Montreal at Hamilton
I assume the Alouettes will be better than last week in the Hammer, but it won't be good enough. Hamilton is just a way better team at this junction.
Tiger-Cats 39 Alouettes 18
Winnipeg at Ottawa
I'm surprised how good Ottawa has been. The Bombers have been solid as expected. Ottawa's luck runs out this week even at home.
Bombers 29 REDBLACKS 17
BC at Toronto
The Lions finally get a win for Reilly. The Argos just aren't very good, at all.
Lions 30 Argonauts 25
Calgary at Saskatchewan
The Stamps are injured and not last year's Cup winning team and the Riders aren't bad, even with Collaros injured. Riders win one at home.
Riders 24 Stampeders 19
Showing posts with label cfl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cfl. Show all posts
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
2019 CFL Predictions Week 3
Edmonton at Winnipeg
The Eskimos are better than I thought, but not that great. The Bombers are legit good this year and at home. Have to go with the Bombers on this one.
Bombers 29 Eskimos 22
Montreal at Hamilton
The Ticats annihilated Toronto last week away and are at home this week. The Alouettes might be better by the end of the season. That's not right now.
Ticats 40 Alouettes 13
BC at Calgary
BC has lost two games with Mike Reilly showing that maybe they have cap problems. Calgary somehow lost to Ottawa at home. Can't see the Stamps losing at home again, even though they aren't last year's team.
Stampeders 28 Lions 19
Toronto at Saskatchewan
Will Toronto be better than last week? Hard to be that bad twice in a row. The Riders are decent, but not great and have lost Collaros for a while. Home field advantage helps but Toronto is just bad now.
Riders 22 Argonauts 13
The Eskimos are better than I thought, but not that great. The Bombers are legit good this year and at home. Have to go with the Bombers on this one.
Bombers 29 Eskimos 22
Montreal at Hamilton
The Ticats annihilated Toronto last week away and are at home this week. The Alouettes might be better by the end of the season. That's not right now.
Ticats 40 Alouettes 13
BC at Calgary
BC has lost two games with Mike Reilly showing that maybe they have cap problems. Calgary somehow lost to Ottawa at home. Can't see the Stamps losing at home again, even though they aren't last year's team.
Stampeders 28 Lions 19
Toronto at Saskatchewan
Will Toronto be better than last week? Hard to be that bad twice in a row. The Riders are decent, but not great and have lost Collaros for a while. Home field advantage helps but Toronto is just bad now.
Riders 22 Argonauts 13
Thursday, June 13, 2019
2019 CFL Predictions Week 1
The blog is back!
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
The Ticats are looking strong in the East. The Riders are a bit shambolic after Chris Jones shuffled off to the NFL. Zach Collaros is I'm sure capable of playing well on occasion, but I think the odds of excellent play every game isn't that high. On defence, Jones was good at that; I expect regression.
Tiger-Cats 25 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Edmonton
Edmonton doesn't seem that great to me. They did pick up Dean and Unamba from the Cats at linebacker which is solid. Losing Reilly at quarterback hurts more though. Still Montreal doesn't have an owner and just booted their coach right before the season. So enjoy your week one home win Edmonton.
Esks 29 Alouettes 13
Ottawa at Calgary
Ottawa did little in the off-season. The Stamps lost a lot of players in the off-season but did resign Bo Levi Mitchell. The Stamps always seem to find new players, so while I think the Stamps are worse this year, I doubt they will be that much worse. Ottawa I think will be better by the end of the season, but their quarterback issues will take time to sort out. Plus the Stampeders are at home.
Stampeders 30 REDBLACKS 19
Winnipeg at BC
This is interesting. Winnipeg should be good again this year. BC should improve from 9 and 9 last year with Reilly at quarterback. But Reilly is earning a ton of salary camp money, so BC I'm sure may have some talent problems elsewhere unless some cheap new Americans play well. Somebody has to win on the road this week in the CFL so why not Zoidberg, I mean Winnipeg.
Blue Bombers 21 Lions 19
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
The Ticats are looking strong in the East. The Riders are a bit shambolic after Chris Jones shuffled off to the NFL. Zach Collaros is I'm sure capable of playing well on occasion, but I think the odds of excellent play every game isn't that high. On defence, Jones was good at that; I expect regression.
Tiger-Cats 25 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Edmonton
Edmonton doesn't seem that great to me. They did pick up Dean and Unamba from the Cats at linebacker which is solid. Losing Reilly at quarterback hurts more though. Still Montreal doesn't have an owner and just booted their coach right before the season. So enjoy your week one home win Edmonton.
Esks 29 Alouettes 13
Ottawa at Calgary
Ottawa did little in the off-season. The Stamps lost a lot of players in the off-season but did resign Bo Levi Mitchell. The Stamps always seem to find new players, so while I think the Stamps are worse this year, I doubt they will be that much worse. Ottawa I think will be better by the end of the season, but their quarterback issues will take time to sort out. Plus the Stampeders are at home.
Stampeders 30 REDBLACKS 19
Winnipeg at BC
This is interesting. Winnipeg should be good again this year. BC should improve from 9 and 9 last year with Reilly at quarterback. But Reilly is earning a ton of salary camp money, so BC I'm sure may have some talent problems elsewhere unless some cheap new Americans play well. Somebody has to win on the road this week in the CFL so why not Zoidberg, I mean Winnipeg.
