Big Game Glory awaits. Fanduel already has Grey Cup novelty markets. It’s hard for me to know what MGK will open with if I’ve never heard of any of them, but how long are his songs? Without knowing anything about them, and considering the potential temperature on stage, how is it possible he sings more than 7.5 of them? I’m on the under for a guy who’s 6-foot plus,135ish pound frame doesn’t appear built for the cold. Though, Manitoba native Catie St. Germain could be in her element for the anthem. We’ll see who it is before picking the colour of Gatorade poured on the winning Head Coach. But of all the Novelty props available, one market jumps out and I can’t believe it’s even money considering that ‘tails never fails.’ All kidding aside, I’ve locked in my Grey Cup matchup with a money line parlay. Hint: it’s more than 3-1. Enjoy the second last weekend of the season.
Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Davis Alexander looked dynamite in his playoff debut. The Als put up 42 points on the best scoring defence in the league – double what the Bombers allowed per game during the regular season. They did that despite missing a field goal and turning the ball over on back-to-back drives in the 3rd quarter. Hamilton is hoping it can force at least a few turnovers. The Ti-Cats D led the league in takeaways this season, but it was second-last in the CFL in yards and points allowed to opposing offences. They were dead last in the CFL in rushing yards allowed. Not only is the Als offence flying high with Alexander through the air, it’s found a ground game after going for much of the season without much of one. Stevie Scott III rushed for a career-high 133 yards and 2 touchdowns in the East Semi, chipping in with 29 receiving yards. Pair him with Alexander, who has his full complement of receivers, three of whom had at least 95 yards last weekend, and look out. The angry birds appear to have their flight plans for Winnipeg.
THE PICK: ALOUETTES -2.5
PLAYER PROP: Charleston Rambo Over 36.5 Receiving Yards
He went under this number in three straight games to end the regular season before exploding for 95 yards in the East-Semi. He was still the Als’ third receiver in terms of catches and yards behind Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack. No other Als’ receiver had more than 15 yards. Mack was limited in practice this week, and I also like Philpot to go over his total, but if the Ti-Cats are going to try to take one of them away, Philpot is the one to fear after piling up 10 catches for 135 yards last week. Rambo has a good rapport with Alexander. When the two of them are healthy, good things happen. Over a two-game stretch against the Ti-Cats last season, Rambo had 10 catches, over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.
BC Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders
The best player in the league is getting 3.5 points? I guess so. The Riders are deep. Watching their defensive backups get after it in the final weeks of the season was impressive. Now they’re rested and ready, but can they contain Nathan Rourke? It would be an extra feather in his cap if he were still playing when he wins the MOP award next week. Maybe that’s wishful thinking on account of the futures bets I have waiting to cash. Either way, I’m riding with Rourke. Even if his roar isn’t loud enough to carry the Lions through to next week, Roarke will scratch and claw to get it within a kick. Saskatchewan is comfortable in close games. Trevor Harris is conservative. I also lean toward the under, but not if the Maple Messiah starts to drip.
THE PICK: LIONS +3.5
Record:Last WeekSeason Game Picks 0-238-30Player Props0-19-10Total0-347-40
