Monday 10-8-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Washington Redskins vs. New Orleans Saints Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in NFL

NFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
Drew Brees has a chance to attain two major career milestones when the New Orleans Saints go for their fourth consecutive victory against the visiting Washington Redskins on Monday night. The nationally televised matchup provides a perfect backdrop for Brees, who can become the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards with 201 versus the Redskins.

"Drew Brees is a great quarterback, a Hall of Famer in my eyes," Redskins linebacker Mason Foster said. "He's going to break that record sooner or later anyways. Everybody knows that. Our big thing is to limit big plays and win the game." Brees can surpass both Peyton Manning and Brett Favre to claim the record and also has a chance to join that duo and New England's Tom Brady with 500 touchdown passes if he throws for four on Monday night. Another subplot involves the return of Redskins running back Adrian Peterson to New Orleans, where he played four games last season before he was traded to Arizona. Washington will be fresh coming off a bye but the team has had nightmarish experiences on Monday night, dropping five in a row and 13 of 15.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Saints -6.5. O/U: 52.5

ABOUT THE REDSKINS (2-1): Washington bounced back from a woeful performance in a 21-9 loss to Indianapolis in Week 2 with a 31-17 victory over Green Bay prior to the bye. Peterson sparked the win by rushing for 120 yards and a pair of scores while Alex Smith added two touchdown passes. The Redskins have shown no semblance of a vertical passing game -- running back Chris Thompson is the leading receiver with 20 receptions and tight end Jordan Reed is next with 14. Washington ranks second in points allowed (14.7) and third in both total yards (278.0) and passing yards (187.3).

ABOUT THE SAINTS (3-1): Mark Ingram returns from a four-game suspension but New Orleans' biggest problem may be how to integrate him into the backfield without cutting into Alvin Kamara's efficiency. Kamara rushed for a season-high 134 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 33-18 win at the New York Giants and also has been superb in the passing game with 35 catches and a pair of 100-yard games. Brees threw for a season-low 217 yards last week but has eight touchdowns and zero interceptions on the season. The Saints are vulnerable though the air, surrendering an average of 311 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Saints WR Michael Thomas, who has an NFL-best 42 catches, has at least 10 receptions and a TD in his last two at home.

2. Smith has 23 TD passes against only four interceptions in his last 10 road games.

3. Brees has thrown for 3,461 yards with 34 touchdowns and five interceptions in his last 10 Monday night home games.

PREDICTION: Saints 30, Redskins 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th October 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/07/2018

The Cleveland Indians hope to wake up their dormant offense and avoid being swept when they host the Houston Astros for Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Monday afternoon. The Indians, who finished third in the major leagues in hits during the regular season, have managed just six - five singles and a homer by Francisco Lindor - to go along with four walks and 24 strikeouts while dropping the first two contests of the best-of-five series.

"We just need to find a way to win Monday," Cleveland manager Terry Francona told reporters after Saturday's 3-1 loss. "I'm guessing that Houston will enjoy their off-day more than we will. Other than that, show up on Monday and play for our baseball life. Nobody wants to go home." Dallas Keuchel, who won two games in both the 2015 and 2017 postseasons, will try to close things out for the Astros while Cleveland's Mike Clevinger makes his first career postseason start after six relief appearances. Houston's Alex Bregman has homered in each game of the series while registering a total of three RBIs and teammate Marwin Gonzalez has recorded five hits in seven at-bats after batting .247 during the regular season. The Astros finished September on an 8-2 run and have carried it over to the postseason, but manager A.J. Hinch does not expect his team to slow down. "This is not our first playoff series," he told reporters. "We know it's not over."

TV: 1:30 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (13-8, 3.02)

Keuchel did not finish the regular season strong, going 1-1 with a 5.76 ERA in his last five turns while issuing 12 walks over 25 innings. The 30-year-old native of Oklahoma is 4-2 with a 3.24 ERA in eight postseason appearances (seven starts) but allowed six runs over 11 frames in two outings against the Indians in 2018. Michael Brantley is 6-for-24 with a pair of homers and Jose Ramirez has gone 5-for-12 with three doubles versus Keuchel, who is 4-1 with a 2.79 ERA lifetime against Cleveland.

Clevinger was outstanding in the final two months of the regular season, going 6-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 11 games after posting his career-best 13th win on Sept. 28 at Kansas City in his last start. The 27-year-old lost both of his outings against Houston in May, allowing eight runs and 15 hits - including homers by Bregman and George Springer - over 11 2/3 innings. Clevinger, who is 7-3 with a 3.14 ERA in 17 home starts this season, has permitted six runs and nine walks over seven postseason frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros recorded eight extra-base hits - five homers and three doubles - in the first two games of the series.