Blue Bombers 21 Lions 19
Thursday, July 27, 2017
2017 CFL Power Rankings Week 5
1. Calgary Stampeders
Stomped the Riders in Riderville. Sure they lost once to Montreal, but flukey things happen in the CFL.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Still undefeated, but they were very close to losing to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, albeit on the road.
3. BC Lions
Ginger Jesus aka Travis Lulay has taken over as quarterback and running wild. He's not that old by CFL quarterback terms and played sparingly last year. Quarterback controversy brewing?
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Lost to the Lions on the road. But it was close! And the could have won. Cross-over spot in the Bombers future it looks like
5. Toronto Argonauts
After beating Ottawa at home, one can't argue that the Argos, with Ray, Trestman and Popp are the kings of the East. For whatever that is worth. Picking up almost over the hill players on the cheap like Bear Woods has worked out well.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Their record doesn't indicate it, but they aren't a bad team despite losing to Toronto on the road. They'll probably make the playoffs by the end of the year.
7. Montreal Alouettes
They had a bye week so that's something.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Trounced by Calgary and at home. At this rate the Riders won't be crossing over.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The team played well against Edmonton, then a player goes down late in the secondary and the Ticats can't stop the Eskimos for driving for a game winning score. Still winless. Sad.
Stomped the Riders in Riderville. Sure they lost once to Montreal, but flukey things happen in the CFL.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Still undefeated, but they were very close to losing to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, albeit on the road.
3. BC Lions
Ginger Jesus aka Travis Lulay has taken over as quarterback and running wild. He's not that old by CFL quarterback terms and played sparingly last year. Quarterback controversy brewing?
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Lost to the Lions on the road. But it was close! And the could have won. Cross-over spot in the Bombers future it looks like
5. Toronto Argonauts
After beating Ottawa at home, one can't argue that the Argos, with Ray, Trestman and Popp are the kings of the East. For whatever that is worth. Picking up almost over the hill players on the cheap like Bear Woods has worked out well.
6. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Their record doesn't indicate it, but they aren't a bad team despite losing to Toronto on the road. They'll probably make the playoffs by the end of the year.
7. Montreal Alouettes
They had a bye week so that's something.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Trounced by Calgary and at home. At this rate the Riders won't be crossing over.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The team played well against Edmonton, then a player goes down late in the secondary and the Ticats can't stop the Eskimos for driving for a game winning score. Still winless. Sad.
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
2017 CFL Predictions Week 5
Montreal at Ottawa
A rare Wednesday night game in the CFL. Why? Who knows? Ottawa seems to be able to lose close games with regularity. They are at home though, so that's something. I'm picking Ottawa to get off the schneid in terms of wins. Sure Montreal beat Calgary last week, but I think that was a fluke.
REDBLACKS 27 Alouettes 25
Edmonton at Hamilton
The Ticats played well for a while on Saturday night against BC, then sucked and their secondary got torched yet again. And now they're playing on short rest against an undefeated team and Mike Reilly isn't hurt. That's not good.
Eskimos 35 Tiger-Cats 19
Winnipeg at BC
Will Jennings play after getting hurt? Should he play instead of Travis Lulay? Again who knows. BC wins at home though.
Lions 28 Blue Bombers 23
Saskatchewan at Calgary
Yes the Stamps loss last week, but that doesn't matter. The Riders are still meh, close practices be damned.
Stampeders 39 Roughriders 32
Ottawa at Toronto
Apparently this Monday game is considered week 5 by the CFL. Even though the Argos are sharing a stadium for TFC, couldn't they get a better date? Ottawa is on extremely short rest, so watch them lose a close one to the Argos.
Toronto 21 REDBLACKS 20
A rare Wednesday night game in the CFL. Why? Who knows? Ottawa seems to be able to lose close games with regularity. They are at home though, so that's something. I'm picking Ottawa to get off the schneid in terms of wins. Sure Montreal beat Calgary last week, but I think that was a fluke.
REDBLACKS 27 Alouettes 25
Edmonton at Hamilton
The Ticats played well for a while on Saturday night against BC, then sucked and their secondary got torched yet again. And now they're playing on short rest against an undefeated team and Mike Reilly isn't hurt. That's not good.
Eskimos 35 Tiger-Cats 19
Winnipeg at BC
Will Jennings play after getting hurt? Should he play instead of Travis Lulay? Again who knows. BC wins at home though.
Lions 28 Blue Bombers 23
Saskatchewan at Calgary
Yes the Stamps loss last week, but that doesn't matter. The Riders are still meh, close practices be damned.
Stampeders 39 Roughriders 32
Ottawa at Toronto
Apparently this Monday game is considered week 5 by the CFL. Even though the Argos are sharing a stadium for TFC, couldn't they get a better date? Ottawa is on extremely short rest, so watch them lose a close one to the Argos.
Toronto 21 REDBLACKS 20
Thursday, July 13, 2017
2017 CFL Predictions Week 4
Toronto at Winnipeg
At the start of year, the West seems better than the East in the CFL (as it often seems to be). Also the Argos are on the road. I think it is pretty safe to pick the Bombers at home.
