7-4-14

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Behind The Bets

3* -Germany/France Draw +225

3* -Brazil -118

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Today's CFL Picks

FRIDAY, JULY 4 Time Posted: 6:00 a.m. EST (7/3)

Game 323-324: BC at Montreal (7:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: BC 120.270; Montreal 115.638 Dunkel Line: BC by 4 1/2; 47 Vegas Line: BC by 2 1/2; 51 Dunkel Pick: BC (-2 1/2); Under

Game 325-326: Hamilton at Edmonton (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Hamilton 117.012; Edmonton 110.626 Dunkel Line: Hamilton by 6 1/2; 48 Vegas Line: Edmonton by 3 1/2; 52 Dunkel Pick: Hamilton (+3 1/2); Under

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World Cup 2014 quarterfinal betting: Brazil vs. Colombia
By Pinnacle SPORTS

Pinnacle Sports has everything you need to wager on World Cup 2014. Find odds and info on all the exciting soccer action in Brazil.

The 2014 World Cup is now at the knockout stage, read this quarterfinals betting preview before placing your bets.

Four European, three South American and one Central American nation make up the last eight of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. All eight nations are undefeated, all eight nations finished top of their respective groups, and all eight nations will expect to progress through to the semifinals.

World Cup Quarter-final betting – Brazil vs. Colombia (July 4)




Brazil needed a penalty-shootout to beat Chile in the Round of 16, while Colombia continued their rampage through the World Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over Uruguay.

After their credible win in the 2013 Confederations Cup many believed the Brazilians would cope with the pressure of winning on home soil, however so far they look a shadow of the team who thrilled in the warm up for the World Cup, and are playing with a disjointedness that is reflective of a fear of losing.

Despite this they are through to the quarterfinals but will face arguably their biggest test in the free-flowing Colombians. The Brazilian media are questioning manager Felipe Scolari’s persistence to stick with Hulk, Fred and Alves who have been ever-present over the past 12 months, but have underperformed at the World Cup thus far. Defensively they look susceptible and will need to tighten up if they are to stop the attacking threat from Colombia.

Neymar who was relatively quite against Chile, has been the star man, but keep him out of the game – like Chile did – and Brazil appear to lose their attacking panache and look impotent going forward.

Colombia in comparison are playing with a freedom created from confidence and this is perhaps why they are a genuine threat to Brazils existence in the World Cup. James Rodríguez has scored five tournament goals – scored two goals against Uruguay – and like Neymar for Brazil, he is the focal point for Los Cafeteros.

The 1X2 market has Brazil as the 1.800 favorites, giving them an implied 55.56 percent chance of winning, while Colombians can be backed at 4.950. On the handicap Colombia have covered 100 percent so far, while the hosts have failed to cover the spread in two games but are the favorites on a 0.5 & 1 split spread.

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World Cup 2014 quarterfinal betting: France vs. Germany
By Pinnacle SPORTS

Pinnacle Sports has everything you need to wager on World Cup 2014. Find odds and info on all the exciting soccer action in Brazil.

The 2014 World Cup is now at the knockout stage, read this quarterfinals betting preview before placing your bets.

Four European and four South American nations make up the last eight of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. All eight nations are undefeated, all eight nations finished top of their respective groups, and all eight nations will expect to progress through to the semifinals.

World Cup Quarter-final betting: France vs. Germany (July 4)



On Monday, France beat Nigeria 2-0 and Germany beat Algeria 2-1 in the Round of 16. France scored twice in the final 11 minutes to beat a resilient Nigerian side, while Germany needed extra time to see off underdogs Algeria and set up the quarterfinal clash.

France have been consistent since their opening 3-0 victory over Honduras in Group E. They demolished Switzerland 5-2 to seal qualification and despite a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, they got back to winning ways with their 2-0 win against Nigeria.

Karim Benzema has scored three times in those four matches, and with the likes of Yohanne Cabaye, Mathieu Valbuena and Paul Pogba supplying the forward, goals are always a real possibility for Les Bleus.

Germany have a similar record. They topped Group G with two wins and a draw: 4-0 against Portugal, 2-2 against Ghana and 1-0 against the USA. Thomas Müller has arguably been their best player, and they will need all of their attacking flair if they are going to score against Hugo Lloris’ well-organised defence.