2. The Indians have not been swept in the postseason since Willie Mays and the New York Giants won four straight in the 1954 World Series.

3. Houston went 3-6 on the road in the playoffs last year but won Game 7 of the World Series 5-1 against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Astros 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th October 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/07/2018

The New York Yankees proved to be the most powerful team in Major League Baseball history during the regular season, and the postseason is turning out to be no different. The Yankees will try to keep the home runs coming and grab a lead in the best-of-five American League Division Series when they host the rival Boston Red Sox in Game 3 on Monday.

New York set a record with 267 home runs during the regular season and is up to six through three postseason games after Gary Sanchez blasted a pair and Aaron Judge added a solo shot during a 6-2 victory in Game 2 that evened the series. "A homer is a homer," Sanchez told reporters. "And if we have the opportunity to score runs like that, you know, even if it's 300 feet, I'll take it. Anytime we score and we're helping the team, I'm going to take those." Boston won a franchise-record 108 games during the regular season in part because of its solid starting rotation but David Price could not make it through the second inning of Game 2 and the outlook for the rest of the rotation is unsettled, though the team's confidence has not waned. "I mean, we lost one game," Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez told reporters. "You know what I mean? The battle has been back and forth. I don't think anyone thought we were going to come in here and sweep really. If you look at the records, what are we about even? Wins and losses versus them? So, you know it's going to be a battle."

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (0-0, 0.00)

Eovaldi draws the Game 3 start instead of right-hander Rick Porcello, who was used in relief in Friday's series opener. Eovaldi, who is making his first career playoff appearance, posted a 1.93 ERA in four starts against New York during the regular season and did not allow an earned run in three starts (16 innings) versus the Yankees after being traded to the Red Sox at the July 31 deadline. "Yeah, it definitely gives me confidence just knowing that I've had recent success against them," Eovaldi told reporters. "I'm trying to do the same thing that I have been doing - stay aggressive and try to get that first-pitch strike out of the way."

Severino is making his second start of the 2018 postseason after getting the nod in the wild card game Tuesday and scattering two hits along with four walks over four scoreless innings while striking out seven. The Dominican Republic native, who needed 87 pitches to get through those four frames, is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in five career postseason starts, with the lone win coming over Cleveland in the 2017 ALDS. Severino made five starts against Boston during 2018 and went 2-2 with a 3.56 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2 and is questionable for Monday.

2. Judge homered in each of New York's first three postseason games and is 7-for-12 with five runs scored and four RBIs in the playoffs.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts, who won the AL batting title while hitting .346 in the regular season, is 1-for-7 with a pair of strikeouts in the series.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park
RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:08 PM EASTERN POST
The Knickerbocker Stakes
9.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF GRADE II THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#7 HI HAPPY
#3 AQUAPHOBIA
#6 INSPECTOR LYNLEY
#5 SECRET PASSAGE

The KNICKERBOCKER derives its name from the fictional character Diedrich Knickerbocker in Washington Irving's "Knickerbocker History of New York," a mock history of the colony of New Netherland. Here in the 57th running of "The Knick," #7 HI HAPPY, an Argentinian bred entry, takes a class drop (-13), is the overall speed leader, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last 5 outings, hitting the board in three of those efforts, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 4th and 5th races back. Jockey Luis Saez and Trainer Todd Pletcher send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 52% of more than 120 entries saddled as a team to date. #3 AQUAPHOBIA, a 6-1 in the morning line, is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in each of his last five outings, with four of those efforts, including a pair of wins, also qualifying as "POWER RUNS."

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Century Downs
Century Downs - Race 7

Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9)


Stakes • 1 1/16 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 98 • Purse: $50,000 • Post: 4:15P
LYNN CHOUINARD FOUNDERS DISTAFF H. - A HANDICAP FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP. BY SUBSCRIPTION OF $100 THAT SHALL ACCOMPANY THE NOMINATION, WITH $600 TO ENTER AND $300 TO PASS SCRATCH TIME. $30,000 TO THE WINNER, $10,000 TO SECOND, $10,000 TO THIRD, $5,000 TO FOURTH, AND $2,000 TO FIFTH. HIGH WEIGHTS PREFERRED.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * ESCAPE CLAUSE: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
2
ESCAPE CLAUSE
4/5