Blue Bombers 26 Argonauts 22
Calgary at Montreal
Can the Alouettes stop the Stampeder freight train. No.
Stampeders 39 Alouettes 19
Ottawa at Edmonton
East versus West. West at home. Ottawa seems snake bit this year. So I could see them losing on the road.
Eskimos 27 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Hamilton
As a Hamilton fan, this hasn't been a great start to the season. One hoped the secondary would be improved this year, but it seems to be worse. Whether Collaros just doesn't have it anymore or the offensive line is just that bad, is unknown, but either scenario is bad for the Cats. Jennings has had a reasonable start to the season, so even though they are three times zones off, the Lions are currently the better team.
Lions 35 Tiger-Cats 22
At the start of year, the West seems better than the East in the CFL (as it often seems to be). Also the Argos are on the road. I think it is pretty safe to pick the Bombers at home.
Blue Bombers 26 Argonauts 22
Calgary at Montreal
Can the Alouettes stop the Stampeder freight train. No.
Stampeders 39 Alouettes 19
Ottawa at Edmonton
East versus West. West at home. Ottawa seems snake bit this year. So I could see them losing on the road.
Eskimos 27 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Hamilton
As a Hamilton fan, this hasn't been a great start to the season. One hoped the secondary would be improved this year, but it seems to be worse. Whether Collaros just doesn't have it anymore or the offensive line is just that bad, is unknown, but either scenario is bad for the Cats. Jennings has had a reasonable start to the season, so even though they are three times zones off, the Lions are currently the better team.
Lions 35 Tiger-Cats 22
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
2017 CFL Power Rankings Week 3
1. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary just keeps winning, with an easy victory over the Bombers on the road.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
A bye week, which is a plus since Mike Reilly can't get injured.
3. BC Lions
Jennings is looking good at quarterback for the Lions.
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers were doing well until sucking at home against Calgary. Still they aren't bad.
5. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Sure they only have a point, but they aren't that bad. Weird to lose to the Argos though.
6. Toronto Argonauts
They've won twice. Not many fans going to BMO, but they have Popp, Trestman and Ray and as long as Ray doesn't implode from a sack there are worse teams out there.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Kept it within a TD of BC. That's something I guess.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Beat Hamilton at home easily. Still need to see more.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Porous secondary and offensive line. Not a good combo.
Calgary just keeps winning, with an easy victory over the Bombers on the road.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
A bye week, which is a plus since Mike Reilly can't get injured.
3. BC Lions
Jennings is looking good at quarterback for the Lions.
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers were doing well until sucking at home against Calgary. Still they aren't bad.
5. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Sure they only have a point, but they aren't that bad. Weird to lose to the Argos though.
6. Toronto Argonauts
They've won twice. Not many fans going to BMO, but they have Popp, Trestman and Ray and as long as Ray doesn't implode from a sack there are worse teams out there.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Kept it within a TD of BC. That's something I guess.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Beat Hamilton at home easily. Still need to see more.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Porous secondary and offensive line. Not a good combo.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
2017 CFL Predictions Week 3
BC at Montreal
Montreal isn't great and on a neutral field I would probably take BC. Actually even in Montreal I'll take BC.
Lions 25 Alouettes 22
Calgary at Winnipeg
Call me crazy, but I think the Bombers will actually win this at home. The Stamps are good this year but not unbeatable.
Blue Bombers 30 Stampeders 29
Toronto at Ottawa
The Argonauts are not very good, while Ottawa is looking decent and is at home.
REDBLACKS 28 Argonauts 22
Hamilton at Saskatchewan
In 2017 should Collaros be able to beat Glenn? One would think so, however Hamilton has been hit by the injury bug and their offensive line and secondary are terrible. Still I think Hamilton has a shot.
Tiger-Cats 20 Roughriders 19
Montreal isn't great and on a neutral field I would probably take BC. Actually even in Montreal I'll take BC.
Lions 25 Alouettes 22
Calgary at Winnipeg
Call me crazy, but I think the Bombers will actually win this at home. The Stamps are good this year but not unbeatable.
Blue Bombers 30 Stampeders 29
Toronto at Ottawa
The Argonauts are not very good, while Ottawa is looking decent and is at home.
REDBLACKS 28 Argonauts 22
Hamilton at Saskatchewan
In 2017 should Collaros be able to beat Glenn? One would think so, however Hamilton has been hit by the injury bug and their offensive line and secondary are terrible. Still I think Hamilton has a shot.
Tiger-Cats 20 Roughriders 19
2017 CFL Power Rankings Week 2
1. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary just keeps not losing. Although an injuryto Charleston Hughes isn't good.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
The REDBLACKS deserve more than a point out of the first two games.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Two wins against meh opponents. Mike Reilly is still healthy though.
4. BC Lions
West is looking strong this year so BC ranks high with a 500 record. Plus Buono.
5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Didn't look good early against the Riders, but they came back in Regina on Canada Day.