Germany are the favorites on the 1×2 at Pinnacle Sports, with odds currently available at 2.460 – an implied probability of 40.65 percent. France are the slight underdogs at 3.200 (31.25 percent probability), whilst a draw is being offered at 3.320.

Germany have covered 50 percent of the spread in the World Cup so far, whilst France have covered 75 percent. Germany are the favorites at 2.100 on a 0 and -0.5 handicap.

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World Cup Game of the Day: Brazil vs. Colombia

Brazil v Colombia (-122, +399, Draw +270)

The stakes will be high as host Brazil and surging Colombia do battle Friday afternoon in the first-ever World Cup meeting between the South American rivals. Host Brazil is coming off a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win over Chile - needing a post on the Chileans' final attempt to secure the victory - and saw its offensive star hobbled by a knee injury. The Colombians come in on a high after blanking Uruguay 2-0.

While it may seem disingenuous to suggest that Brazil will only go so far as Neymar's wonky knee carries them, it will be difficult for the one-time tournament favorites to earn their first semifinal berth in 12 years without their star striker in form. Colombia has no such concerns from its scoring star, as James Rodriguez comes in fully fit and leading the World Cup with five goals. Columbia has outscored opponents 11-2.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN

WORLD RANKINGS:Brazil: No. 3; Colombia: No. 8.

INJURY REPORT: Brazil: F Neymar suffered a knee injury in the round-of-16 win over Chile, but has been cleared to play Friday; MF Luis Gustavo is suspended and will miss the contest. Colombia: None.

WHAT THE SHARPS SAY: "This is poised to be one of the games of the tournament for us. Colombia has been dynamic in attack with James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado as well as boasting an impressive defensive record. Brazil will have to bring their A game to overturn Los Cafeteros on Friday Evening." Covers Expert Footy Tipster

ABOUT BRAZIL: Neymar's injury isn't the only thing plaguing the Brazilians, who have survived despite middling play from its midfield and will be left short-handed against the Colombians. Luis Gustavo's suspension is a particularly damaging one for Brazil; he owns the best pass rate on the team among players with at least 100 attempts (90.5) and was critical in facilitating the offense near the center line. It's expected that Ramires and Fernandinho will join forces to command the midfield in Gustavo's absence.

ABOUT COLOMBIA: The Colombians were expected to make waves in group stage play - but few expected them to stake a claim as the top team in the tournament through four matches. Rodriguez has been the darling of the tournament; the 22-year-old scored both goals in the round-of-16 match with Uruguay, including a sensational volley in which he gathered a header with his chest before rifling the ball in off the bottom of the crossbar. Colombia's defense has also been stout, and will have the benefit of full health.

TRENDS:

* Brazil has reached six straight quarterfinals, but has failed to advance to the semifinals since 2002.
* The teams have drawn their last four international encounters; three of those games finished goalless.
* Brazil has 13 wins and two draws in its last 16 World Cup games in which it scores first.
* Colombia hasn't beaten Brazil since 1991, losing seven and drawing five in 12 matches since.

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Germany has edge on France in World Cup meetings
Andrew Avery

Despite being two of the game's powerhouse teams, France and Germany haven't met with any frequency throughout the years. The pair have only met three times at the World Cup and have never met at a European Championship finals.

The three meetings - all when Germany was West Germany - resulted in two wins for Die Mannschaft and one for Les Bleus.

France defeated West Germany 6-3 in 1958 third-place match
West Germany defeated France in penalties (5-4) after playing to a 3-3 draw in 1982 semifinal
West Germany defeated France 2-0 in 1986 semifinal

This time around, the two UEFA giants meet in the quarterfinals. Pinnacle Sports currently has the Germans as +153 favorites in three-way markets, with the French +216 and the Draw +225.

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Could a flu outbreak hamper Germany against France?
Stephen Campbell

According to TheScore.com, a virus spreading throughout the German clubhouse could have a significant impact on the club's quarterfinal match with France Friday.

German coach Joachim Loew told media outlets that seven of his players are dealing with flu-like symptoms, believed to most notably include Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller and Christoph Kramer. Loew tried to downplay the affect the sickness could have on his team's performance but there is certainly concern among German fans and bettors alike with the news breaking just one day before the match.

