3rd and 1: Best Bets for Week 8 of the CFL Season

“Much of what we consider valuable in our world arises out of these kinds of lopsided conflicts, because the act of facing overwhelming odds produces greatness and beauty.” – Malcolm Gladwell.

Underdogs are 19-9 against the spread this season in the CFL.  And, like David versus Goliath, those that are overlooked often produce the best results.  Sometimes, because they believe it’s their only chance to succeed.  Sometimes, it’s because the starting quarterback they’re facing is forced to leave the game.  Either way, the record is irrefutable.  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers certainly have something to do with it.  They entered the season with the shortest odds to win the Grey Cup. They’ve been favoured in every game so far, going 1-6 against the spread, and 2-5 straight up.  This week finally marks the first time that the Blue and Gold will be an underdog all season.  Will it bring out that dog in them?  While it may have four legs, I’m not lining up to pet it. In other words, I’ll wait and see with Winnipeg while turning my eye to some other dogs barking for attention.  Greatness and beauty await.

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Montreal Alouettes

Two one-loss first-placed teams kick off Thursday Night Football. However, neither will have their No. 1 quarterback.  Cody Fajardo facing his former team as a Grey Cup champ for the first time would have been a nice storyline.  Instead, it’s Caleb Evans who was just 12-of-22 with two picks after Fajardo’s exit against the Argos two weeks ago.  Meanwhile, Shea Patterson has been steady, not spectacular for Saskatchewan winning two of his three starts.  Making things a little more difficult against the defending champs is that he’ll be without both A.J. Ouellette and Kian