6. Toronto Argonauts
The Argonauts aren't really good, but the East is looking weak again and Ricky Ray is healthy.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Also the Alouettes aren't good.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Could have won a game last week, but ultimately didn't. So much for Chris Jones.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Porous offensive line and porous secondary. Not a good combo. Collaros still healthy for now.
Calgary just keeps not losing. Although an injuryto Charleston Hughes isn't good.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
The REDBLACKS deserve more than a point out of the first two games.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Two wins against meh opponents. Mike Reilly is still healthy though.
4. BC Lions
West is looking strong this year so BC ranks high with a 500 record. Plus Buono.
5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Didn't look good early against the Riders, but they came back in Regina on Canada Day.
6. Toronto Argonauts
The Argonauts aren't really good, but the East is looking weak again and Ricky Ray is healthy.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Also the Alouettes aren't good.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Could have won a game last week, but ultimately didn't. So much for Chris Jones.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Porous offensive line and porous secondary. Not a good combo. Collaros still healthy for now.
Thursday, June 29, 2017
2017 CFL Predictions Week 2
Ottawa at Calgary
The Stamps at home are too much, even though Ottawa is looking decent this season.
Stampeders 29 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Toronto
The Argonauts are looking good. Not many paying fans, but you can't have everything. BC I'm meh about this year.
Argonauts 26 Lions 19
Montreal at Edmonton
Alouettes won last week at home versus the Riders but on the road versus Edmonton is totally different and a loss.
Eskimos 33 Alouettes 19
Winnipeg at Saskatchewan
The Riders are at home and the Bombers haven't played a regular season game yet. The Riders have to show my they can win before I pick them.
Blue Bombers 21 Rough Riders 19
The Stamps at home are too much, even though Ottawa is looking decent this season.
Stampeders 29 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Toronto
The Argonauts are looking good. Not many paying fans, but you can't have everything. BC I'm meh about this year.
Argonauts 26 Lions 19
Montreal at Edmonton
Alouettes won last week at home versus the Riders but on the road versus Edmonton is totally different and a loss.
Eskimos 33 Alouettes 19
Winnipeg at Saskatchewan
The Riders are at home and the Bombers haven't played a regular season game yet. The Riders have to show my they can win before I pick them.
Blue Bombers 21 Rough Riders 19
2017 CFL Week 1 Power Rankings
1. Calgary Stampeders
Tied Ottawa away. Calgary still looking good.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Wasn't sure that Ottawa still had it after winning the Grey Cup last year. But tying Calgary at home is a good sign.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Beat BC in BC. Mike Reilly unhurt.
4. BC Lions
It was close against the Eskimos. And they still have Wally Buono as coach.
5. Toronto Argonauts
Looked excellent at home versus Hamilton. Hiring Trestman and Popp seems to have worked out for Toronto. Ricky Ray unhurt.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Not really sure about Montreal but they beat the Riders, so that's something.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Didn't play so not a lot to go on.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still losing in 2017. But it was close.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Looked awful and had some critical injuries like Tolliver out for the season. Collaros unhurt.
Tied Ottawa away. Calgary still looking good.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Wasn't sure that Ottawa still had it after winning the Grey Cup last year. But tying Calgary at home is a good sign.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
Beat BC in BC. Mike Reilly unhurt.
4. BC Lions
It was close against the Eskimos. And they still have Wally Buono as coach.
5. Toronto Argonauts
Looked excellent at home versus Hamilton. Hiring Trestman and Popp seems to have worked out for Toronto. Ricky Ray unhurt.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Not really sure about Montreal but they beat the Riders, so that's something.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Didn't play so not a lot to go on.
8. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still losing in 2017. But it was close.
9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Looked awful and had some critical injuries like Tolliver out for the season. Collaros unhurt.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
2017 CFL Week 1 Predictions
Saskatchewan at Montreal
Bit of a dud for the first game of the season. Uh the Alouettes maybe?
Alouettes 12 Riders 11
Calgary at Ottawa
I think the Stamps win the rematch. Ottawa lost a lot over the off-season
Stampeders 29 REDBLACKS 22
Edmonton at BC
BC just tends to win at home.
Lions 24 Eskimos 19
Hamilton at Toronto
With Collaros healthy, there's a lot of receiver weapons for Hamilton. Defence should be OK.
Tiger-Cats 22 Argonauts 18
Bit of a dud for the first game of the season. Uh the Alouettes maybe?
Alouettes 12 Riders 11
Calgary at Ottawa
I think the Stamps win the rematch. Ottawa lost a lot over the off-season
Stampeders 29 REDBLACKS 22
Edmonton at BC
BC just tends to win at home.
Lions 24 Eskimos 19
Hamilton at Toronto
With Collaros healthy, there's a lot of receiver weapons for Hamilton. Defence should be OK.
Tiger-Cats 22 Argonauts 18
Thursday, August 4, 2016
2016 CFL Week 7 Predictions
I hate Wednesday games. Missed getting this out before the game last night, but here's the rest.
BC at Montreal
At a neutral site, I would pick BC. Then again road teams keep winning in the CFL this year. Glenn looked OK against the Riders last week so Montreal should not be terrible. I'm going to go with Montreal when I really shouldn't.
Alouettes 23 Lions 20
Saskatchewan at Calgary
Despite no doubt many Rider fans in Calgary, this is the gimme game of the week.
