2014 CFL Predictions Week 1

The CFL regular season is back! Along with my weekly picks.

Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Newsflash! Winnipeg still sucks in 2014, but it may get better. Appointing former Argos special teams coach as head coach may or may not be a good move for the Bombers. The Bombers will go with Drew Willy at quarterback. Willy had some success last year with the Riders, but the Bombers aren't anywhere near as good as the 2013 Riders (the 2014 Riders aren't as good as the 2013 either).
The Argos still have Ricky Ray as their quarterback who should reliably although not particularly excitingly dissect the Bomber defence. Maybe Chad Owens will do something for the Argos.

Toronto 26, Winnipeg 19

Montreal Alouettes at Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps seem to be starting Bo Levi Mitchell at quarterback which is a smart move. Drew Tate is a whiny bitch. Jon Cornish is back to carry the mantle of best Canadian running back while also probably being the best running back. Montreal is going again with Troy Smith at quarterback. I'm not really sold on Smith, although at least he got some experience last season. The Als also have Chad Johnson to drive page views although whether he'll do much is a pretty open question. Stamps are at home and are likely to come out of the gate better than Montreal
Calgary 25, Montreal 19

Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions
The Lions are the better team and are at home. Travis Lulay is injured but Kevin Glenn isn't much of a step down. Mike Reilly threw for a lot of yards for the Esks last year, most of it while running for his life. Edmonton could eventually end up better than last year, but I think the first game will be tough.
Lions 31, Esks 27

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Rough-Riders
The Cats are back to the seen of last year's Grey Cup against the same opponent. The Riders have lost of important players from last year's Cup winning team. The Cats lost Henry Burris and have replaced him with Zach Collaros. If the Cats were at home, I would go with a narrow Cat win, but the Riders (and basically every CFL team) are strong at home. Plus Collaros has only had a few weeks of training camp to get used to brand new receivers and to top it off, Cat slotback Andy Fantuz is out for a week.
Riders 29, Ticats 19