5/2




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
SOLON'S WARNING
7

20/1
Front-runner
79

82

83.8

65.0

49.0
3
OUR SAMMI
3

15/1
Front-runner
76

81

64.5

77.7

63.2
5
SAIL ON BY
5

20/1
Stalker
86

82

67.4

79.9

68.4
4
PORT PROTECTION
4

6/1
Stalker
85

86

64.6

80.2

70.7
2
ESCAPE CLAUSE
2

4/5
Stalker
101

101

61.2

94.8

92.8
6
AXIAL LOAD
6

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
88

82

65.9

85.7

77.7
9
CURLISH FIGURE
9

12/1
Trailer
88

83

73.2

76.6

67.6
8
ANSTRUM
8

3/1
Trailer
93

87

65.6

84.4

77.9
1
SMART FIX
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
77

76

58.4

69.8

53.8
10
PARCAM COWGIRL
10

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
81

77

56.0

75.2

61.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park West

10/08/18, GPW, Race 7, 4.33 ET
5 1/2F [Dirt] 1.04.00 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $19,000.
Claiming Price $12,500. FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD
$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta - $.50 Bet 3 (Races 7-8-9) / $1 Super Hi 5 / $.50 Pick 4 (Races 7-8-9-10)
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Rosas for Jimmy 6-1 Batista J A Rodriguez Angel M. SFEL
095.5711 7 No Choice 3-1 Zayas E J O'Connell Kathleen JT
095.5444 2 Mr Lucas 7/2 Reyes L Sano Antonio W
094.5898 8 Papelon 5/2 Rios J M Sano Antonio
092.5031 4 Deuce of Diamonds 10-1 Castillo L A Hemingway Ian
092.1570 3 Cool Dixie Man(b+) 12-1 Carmona K Pita Daniel
091.5474 5 Colosal 15-1 Monterrey. Jr. P D'Angelo Francisco
090.6256 6 Silver Cotton 10-1 Mena R Rodriguez Angel M. C

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Lethbridge
Lethbridge - Race 6

Exactor / Triactor / Superfecta


Claiming $3,200 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $3,800 • Post: 3:20P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. DEE JAY SNOW is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * DEE JAY SNOW: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. B B PRINCE OF SCAT: Horse has run a Go od Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. TWOPENNY: Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days .
1
DEE JAY SNOW
5/2

5/2
5
B B PRINCE OF SCAT
3/1

8/1
3
TWOPENNY
7/2

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
TWOPENNY
3

7/2
Front-runner
76

68

0.0

67.4

58.4
1
DEE JAY SNOW
1

5/2
Stalker
79

82

68.5

71.2

63.2
6
COURTLY PLEASURE
6

6/1
Trailer
74

66

35.5

65.2

57.2
5
B B PRINCE OF SCAT
5

3/1
Trailer
82

72

22.6

67.2

62.7
4
DER HE WAS GONE
4

10/1
Alternator/Trailer
77

73

47.8

58.4

50.4
7
CABLE JETT
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

66

0.0

58.7

54.7
2
PAIGE'S PEAK
2

8/1
Alternator/Non-contender
60

55

0.0

51.2

38.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 82

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE APRIL 8. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 8 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 WILLIWAW 2/1

# 3 NO MORE STRIPPERS 4/1

# 2 NO CONTINGENCY 8/1

WILLIWAW looks to be a competitive contender. He should have a good outing versus this softer lot. Has a strong shot in this event if you like back class. Has performed solidly as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 94 avg speed fig. NO MORE STRIPPERS - Ran a strong last race. He has put up decent figs under today's conditions and will probably fare well versus this group of horses. NO CONTINGENCY - The average class rating alone makes this one a key contender. Will almost certainly go to the front end and should never look back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Thistledown
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $22500 Class Rating: 59

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 BUCKITITLEWAVE 3/1

# 2 ALWAYS TRICKY 7/2

# 6 KING OLLIE 12/1

BUCKITITLEWAVE is the strongest bet in this race. He should be given consideration given the competitive speed figures. Has been running solidly lately and will almost certainly be on the lead early on. Recorded a reliable speed fig in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this race. ALWAYS TRICKY - Players should probably note that this equine runs with second time Lasix today. Is a key contender - given the 50 Equibase Speed Fig from his most recent race. KING OLLIE - This pony could surprise this field at a nice number. Has a sharp shot for this event if you like back class.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #5 - Post: 3:21pm - Maiden Special - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $61,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 EINSTEIN'S BABE (ML=15/1)
#8 SAMURAI QUEEN (ML=7/2)


