Week 3 of the Canadian Football League (CFL) action is coming in hot, offering a stellar lineup of matches from coast to coast. It's time to put the Raymond Report under the microscope to dissect the stats and predictions to give fans a clear picture of what's to come.
British Columbia Lions (49) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-6)
The British Columbia Lions will be on the road against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, operating as underdogs. But before you place your bets, remember that road teams in the Lions' current position (week 1-4, off two ATS wins, two-game winning streak, scoring 21 or more in the last game) have a record of 8-2-2 ATS since 1996.
On the flip side, the Blue Bombers, coming off a high-scoring game of 40 points or more, are formidable when playing at home as favourites, boasting a 10-2 SU and 8-4-0 ATS record since 1996. With such a clash of the titans, this could well be the game to watch in Week 3.
Computer Forecast: Winnipeg 26.86 BC Lions 23.92
Montreal Alouettes (44) at Hamilton Tigercats (-2.5)
The Montreal Alouettes will face off against the Hamilton Tigercats, a meeting that historically favors the Alouettes. They've pulled off a 9-3 SU record in the last five years when playing away against an Eastern Division opponent.
However, it's worth noting that when the Tiger-Cats play at home against divisional opponents, especially after a loss to a Toronto team, the UNDER has an impressive 9-2-0 record. Expect a lower-scoring, more defensive game in this encounter.
Computer Forecast: Hamilton 13.02 Montreal 10.35
Saskatchewan Roughriders (45.5) at Calgary Stampeders (-3.5)
The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders lock horns next. For those leaning towards the UNDER, the Roughriders have recorded 3-10-0 for UNDER when playing away and coming off against a Western Conference opponent in the last two years.
Meanwhile, the Stampeders' stats present a stark contrast. In games where they've allowed 17 points or less, the Stamps, as a -3.5 to -6.5 home favourite, have a solid 16-2 SU and 12-5-1 ATS record since '96. The stats seem to be tilting towards the Stampeders, but expect a gritty battle.
Computer Forecast: Calgary 24.88 Saskatchewan 20.94
Toronto Argonauts (-6.5) at Edmonton Elks (44.5)
Lastly, the Toronto Argonauts will be visiting the Edmonton Elks. Argonauts' games in June have tended towards the UNDER (2-9-0 record), when playing as an away team since 1996.
However, the Elks have a robust history of bouncing back at home after a two-game UNDER streak. They've been victorious 31 times out of 36 (31-5 SU), with a 27-9-0 ATS record since 1996.
Computer Forecast: Toronto 25.92 Edmonton 22.91
In conclusion, Week 3 promises to deliver an action-packed weekend of Canadian football. Remember, while stats can guide predictions, the excitement of the CFL often lies in its unpredictability. Grab some popcorn, sit back, and let the games begin.