Pinnacle Sports currently lists the Germans as +153 faves with an Over of 2 and 2.5.

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Who's hot, who's not in Fourth of July baseball betting
By ANDREW AVERY

What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than some time with family and friends, some ice-cold American beer, a bbq overflowing with meat, and a full slate of games in America's past time?

We decided to take a look at the past 11 season in the majors to total up the wins, losses, overs and unders in games played on July 4.

* The O/U count in 2013 was 10-4.
* The New York Yankees are 8-1-2 O/U in the past 11 July 4 games.
* The Oakland A's 2-8 O/U in the past 10 July 4 games.
* The Philadelphia Phillies have posted the best July 4 record over the past 11 seasons at 9-2.
* The Houston Astros have lost seven-straight games on the Fourth of July.
* The combined O/U is 160-140-14 for MLB clubs.

Here is a look at the numbers per team.

AL East:

Baltimore Orioles: 5-6 SU, 7-4 O/U
Boston Red Sox: 4-7 SU, 6-4-1 O/U
New York Yankees: 5-6 SU, 8-1-2 O/U
Tampa Bay Rays: 5-6 SU, 7-4 O/U
*Toronto Blue Jays: 4-6 SU, 8-2 O/U

AL Central:

Chicago White Sox: 6-5 SU, 4-6-1 O/U
#Cleveland Indians: 6-6 SU, 7-4-1 O/U
#Detroit Tigers: 3-9 SU, 6-6 O/U
Kansas City Royals: 4-7 SU, 6-4-1 O/U
Minnesota Twins: 6-5 SU, 5-4-2 O/U

AL West:

Houston Astros: 2-9 SU, 7-4 O/U
Los Angeles Angels: 7-4 SU, 7-4 O/U
*Oakland A's: 6-4 SU, 2-8 O/U
Seattle Mariners: 6-5 SU, 3-7-1 O/U
Texas Rangers: 7-4 SU, 5-4-2 O/U

NL East:

Atlanta Braves: 6-5 SU, 3-8 O/U
Miami Marlins: 6-5 SU, 3-8 O/U
New York Mets: 6-5 SU, 6-5 O/U
Philadelphia Phillies: 9-2 SU, 6-5 O/U
Washington Nationals: 7-4 SU, 7-4 O/U

NL Central:

Chicago Cubs: 3-8 SU, 5-6 O/U
^Cincinnati Reds: 5-5 SU, 3-7 O/U
Milwaukee Brewers: 4-7 SU, 7-4 O/U
Pittsburgh Pirates: 6-5 SU, 7-4 O/U
St. Louis Cardinals: 8-3 SU, 4-6-1 O/U

NL West:

Arizona Diamondbacks: 5-6 SU, 6-3-2 O/U
Colorado Rockies: 7-4 SU, 6-5 O/U
Los Angeles Dodgers: 6-5 SU, 4-7 O/U
San Diego Padres: 7-4 SU, 6-5 O/U
^San Francisco Giants: 3-7 SU, 8-2 O/U

* The A's and Jays did not play on July 4 in 2005.
# The Tigers and Indians played a double header on July 4 in 2005.
^ The Giants and reds game was postponed in 2013.

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THE FACTSMAN

[951] TOTAL OVER 7.5 -110 (CHI CUBS vrs WAS NATIONALS)
( J HAMMEL -R / T ROARK -R )

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France vs. Germany

Date/Time: Friday, 12:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Do Maracana
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Line:
Germany +130, France +210, Tie after Regulation +230
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +125, Under -153)

Two of the traditional European soccer powerhouses collide in Friday's quarterfinal match when Germany takes on France.

Germany started off its World Cup with 4-0 victory against Portugal, but have been a bit shaky since that opener. After a 2-2 draw with heavy underdog Ghana, they barely topped the United States by a 1-0 score, and failed to score in regulation during a 2-1 win over Algeria in the Round of 16.

France took a while to score against Nigeria in the knockout round, but tallied goals in the 79th minute and 92nd minute to outlast their opponent and pitch their third shutout in four World Cup matches. Les Blues other results were an easy 3-0 win over Honduras, a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland and a 0-0 draw versus Ecuador.

