CFL Week 9 Preview: Betting Insights, Player Performances, and Defensive Highlights
As we head into Week 9 of the CFL season, the matchups are heating up, and so are the betting opportunities. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming games, complete with predictions, key player performances, and defensive shoutouts to help you make informed wagers.
BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Date: August 1, 2024
Time: 20:30 ET
Stadium: Investors Group Field
Betting Lines:
- Spread: BC Lions -3.5
- Total: 50.5
Raymond Report Predictions:
- BC Lions: Predicted Score: 31.45, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 72.22%
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Predicted Score: 22.73, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 27.78%
Player Performances:
- BC Lions: Vernon Adams Jr. has been stellar, leading the league with 2,203 passing yards and a 114.7 passer rating. He has thrown 12 touchdowns against just 3 interceptions, showcasing his efficiency and deep-ball accuracy.
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Zach Collaros has struggled, throwing only 2 touchdowns against 7 interceptions. His passer rating of 77.4 reflects the offensive woes of the Blue Bombers.
Defensive Shoutout:
- BC Lions: Christian Covington has been a force on the defensive line, contributing significantly to the Lions' stout defense.
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Adam Bighill continues to be a defensive stalwart, leading the team in tackles and providing leadership on the field.
Prediction:
The Raymond Report predicts a strong performance from the BC Lions, who are expected to cover the -3.5 spread. The total of 50.5 suggests a moderately high-scoring game, but considering the Bombers' underwhelming offense, the under might be a safer bet.
Montreal Alouettes vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Date: August 2, 2024
Time: 19:30 ET
Stadium: Tim Hortons Field
Betting Lines:
- Spread: Montreal Alouettes -5
- Total: 50.5
Raymond Report Predictions:
- Montreal Alouettes: Predicted Score: 26.43, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 71.43%
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Predicted Score: 21.25, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 31.31%
Player Performances:
- Montreal Alouettes: Cody Fajardo has been efficient, completing 77.5% of his passes for 1,636 yards and 10 touchdowns. His passer rating of 113.3 is one of the highest in the league. However, he's on the 6 game injured reserve list with Caleb Evans taking the reps under center.
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats: James Butler is chasing his third straight 1,000-yard season, having already amassed significant yardage and proving to be a reliable rusher for the Tiger-Cats.
Defensive Shoutout:
- Montreal Alouettes: Marc-Antoine Dequoy has been a standout in the secondary, earning a spot on the Week 8 Honour Roll for his defensive prowess.
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Casey Sayles has been a key player on the defensive line, contributing to Hamilton's strong defensive front.
Prediction:
According to the Raymond Report, Montreal is favored to cover the -5 spread. The total of 50.5 is high, but with Hamilton's tendency for high-scoring games, betting the over could be worthwhile.
Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Date: August 3, 2024
Time: 19:00 ET
Stadium: Mosaic Stadium
Betting Lines:
- Spread: Saskatchewan Roughriders -5.5
- Total: 51.5
Raymond Report Predictions:
- Edmonton Elks: Predicted Score: 26.59, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 34.29%
- Saskatchewan Roughriders: Predicted Score: 27.43, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 46.43%
Player Performances:
- Edmonton Elks: Eugene Lewis has been a bright spot, with 48 receptions for 844 yards and 3 touchdowns. His chemistry with new quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson is improving each game.
- Saskatchewan Roughriders: Trevor Harris has been effective, completing 72.2% of his passes for 872 yards and 7 touchdowns in just three games.
Defensive Shoutout:
- Edmonton Elks: Bryce Carter has been a menace on the pass rush, leading the team with a high pass rush win rate.
- Saskatchewan Roughriders: Frankie Hickson has stepped up in the absence of A.J. Ouellette, leading the team in tackles and providing critical defensive stops.
Prediction:
The Raymond Report suggests a close game with the Roughriders slightly favored to cover the -5.5 spread. The total of 51.5 suggests a high-scoring game, but considering both teams' recent performances, the under might be a safer bet.
Toronto Argonauts vs. Calgary Stampeders
Date: August 4, 2024
Time: 19:00 ET
Stadium: McMahon Stadium
Betting Lines:
- Spread: Calgary Stampeders -2.5
- Total: 49.5
Raymond Report Predictions:
- Toronto Argonauts: Predicted Score: 22.73, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 36.36%
- Calgary Stampeders: Predicted Score: 25.55, Confidence of Win (C.O.W.): 56%
Player Performances:
- Toronto Argonauts: Cameron Dukes has shown promise, completing 72.5% of his passes for 1,184 yards and 6 touchdowns.
- Calgary Stampeders: Demerio Houston, a recent addition, has been impactful in the secondary with multiple interceptions and defensive takeaways.
Defensive Shoutout:
- Toronto Argonauts: Jake Ceresna has bolstered the defensive line, providing a strong pass rush and earning a spot on the Week 8 Honour Roll[5].
- Calgary Stampeders: Cameron Judge has been a defensive leader, with a career-high in tackles and interceptions last season.
Prediction:
Calgary is favored by 2.5 points, and the Raymond Report predicts they will cover the spread. The total of 49.5 suggests a moderately high-scoring game, and betting the over might be a good option given both teams' offensive capabilities.
Betting Tips:
- BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Consider betting on the Lions to cover the spread and the under on total points.
- Montreal Alouettes vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Bet on the Alouettes to cover the spread and the over on total points.
- Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders: Favor the Roughriders to cover the spread and the under on total points.
- Toronto Argonauts vs. Calgary Stampeders: Consider the Stampeders to cover the spread and the over on total points.
These insights, informed by the Raymond Report and player performance statistics, should help you navigate the betting landscape for Week 9 of the CFL season. Happy betting!