EINSTEIN'S BABE - Have to make this filly a strong challenger; she comes off a solid effort on September 19th. My chums and I have made cash playing ponies with this type of speed. Follow my advice and do the same. This jock and conditioner's equines have been generating a positive ROI. That 77 fig this filly garnered in her last affair tells me she's a main player in today's event. SAMURAI QUEEN - A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a solid race is a good sign. Contreras rode this horse for the initial time in the last race and comes right back in this race. Here is an appropriate handicapping angle that I've used many times before. Play a filly (like this one) getting Lasix for the 2nd time. This mount brings in a lot of money per race around the track. I believe she can add to that bankroll in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 DESCENTE (ML=3/1), #3 CALAIS CAT (ML=4/1), #1 MOONSTONE (ML=6/1),

DESCENTE - This filly notched a speed figure in her last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's event. CALAIS CAT - 4/1 odds isn't enough for this participant when examining the most recent outings. MOONSTONE - Finished third in her most recent effort with a common speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #7 EINSTEIN'S BABE to win if we can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [7,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Zia Park - Race #9 - Post: 4:36pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,500 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 SUNNY KAT (ML=5/1)
#7 CAUSEWAY RUNNER (ML=5/2)
#6 CAESAR'S GAME (ML=12/1)


SUNNY KAT - Gonzalez was aboard this gelding last time out and was impressed enough to take the horse right back. Looking at the past performances on all of these horses, this is the only one to stalk. Worth a good look at this one. This thoroughbred wins a lot of money per race. I believe he will boost the lifetime earnings today. CAUSEWAY RUNNER - This gelding is in good form. Ended up second on September 23rd. The improved speed ratings over the last three races is great. Baeza drops him in this event in great shape. CAESAR'S GAME - Good return on investment for this jockey and conditioner twosome.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 STILTS MCGEE (ML=7/2), #5 SILENT PARADISE (ML=9/2), #10 POPATOPPRO (ML=6/1),

STILTS MCGEE - Tough to support any animal that runs as well as he did and then lays up and doesn't workout at all. SILENT PARADISE - This horse doesn't have a conquering character. Almost always finishes close, but no cigar. POPATOPPRO - Don't figure that this runner has what it takes to be the victor this time around.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#11 SUNNY KAT to win at post-time odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPER HIGH FIVE WAGERS:
[6,7,11] with [6,7,11] with [5,6,7,11] with [1,3,5,6,7,11] with [1,3,5,6,7,11] Total Cost: $72

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th October 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/08/2018

Maybe the Atlanta Braves just needed to get home to find their footing in the National League Division Series, as they find themselves still alive and hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 4 on Monday, less than 24 hours after staving off elimination with a 6-5 victory at SunTrust Park. Atlanta did not score a run in two losses at Los Angeles but rode a grand slam by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Freddie Freeman's solo homer to cut the Dodgers' best-of-five series lead to 2-1.

Acuña, the favorite to be the NL Rookie of the Year, became the youngest player in postseason history to belt a grand slam at 20 years, 293 days old and has recorded three of the Braves' 15 hits in the series. Los Angeles, trying to reach the NL Championship Series for the third consecutive year, received 15 scoreless innings from its starters in the first two games before rookie Walter Buehler issued a bases-loaded walk to counterpart Sean Newcomb in the second inning of Game 3 and served up Acuña's blast that put the Braves ahead 5-0. Los Angeles battled back to tie it thanks to homers by Chris Taylor and Max Muncy, giving the team seven blasts in the series. Freeman's sixth-inning leadoff shot for Atlanta gave him hits in seven of his eight career postseason contests.

TV: 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Rich Hill (2018: 11-5, 3.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (0-1, 18.00)

Hill ended the regular season with a flourish, winning all five of his turns in September while posting a 3.90 ERA and a .174 opponents batting average. The 38-year-old made five starts in last year's playoffs for the Dodgers, allowing five earned runs and 13 hits in 17 2/3 innings. Hill scattered three hits over seven scoreless frames en route to victory on July 26 in his only appearance against Atlanta this season.

Foltynewicz fizzled in his postseason debut in the series opener as he surrendered four runs and three hits - including homers by Joc Peterson and Muncy - in just two innings. The 27-year-old native of Illinois registered five strikeouts but issued three walks and hit a batter. Foltynewicz finished the regular season 13-10 with a 2.85 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 183 innings while earning his first career All-Star appearance.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis went 0-for-3 in Game 3 and is just 1-for-10 in the series.