The Germans are the favorite on Friday, and should have the services of defender Mats Hummels, who missed the Round of 16 with an illness. These countries have met six times over the past 18 years with France prevailing in four of those contests.

France star forward Karim Benzema has three of his team's 10 goals so far in the World Cup, but it was mercurial 21-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba who played the hero in the Round of 16 with a goal in the 79th minute. Germany will have major trouble dealing with Pogba's strength on Friday, and their midfielders are smaller finesse players. But they are also much more experienced. Les Blues has been fortunate with tallies coming off two own goals, and no France player other than Benzema has more than one goal in this World Cup, as forwards Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko, and midfielders Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena have one goal apiece.

Other stars for Les Blues in this tournament include midfielders Yohan Cabay and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who has surrendered only two goals total in the four matches combined, both coming against Switzerland after his club staked him to a 5-0 lead. Possession hasn't been a huge key for France in this tournament, as they held the ball for only 43% versus Switzerland and 49% versus Nigeria, but they still won those games by a combined 7-2 score.

For the tournament, Les Blues has attempted 77 shots, with 48 of those (62%) winding up on goal. After France committed 29 fouls with four yellow cards during their first two matches, they were whistled for only 18 fouls with one yellow card (Matuidi) over the most recent two contests.

Thomas Muller has four of the nine Germany goals in this tournament, giving him nine goals in nine career World Cup matches. His play will go a long way in determining whether his country reaches the semifinal round for the fourth consecutive World Cup. Andre Schurrle, Mesut Ozil, Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Miroslav Klose have the other tallies for the Germans, with Klose's tally marking his 15th career World Cup goal, which ties Ronaldo for the all-time record.

Although Germany hasn't played up to its capabilities since its opening match, they have held possession advantages in all three of their matches, with 59% versus Portugal, 54% facing Ghana and a whopping 63% possession time versus both USA and Algeria. For the tournament, they hold a 24-15 edge in corner kicks on their opponents. But after Germany was outshot by a hefty 34-24 margin (19-15 in shots on goal) in the first two matches in the World Cup, they have fired 42 total shots (31 on goal, 74%) in the past two contests combined.

The players tasked with feeding the goal-scoring stars are midfielders Toni Kroos and Lukas Podolski, who has 47 goals in his 116 caps. Germany has allowed only three goals over four matches in this tournament thanks to the stellar play of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but there have been some defensive breakdowns that simply cannot happen versus a team as skilled as France.

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Germany and France clash in Friday's quarterfinals
By: Brian Graham - StatFox


2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

FRANCE vs. GERMANY

Kickoff: Monday, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Estadio Do Maracana – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Line:
Germany +130, France +210, Tie after Regulation +230
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +125, Under -153)

Two of the traditional European soccer powerhouses collide in Friday's quarterfinal match when Germany takes on France.

Germany started off its World Cup with 4-0 victory against Portugal, but have been a bit shaky since that opener. After a 2-2 draw with heavy underdog Ghana, they barely topped the United States by a 1-0 score, and failed to score in regulation during a 2-1 win over Algeria in the Round of 16. France took a while to score against Nigeria in the knockout round, but tallied goals in the 79th minute and 92nd minute to outlast their opponent and pitch their third shutout in four World Cup matches. Les Blues other results were an easy 3-0 win over Honduras, a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland and a 0-0 draw versus Ecuador. The Germans are the favorite on Friday, and should have the services of defender Mats Hummels, who missed the Round of 16 with an illness. These countries have met six times over the past 18 years with France prevailing in four of those contests.

France star forward Karim Benzema has three of his team's 10 goals so far in the World Cup, but it was mercurial 21-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba who played the hero in the Round of 16 with a goal in the 79th minute. Germany will have major trouble dealing with Pogba's strength on Friday, and their midfielders are smaller finesse players. But they are also much more experienced. Les Blues has been fortunate with tallies coming off two own goals, and no France player other than Benzema has more than one goal in this World Cup, as forwards Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko, and midfielders Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena have one goal apiece. Other stars for Les Blues in this tournament include midfielders Yohan Cabay and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who has surrendered only two goals total in the four matches combined, both coming against Switzerland after his club staked him to a 5-0 lead. Possession hasn't been a huge key for France in this tournament, as they held the ball for only 43% versus Switzerland and 49% versus Nigeria, but they still won those games by a combined 7-2 score. For the tournament, Les Blues has attempted 77 shots, with 48 of those (62%) winding up on goal. After France committed 29 fouls with four yellow cards during their first two matches, they were whistled for only 18 fouls with one yellow card (Matuidi) over the most recent two contests.

