Saskatchewan, 1-0, enters as a 1.5-point favourite to the 0-1 Ti-Cats who are out west for a second straight week.

Hamilton’s 2021 season begins with a three-game road trip, and the pressure would certainly be on if 2019’s regular season champ was to fall to 0-2. For Saskatchewan, a win at home Saturday would officially prove they are still contenders. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

Last week Hamilton went on the road as a favourite, and lost by double digits. Now they’re an underdog, and could break a cold streak at Regina — not only has Hamilton won two of their last 20 at Mosaic, they’ve covered in just one of their last eight at Saskatchewan. Ironically the Riders are 1-4-1 ATS in their last six home games, so someone’s improving a poor stat.

Over their last 10 head-to-heads, the over has hit just three times. It’s set at 48 Saturday and given the talent on both offences and turnover on the Riders’ front-seven, offence may prevail.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Injuries plagued Hamilton during their Week 1 loss at Winnipeg. But to begin the week, the following Ti-Cats’ starters who missed last week are practising: safety Tunde Adeleke, half back Cariel Brooks, running back Don Jackson, defensive tackle Ted Laurent, and offensive tackle Chris Van Zeyl. If all five can play Saturday, Hamilton’s in good shape.

Offence is now the number one concern for Hamilton. Specifically, manufacturing it outside of Brandon Banks and Jaelon Acklin, which didn’t happen in Week 1. Getting Sean Thomas-Erlington more involved would be a good start after having 11 touches for 34 yards last week. In 2019, Thomas-Erlington averaged 6.8 yards a carry and hauled in 193 receiving yards in four games.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The bad news is the Roughriders almost blew a 31-point lead last Friday. The good news is that means they were clicking right out of the gate enough to get a four-score lead, and their record reads 1-0. Jason Maas’ offence looked undeniable in the first half only to string up several two-and-outs and allow BC to climb back. William Powell only rushing 12 times for 43 yards didn’t help either.

The Riders allowed over 430 yards of offence in Week 1 too, including a 75-yard touchdown through the air. Nick Marshall got beat for the score, which was minutes after he scored six himself after returning an interception to the house.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Tiger-Cats vs. Roughriders?