2. Muncy has recorded two hits - both homers - in the series while driving in four runs.

3. A victory by Atlanta will force a decisive Game 5 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Dodgers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Calgary Stampeders vs. Montreal Alouettes Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 10/05/2018

The Calgary Stampeders look to clinch a home playoff date when they visit the Montreal Alouettes on Thanksgiving Monday. The Stampeders cruised past the Toronto Argonauts 38-16 in Week 16 to become the first team in the CFL to secure a berth in the postseason and can ensure they host a playoff game for the seventh consecutive year by notching their first win in Montreal since July 12, 2013.


"We're not taking anyone lightly as we haven't played well in Montreal for many years," Calgary coach Dave Dickenson told reporters. "We need to go out there and play well and try to get a win." The Alouettes are on the verge of officially being eliminated from playoff contention after dropping a 34-29 decision to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Johnny Manziel threw the first two touchdown passes of his CFL career, but it wasn't enough as Montreal fell to their third straight defeat and need to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season to avoid missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. "I got the monkey off my back with this team moving forward and I'm going to play with pride the rest of the way," Manziel told reporters. "I have nothing but high hopes for these last four games of the season regardless who we play."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS


ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (11-2): Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 307 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win against the Argonauts to extend his streak of consecutive games with a TD pass to 16 (playoffs included). Calgary signed wide receiver Chris Matthews, who spent the last three seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, after Reggie Begelton was ruled out for the rest of the year with a broken arm. Wide receiver Eric Rogers is expected to make his first appearance since July 28 after going through a full week of practice without any pain in his knee while defensive back Tre Roberson is good to go after suffering a thigh injury against Toronto.

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (3-11): Manziel completed 9-of-16 passes for 138 yards to go along with another 45 against Saskatchewan. Left tackle Tony Washington and wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, who leads the team in catches (52), receiving yards (631) and touchdowns (three), suffered lower-body injuries against the Roughriders and are questionable for Monday's clash. Veteran linebacker Chip Cox registered nine tackles against the Roughriders to move past Barrin Simpson (955) for fourth place on the CFL's all-time list with 961.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Calgary is 7-0 against East Division opponents.

2. Montreal has dropped six of its seven home games in 2018.

3. Mitchell leads the league in touchdown passes (29).


PREDICTION: Stampeders 33, Alouettes 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Edmonton Eskimos vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Preview and Predictions 10-08-2018 in CFL

CFL Previews 5th October 2018 by Gracenote
Eskimos vs. Roughriders Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 10/05/2018

The Saskatchewan Roughriders look to tighten their grip on second place in the West Division when they host the Edmonton Eskimos on Thanksgiving Monday. The Roughriders are one of the hottest teams in the CFL, having won six of their last seven contests, including a 34-29 victory against the Montreal Alouettes in Week 16, to open up a four-point lead in the race to host a playoff game and hope to increase the gap by avenging a 26-19 loss to the Eskimos on Aug. 2.


"It would be great but we can't think too far ahead and must focus at the task ahead," Saskatchewan quarterback Zach Collaros told reporters. "It's a division game and both teams are going to play hard." Edmonton is heading in the wrong direction following a 30-3 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Eskimos have dropped four of their last five contests to fall into fourth place, two points ahead of the last-place BC Lions with four games remaining and are fighting for their playoff lives as they aim to beat the Roughriders in Regina for the third straight time. "Sometimes it takes you getting knocked down before you rebound and become great," Edmonton coach Jason Maas told reporters. "We got knocked down on the mat and if we're a strong team we'll get back up and start swinging again."

TV: 4 p.m. ET, TSN


ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (7-7): Duke Williams, who leads the league in receiving yards (1,337) and touchdowns (10), suffered a shoulder injury against Winnipeg, but is expected to recover in time to face the Roughriders. Edmonton parted ways with special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid earlier in the week after the Eskimos surrendered a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Blue Bombers while ranking last in the CFL in punt and kick returns. Edmonton added defensive lineman Alan-Michael Cash, who recorded 17 sacks with the Montreal Alouettes from 2012-16, to the practice squad, and released linebacker Brandon Pittman.

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (9-5): Collaros threw for a season-high 394 yards and a touchdown against the Alouettes to eclipse the 300-yard mark for the first time in 2018. Kenny Shaw, who caught five passes for 75 yards in his Saskatchewan debut, will get the start at wide receiver once more as Naaman Roosevelt continues to recover from a knee injury he sustained Sept. 22. Saskatchewan added running back/kick returner Shaq Murray, who spent the last three seasons with the BC Lions, quarterback Drew Powell and Reggie Hall to the practice squad.


EXTRA POINTS

1. Saskatchewan has won four straight games against West Division rivals.

2. Reilly leads the CFL in passing yards (4,383).

3. Collaros has thrown an interception in six straight games.


PREDICTION: Roughriders 24, Eskimos 20