Stampeders 35 Roughriders 20
Edmonton at Ottawa
Two teams that seemed great early and maybe not quite so great now. I'll go with wacky road team wins and Ottawa not having Harris.
Eskimos 28 REDBLACKS 24
BC at Montreal
At a neutral site, I would pick BC. Then again road teams keep winning in the CFL this year. Glenn looked OK against the Riders last week so Montreal should not be terrible. I'm going to go with Montreal when I really shouldn't.
Alouettes 23 Lions 20
Saskatchewan at Calgary
Despite no doubt many Rider fans in Calgary, this is the gimme game of the week.
Stampeders 35 Roughriders 20
Edmonton at Ottawa
Two teams that seemed great early and maybe not quite so great now. I'll go with wacky road team wins and Ottawa not having Harris.
Eskimos 28 REDBLACKS 24
2016 Week 6 CFL Power Rankings
I actually wrote these out before yesterday's game, so for posterity here they are.
1. Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps always seem decent and in a year of massive parity that's something.
2. BC Lions
Sure they lost, but it was tight and the Lions are still doing well in 2016.
3. Ottawa REDBLACKS
There's trouble in Bytown. When does Trevor Harris come back?
4. Toronto Argonauts
Looked mediocre in week one, but the double blue seem to have righted the ship even without Ricky Ray
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
They will be better whenever Collaros actually gets back.
6. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos were good. Now I'm not so sure. Seems strange with Mike Reilly being healthy, but there you go.
7. Montreal Alouettes
With Kevin Glenn the Alouettes aren't awful. That's something.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Better without their Willy. Who would have thought?
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Yeah the Riders are bad.
1. Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps always seem decent and in a year of massive parity that's something.
2. BC Lions
Sure they lost, but it was tight and the Lions are still doing well in 2016.
3. Ottawa REDBLACKS
There's trouble in Bytown. When does Trevor Harris come back?
4. Toronto Argonauts
Looked mediocre in week one, but the double blue seem to have righted the ship even without Ricky Ray
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
They will be better whenever Collaros actually gets back.
6. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos were good. Now I'm not so sure. Seems strange with Mike Reilly being healthy, but there you go.
7. Montreal Alouettes
With Kevin Glenn the Alouettes aren't awful. That's something.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Better without their Willy. Who would have thought?
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Yeah the Riders are bad.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
2016 CFL Power Rankings Week 4
1. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Beat the Argos in Torontoville. Trevor Harris is probably better than Henry Burris at quarterback.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Like last year the Eskimos keep winning. Mike Reilly passed for a ton of yards against Winnipeg this last week so that and him not being injured is a positive.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Didn't play, but that also means no injuries. Jerome Messam looks to be having a monster year.
4. BC Lions
The Lions were behind the Riders when I stopped watching the game and then roared back to win against the hapless Riders. I didn't think the Lions would be good at all this week, but turns out they are.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The first half was poor, but they pulled ahead in the second half despite the mediocrity of backup Jeremiah Masoli. Banks is back this season doing his special teams thing, Maher kicked extraordinarily well and the defence looks good, especially Tracy. Collaros could be back soon too.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Mediocre. Not terrible, but not good either. I thought their defence would be better, but it will probably improve as the season goes on.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Are they better than last year? I guess.
8. Montreal Alouettes
Kevin Glenn better come back, otherwise it is going to be another bad season for Montreal.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Have to win a game to get out the power rankings basement. With Durant injured I suppose they are potentially worse.
Beat the Argos in Torontoville. Trevor Harris is probably better than Henry Burris at quarterback.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Like last year the Eskimos keep winning. Mike Reilly passed for a ton of yards against Winnipeg this last week so that and him not being injured is a positive.
3. Calgary Stampeders
Didn't play, but that also means no injuries. Jerome Messam looks to be having a monster year.
4. BC Lions
The Lions were behind the Riders when I stopped watching the game and then roared back to win against the hapless Riders. I didn't think the Lions would be good at all this week, but turns out they are.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The first half was poor, but they pulled ahead in the second half despite the mediocrity of backup Jeremiah Masoli. Banks is back this season doing his special teams thing, Maher kicked extraordinarily well and the defence looks good, especially Tracy. Collaros could be back soon too.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Mediocre. Not terrible, but not good either. I thought their defence would be better, but it will probably improve as the season goes on.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Are they better than last year? I guess.
8. Montreal Alouettes
Kevin Glenn better come back, otherwise it is going to be another bad season for Montreal.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Have to win a game to get out the power rankings basement. With Durant injured I suppose they are potentially worse.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
2016 Week 3 CFL Power Rankings
Things are getting more confusing.
1. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Tied a good team in Calgary. No losses yet and Trevor Harris is kicking ass.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Admittedly it was tight against the Riders, but they still won in the end. A healthy Mike Reilly is a good thing.
3. Calgary Stampeders
A tie on the road isn't something to complain about, even if it is a weird event. The Stamps again look like a solid team.
4. BC Lions
Lost to Toronto, but the Lions are still a better team than I was expecting.
5. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos over the past few seasons have been a better road team than home team. Still seems to be the case in 2016.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Certainly not a good team. That's pretty much it.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Unlikely to stay here with Collaros returning to practice, but he isn't back yet. A lot of talent, but also a lot of turnovers from Masoli.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
They did beat the Ticats led by Masoli on the road, but the Bombers in no way looked competent in that game. Unlikely for their future opponents to have that many turnovers.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still not good. Probably better in the second half. No playoffs for you!
1. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Tied a good team in Calgary. No losses yet and Trevor Harris is kicking ass.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Admittedly it was tight against the Riders, but they still won in the end. A healthy Mike Reilly is a good thing.
3. Calgary Stampeders
A tie on the road isn't something to complain about, even if it is a weird event. The Stamps again look like a solid team.
4. BC Lions
Lost to Toronto, but the Lions are still a better team than I was expecting.
5. Toronto Argonauts
The Argos over the past few seasons have been a better road team than home team. Still seems to be the case in 2016.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Certainly not a good team. That's pretty much it.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Unlikely to stay here with Collaros returning to practice, but he isn't back yet. A lot of talent, but also a lot of turnovers from Masoli.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
They did beat the Ticats led by Masoli on the road, but the Bombers in no way looked competent in that game. Unlikely for their future opponents to have that many turnovers.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still not good. Probably better in the second half. No playoffs for you!
Thursday, July 7, 2016
2016 CFL Week 2 Power Rankings
1. Ottawa REDBLACKS
I thought that the REDBLACKS made the best free agent signing in quarterback Trevor Harris. I thought that he was probably better than Henry Burris already, but with Burris' injury that is moot, Harris is the starter. Harris has put up some ridiculous stats, including some gaudy numbers from receiver Chris Williams plus a good showing from Canadian receiver Brad Sinopoli.
2. BC Lions
You can't argue with undefeated. The Lions winning on the road against a decent Hamilton team is impressive early on in 2016. I guess Wally Buono still has it with regards to coaching. I honestly didn't see that coming.
3. Caglary Stampeders
The Stamps lost their first game but bounced back in week 2. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was good, but most impressive was the Stampeder running game led by Canadian Jerome Messam who looked unstoppable at times.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
I don't think that Jason Maas is as good a coach as their former coach Chris Jones. However they still have quarterback Mike Reilly, who while healthy is one of the better pivots in the league.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Whenever Zach Collaros returns from injury, the Cats will move up these charts, however that could be Labour Day. Right now the Cats would probably just be happy to go 500 without Collaros. Jeremiah Masoli looked good in the first game against the Argos and then medicore against the Lions at home last week. Masoli is in no danger of beating out Collaros for the Ticats starting job, but he is OK as a backup. Plus the Ticats also have Jeff Matthews. An issue for the Cats in 2016 is their secondary, especially the corners. The Cats released vet Geoff Tisdale, but don't expect that to have magical effects. The Cats need Maher to have a better game kicking than last week. The Cats had a lot of field goals last year from the now departed Justin Medlock.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray is a good quarterback by the standard of every down played in the CFL (which would include all the downs played by backup quarterbacks in the league this year due to injury). That doesn't seem to be enough for the Argos to occupy the top of these rankings. Picking up linebacker Shawn Lemon this week should help the Toronto defence.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Having Duron Carter being suspended obviously doesn't help the Alouettes, however at least he scored an impressive TD on the play. Kevin Glenn seems at this juncture to be a better option than the other Alouette quarterbacks, so the team isn't terrible. Jim Popp has been a great GM (although having quarterback Anthony Calvillo to rely on for years didn't hurt), and a medicore at best CFL coach.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Looks like another losing season for the Bombers. I liked the signings of Harris, Dressler and Medlock, but they haven't panned out yet. Not really a lot to say until they start making an impact.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders lost their home opener to Toronto even with a healthy Darian Durant. Not expecting much this year, although they will probably be better in the second half.
I thought that the REDBLACKS made the best free agent signing in quarterback Trevor Harris. I thought that he was probably better than Henry Burris already, but with Burris' injury that is moot, Harris is the starter. Harris has put up some ridiculous stats, including some gaudy numbers from receiver Chris Williams plus a good showing from Canadian receiver Brad Sinopoli.
2. BC Lions
You can't argue with undefeated. The Lions winning on the road against a decent Hamilton team is impressive early on in 2016. I guess Wally Buono still has it with regards to coaching. I honestly didn't see that coming.
3. Caglary Stampeders
The Stamps lost their first game but bounced back in week 2. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was good, but most impressive was the Stampeder running game led by Canadian Jerome Messam who looked unstoppable at times.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
I don't think that Jason Maas is as good a coach as their former coach Chris Jones. However they still have quarterback Mike Reilly, who while healthy is one of the better pivots in the league.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Whenever Zach Collaros returns from injury, the Cats will move up these charts, however that could be Labour Day. Right now the Cats would probably just be happy to go 500 without Collaros. Jeremiah Masoli looked good in the first game against the Argos and then medicore against the Lions at home last week. Masoli is in no danger of beating out Collaros for the Ticats starting job, but he is OK as a backup. Plus the Ticats also have Jeff Matthews. An issue for the Cats in 2016 is their secondary, especially the corners. The Cats released vet Geoff Tisdale, but don't expect that to have magical effects. The Cats need Maher to have a better game kicking than last week. The Cats had a lot of field goals last year from the now departed Justin Medlock.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Ricky Ray is a good quarterback by the standard of every down played in the CFL (which would include all the downs played by backup quarterbacks in the league this year due to injury). That doesn't seem to be enough for the Argos to occupy the top of these rankings. Picking up linebacker Shawn Lemon this week should help the Toronto defence.
