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Jeremy Perry
Tiger-Cats vs. Argonauts Prediction: CFL Week 2 Point Spread, Odds
While the rest of the CFL was off getting their seasons started last week, the Toronto Argonauts had to wait an extra week. Now they’ll cut the ribbon on their 2023 campaign on Sunday when they host one of their chief rivals: the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Ti-Cats were blasted in their opener, falling 42-31 on the road in Winnipeg. Even so, Hamilton find themselves as a two-point road favourite to win in Toronto on the CFL odds. Is there value with Toronto as a home underdog?
CFL Odds and Betting
The Ti-Cats have been a solid rebound team dating back to last season as they’re 5-2 against the spread following a loss. However, they are just 2-6 ATS in their last eight on the road and have failed to cover four straight June games.
As for the Argos, they’re 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven against the East Division teams. They’re also 4-1-1 ATS in their last six at home. In terms of this series, the over is 6-2 in the last eight contests in Toronto.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Things did not go well for the Ti-Cats in their opener. They were steamrolled in a game that was not even as close as the final score indicates. The Ti-Cats were trailing 39-17 entering the fourth quarter. Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros had 189 passing yards and three touchdowns in the first quarter alone.
Injuries were a concern in the opener and might still be for Week 2. Hamilton lost both right tackles mid-game and had to switch a defensive linemen to right guard. Another concern is receiver Tim White, who led the CFL in receptions and targets last season. He left the game and didn’t return last Friday but the early indication is that he’ll play on Sunday.
The good news is this team gets a chance to reset in Week 2. By all accounts, the Blue Bombers are the best team in the league and the Argos – at least by early projections – are not in that stratosphere. The Ti-Cats should look more competitive this week.
Toronto Argonauts
The Argos are the defending Grey Cup champions, so it’s a bit odd to see them as a home underdog in their first game of the season. That might be especially odd considering the Ti-Cats are not exactly a powerhouse.
The Argos enter the season with the fourth-best odds to win the Grey Cup and much of that has to do with a change at quarterback. Chad Kelly is now under centre. He’s taking over for McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who left for the USFL. Kelly’s numbers don’t look great from last season as he threw for 297 yards, a pair of touchdowns and three interceptions. However, he did step in during the Grey Cup and saved the Argos as they were in a double-digit hole. Still, it could be a significant change for the offence – even if they still have the league’s leading rusher in Andrew Harris.
Taking a look at the betting line, this feels like a bit of an overreaction to see the Argos as a home dog. They might have some questions to answer but this is a manageable opponent to start the season. With an extra week to prepare, look for the Argos to win and cover at home on Sunday.