moneyline