7. Montreal Alouettes
Having Duron Carter being suspended obviously doesn't help the Alouettes, however at least he scored an impressive TD on the play. Kevin Glenn seems at this juncture to be a better option than the other Alouette quarterbacks, so the team isn't terrible. Jim Popp has been a great GM (although having quarterback Anthony Calvillo to rely on for years didn't hurt), and a medicore at best CFL coach.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Looks like another losing season for the Bombers. I liked the signings of Harris, Dressler and Medlock, but they haven't panned out yet. Not really a lot to say until they start making an impact.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders lost their home opener to Toronto even with a healthy Darian Durant. Not expecting much this year, although they will probably be better in the second half.
Friday, July 1, 2016
2016 BC at Hamilton Depth Chart Analysis
The big news is that Canadian defensive tackle Ted Laurent is back for the home opener tonight against BC.
As last week, the Cats go with two American offensive tackles Simmons and Lewis. Canadians Dyakoski and Bomben are the guards and Filer the centre. So that's three Canadian starters out of the seven required on the offensive line.
Wideouts are Underwood and the Canadian Spencer Watt. Slots are Tasker, Owens, and Fantuz, another Canadian. Starting running back is C.J Gable and the Canadian fullback Prime. My assumption is that with four receiver sets with Prime in as fullback, then only one Canadian receiver will be in usually. So that's always two Canadian starters for the receivers and fullbacks, for five total on offense.
Masoli starts at quarterback, with Maher kicking and punting.
On the defensive line, Chick and Tracy are the ends, with the aforementioned Laurent as one of the tackles and Nevis as the other.
The linebackers are Lawrence, Dean and Rico Murray. Corners are Tisdale and Pointer. Defensive halfbacks are Sears Jr. and Lewis. The Canadian Stephen is the starting safety, so that's two Canadian starters on defence.
Very little change from last week's starting lineup against Toronto.
As last week, the Cats go with two American offensive tackles Simmons and Lewis. Canadians Dyakoski and Bomben are the guards and Filer the centre. So that's three Canadian starters out of the seven required on the offensive line.
Wideouts are Underwood and the Canadian Spencer Watt. Slots are Tasker, Owens, and Fantuz, another Canadian. Starting running back is C.J Gable and the Canadian fullback Prime. My assumption is that with four receiver sets with Prime in as fullback, then only one Canadian receiver will be in usually. So that's always two Canadian starters for the receivers and fullbacks, for five total on offense.
Masoli starts at quarterback, with Maher kicking and punting.
On the defensive line, Chick and Tracy are the ends, with the aforementioned Laurent as one of the tackles and Nevis as the other.
The linebackers are Lawrence, Dean and Rico Murray. Corners are Tisdale and Pointer. Defensive halfbacks are Sears Jr. and Lewis. The Canadian Stephen is the starting safety, so that's two Canadian starters on defence.
Very little change from last week's starting lineup against Toronto.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
2016 CFL Week One Power Rankings
Well last week's games didn't go as I thought. So much for the home field advantage in the CFL.
1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats didn't have Ted Laurent in on the defensive line, but they didn't need him. Jeremiah Masoli looked great, Simoni Lawrence was a monster, justifying his selection as best Eastern defensive player last year and Chad Owens burned his former team. Special teams again looked strong. Fantuz was productive and didn't get hurt.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Won against the defending champs on the road. Made a good comeback with a 55 yarder as the clock ran out to tie and then won in overtime. Burris getting injured isn't good, but proves what a good signing Trevor Harris was as backup. Brad Sinopoli is likely the best Canadian receiver.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
To be fair, they were close to winning their opener against a good team in the REDBLACKS, but they still lost at home. At least Mike Reilly didn't get hurt.
4. BC Lions
Wasn't expecting a lot out of the Lions this year and then they go and win their opener. Solid defence.
5. Calgary Stampeders
Is Calgary now mediocre? Admittedly they lost on the road, not at home. Bo Levi Mitchell should be better than this.
6. Montreal Alouettes
So Kevin Glenn still has something in the tank. That's good for Jim Popp and the Alouettes.
7. Toronto Argonauts
Toronto wasn't awful, the Tiger-Cats were just better at all facets of the game. Losing Canadian defensive back Jermaine Gabriel wasn't a good thing for the Argos going forward for their ratio.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Losing at home against the Montreal Alouettes, while certainly not implausible wasn't what I expected. Justin Medlock missing kicks isn't great either, although I'm sure by the end of the season, Medlock will be right up there. Dressler getting injured isn't what the Bombers wanted to see either. At least Drew Willy is OK.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still haven't seen the Roughriders yet in 2016. I'll need evidence to move them out of the basement.