Thomas Muller has four of the nine Germany goals in this tournament, giving him nine goals in nine career World Cup matches. His play will go a long way in determining whether his country reaches the semifinal round for the fourth consecutive World Cup. Andre Schurrle, Mesut Ozil, Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Miroslav Klose have the other tallies for the Germans, with Klose's tally marking his 15th career World Cup goal, which ties Ronaldo for the all-time record. Although Germany hasn't played up to its capabilities since its opening match, they have held possession advantages in all three of their matches, with 59% versus Portugal, 54% facing Ghana and a whopping 63% possession time versus both USA and Algeria. For the tournament, they hold a 24-15 edge in corner kicks on their opponents. But after Germany was outshot by a hefty 34-24 margin (19-15 in shots on goal) in the first two matches in the World Cup, they have fired 42 total shots (31 on goal, 74%) in the past two contests combined. The players tasked with feeding the goal-scoring stars are midfielders Toni Kroos and Lukas Podolski, who has 47 goals in his 116 caps. Germany has allowed only three goals over four matches in this tournament thanks to the stellar play of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but there have been some defensive breakdowns that simply cannot happen versus a team as skilled as France.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colombia looks to upset Brazil in Friday's quarters
By: Zach Cohen - StatFox


2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

BRAZIL vs. COLOMBIA

2014 World Cup Quarterfinal Match
Kickoff: Friday, 4:00 p.m. EDT
Estadio Castelao – Fortaleza, Brazil

Line:
Brazil -125, Colombia +315, Tie after Regulation +280
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +105, Under -135)

After surviving their match against Chile in dramatic fashion, the home team Brazil will take on Colombia Friday with the winner moving onto the semifinal round.

Brazil’s road to the quarterfinals has been extremely exciting, but none of their matches can match the excitement of their battle with Chile when Brazil eventually advanced on penalty kicks in what was a 1-1 game after overtime. Colombia has proven to be one of the most surprising teams of the tournament so far and now they have an opportunity to knock off the tournament favorites and advance to the Semifinal.

Brazil was involved in a grueling affair with Chile in the Round of 16. Despite the fact that the team playing in front of its home crowd and outshot its opponent 13-5 on goal, there was no difference in goals scored after 30 minutes of extra time. In regulation, David Luiz scored at the 18-minute mark to give Brazil a 1-0 lead, but Alexis Sanchez netted the equalizer 14 minutes later. Those would be the only shots that found the back of the net until penalties. In the penalty kicks, Chile was trailing 3-2 with the final shot on the way and it clanged off the post. Brazil survived and now they face a Colombia team that looked outstanding in their previous match. Star forward Neymar (4 goals in tournament) is nursing an injured thigh and if he doesn’t play, Brazil will have a lot of trouble advancing.

In the Round of 16, Colombia was matched up against Uruguay, who was playing without the suspended Luis Suarez. The game was very evenly played, but only Colombia was able to score. Despite being outshot 9-8 on goal by Uruguay, Colombia won the time of possession with 54%. James Rodriguez (5 goals, 2 assists in tournament) was the difference in the game, as he was unstoppable for Colombia throughout. Rodriguez scored his first goal at the 28-minute mark and made it 2-0 at the 50-minute mark. He has scored at least one goal in all four matches in this tournament. The youngster has really enjoyed a coming out party in this World Cup and he can continue to impress by knocking out Neymar and Brazil.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 2
By David Schwab


The new CFL regular season just got underway this past weekend and we have already seen a pair of shocking upsets to kick things off. Winnipeg got the ball rolling with a 45-21 romp over Toronto last Thursday night as a seven-point home underdog.