1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Cats didn't have Ted Laurent in on the defensive line, but they didn't need him. Jeremiah Masoli looked great, Simoni Lawrence was a monster, justifying his selection as best Eastern defensive player last year and Chad Owens burned his former team. Special teams again looked strong. Fantuz was productive and didn't get hurt.
2. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Won against the defending champs on the road. Made a good comeback with a 55 yarder as the clock ran out to tie and then won in overtime. Burris getting injured isn't good, but proves what a good signing Trevor Harris was as backup. Brad Sinopoli is likely the best Canadian receiver.
3. Edmonton Eskimos
To be fair, they were close to winning their opener against a good team in the REDBLACKS, but they still lost at home. At least Mike Reilly didn't get hurt.
4. BC Lions
Wasn't expecting a lot out of the Lions this year and then they go and win their opener. Solid defence.
5. Calgary Stampeders
Is Calgary now mediocre? Admittedly they lost on the road, not at home. Bo Levi Mitchell should be better than this.
6. Montreal Alouettes
So Kevin Glenn still has something in the tank. That's good for Jim Popp and the Alouettes.
7. Toronto Argonauts
Toronto wasn't awful, the Tiger-Cats were just better at all facets of the game. Losing Canadian defensive back Jermaine Gabriel wasn't a good thing for the Argos going forward for their ratio.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Losing at home against the Montreal Alouettes, while certainly not implausible wasn't what I expected. Justin Medlock missing kicks isn't great either, although I'm sure by the end of the season, Medlock will be right up there. Dressler getting injured isn't what the Bombers wanted to see either. At least Drew Willy is OK.
9. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Still haven't seen the Roughriders yet in 2016. I'll need evidence to move them out of the basement.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
2016 CFL Predictions Week 1
Hamilton at Toronto
If Zach Collaros was starting, then it would be a no-brainer that Hamilton would be favoured. Instead the Cats are going to be starting Masoli as quarterback against a healthy Ricky Ray. This is in Toronto and in the CFL, home teams have a marked advantage. Hamilton lost some players through free agency and Toronto picked up some decent players in free agency including Hickman and Henry on the defensive line from Hamilton. However Hamilton did pick up receiver Chad Owens from Toronto, who should be motivated to put on a good performance against his former teammates in the double blue.
Still I think the Argos are slightly favoured due to being at home. The Argos should actually have fans at this game for once, although there probably will be plenty of Ticat fans.
Argonauts 35 Tiger-Cats 33
Montreal at Winnipeg
Battle of two crappy teams. The Alouettes have Duron Carter back and the Bombers have Drew Willy not injured yet. Andrew Harris was supposedly injured, but now is not. Again I'll go with home field advantage. Not much is known, although I don't think Kevin Glenn has much left in the tank. That's still more than a lot of quarterback who will start this year in the CFL.
Blue Bombers 27 Alouettes 22
Ottawa at Edmonton
Henry Burris is still old, but didn't get injured last year which is more than can be said for most quarterbacks last year. Mike Reilly isn't injured yet. I think Ottawa should be a decent team, but yet again probably not good enough to beat Edmonton at home.
Eskimos 37 REDBLACKS 30
Calgary at BC
The Stampeders are still a good team and Bo Levi Mitchell is still a good young quarterback. The Stamps don't have Jon Cornish to run the ball and break the ratio, however they've replaced him with Jerome Messam. The Lions lost Andrew Harris in the off-season. I don't think BC is a very good team, even though they are at home.
Stampeders 29 Lions 19
If Zach Collaros was starting, then it would be a no-brainer that Hamilton would be favoured. Instead the Cats are going to be starting Masoli as quarterback against a healthy Ricky Ray. This is in Toronto and in the CFL, home teams have a marked advantage. Hamilton lost some players through free agency and Toronto picked up some decent players in free agency including Hickman and Henry on the defensive line from Hamilton. However Hamilton did pick up receiver Chad Owens from Toronto, who should be motivated to put on a good performance against his former teammates in the double blue.
Still I think the Argos are slightly favoured due to being at home. The Argos should actually have fans at this game for once, although there probably will be plenty of Ticat fans.
Argonauts 35 Tiger-Cats 33
Montreal at Winnipeg
Battle of two crappy teams. The Alouettes have Duron Carter back and the Bombers have Drew Willy not injured yet. Andrew Harris was supposedly injured, but now is not. Again I'll go with home field advantage. Not much is known, although I don't think Kevin Glenn has much left in the tank. That's still more than a lot of quarterback who will start this year in the CFL.
Blue Bombers 27 Alouettes 22
Ottawa at Edmonton
Henry Burris is still old, but didn't get injured last year which is more than can be said for most quarterbacks last year. Mike Reilly isn't injured yet. I think Ottawa should be a decent team, but yet again probably not good enough to beat Edmonton at home.
Eskimos 37 REDBLACKS 30
Calgary at BC
The Stampeders are still a good team and Bo Levi Mitchell is still a good young quarterback. The Stamps don't have Jon Cornish to run the ball and break the ratio, however they've replaced him with Jerome Messam. The Lions lost Andrew Harris in the off-season. I don't think BC is a very good team, even though they are at home.
Stampeders 29 Lions 19
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