After Calgary thumped Montreal 29-8 on Saturday as a 7½-point favorite at home, Edmonton went on the road to beat British Columbia 27-20 as an eight-point underdog. In a rematch of last season’s Grey Cup Championship, Saskatchewan was even more dominant this time around with a 31-10 victory over Hamilton as a 3½-point home favorite to close things out for Week 1.

Total bettors watched the ‘under’ produce a 3-1 record in Week 1.

Opening numbers provided by 5Dimes

Friday, July 4


British Columbia Lions (0-1 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Montreal Alouettes (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS)

Point-spread: British Columbia -1
Total: 51

Game Overview

BC was listed as 5Dimes’ favorite to win this season’s Grey Cup on its preseason futures board, but last week’s loss at home has already raised some red flags. Kevin Glenn, who replaced an injured Travis Lulay at quarterback, was picked-off four times and the Lions’ ground game was held to just 53 yards.

The expectation level for Montreal’s re-tooled offense that now features former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith at quarterback and Chad Johnson at wide receiver, sputtered out of the gate with just eight points in Saturday’s loss. Smith struggled to complete just 44 percent of his 41 passes for a total of 154 yards. Johnson recorded two catches for 20 yards.

Betting Trends

The Lions are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 trips to Montreal and they are 22-6 ATS in the last 28 meetings overall. The total has gone OVER in five of the last seven games between these two, including the last five games played at Percival Molson Stadium.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)

Pointspread: Edmonton -2½
Total: 52

Game Overview

Hamilton will quickly need to put last week’s trip to Saskatchewan in the rear view mirror to avoid a 0-2 start on this West Division road trip. It fell behind 24-1 at the half behind new starting quarterback Zach Collaros. He ended the day with 139 yards passing and a lost fumble and interception.

The Eskimos had the second-worst record in the CFL last season at 4-14 SU, but they looked like a whole different team in last Saturday’s upset against BC. Mike Reilly threw for 229 yards and three touchdowns while adding 33 yards on the ground. Edmonton’s defense was torched for an average of 28.8 points per game last season, but it came up big against BC in its 2014 season opener by holding the Lions to just three second-half points.

Betting Trends

The home team in this series has gone 7-3 SU in the last 10 meetings and the total has gone OVER in four of the last five games. Hamilton does hold a 13-6 edge ATS in the last 19 meetings in this matchup.

Saturday, July 5


Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) at Toronto Argonauts (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS)

Pointspread: PICK
Total Line: 53½

Game Overview

The defending champs are off to another solid start this year after going 8-1 SU in their first nine games of the 2013 regular season. Darian Durant was efficient throwing the ball in the win over Hamilton last Sunday with a completion percentage of 68.2 percent, but it was the Roughriders’ ground game that led the way. Anthony Allen ran the ball 27 times for 158 yards and one score while averaging 5.9 yards a carry.

The Argonauts are still trying to figure out what hit them in last Thursday’s season opener that started with a 17-0 hole in the first quarter. Ricky Ray’s numbers were solid with 283 yards passing and two touchdowns, but Toronto’s defense failed to show up after giving-up well over 300 yards through the air and over 130 yards on the ground.

Betting Trends

The Roughriders come into this contest with a 4-1 record ATS in the last five meetings in Toronto and the total has stayed UNDER in nine of the last 13 games between the two at the Rogers Centre. The road team in this matchup has won six of the last eight meetings SU.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

CFL

BC Lions (0-1) @ Montreal (0-1) -- Home side won last six series games; Lions lost last three visits here, by 4-5-1 point; underdogs are 8-4-1 vs spread in last 13 series games, with five of last seven going over total. BC turned ball over five times (-4) to Edmonton last week, getting upset in home opener, with QB Lulay out; they lost last three road games LY, allowing 34.7 ppg. Montreal lost in Calgary last week; Troy Smith was just 17-40/127 passing.

Hamilton (0-1) @ Edmonton (1-0) -- Eskimos won eight of last 12 series games, but TiCats' 30-29 (+3) win here LY snapped six-game skid here for Hamilton, which lost 31-10 last week in Regina, turning ball over three times (was 24-1 at half). Four of last five series games went over total. Edmonton pulled upset in Vancouver last week, picking off four passes, rallying back from 17-13 halftime deficit to win 27-20 (+8), taking advantage of QB Lulay's absence.