Two games dominate the landscape in Week 5 of CFL action. Montreal and British Columbia will meet trying to keep pace with conference leaders. The Alouettes are seeking to reconnect to winning ways, while the Lions will try for three victories in a row. (Free Foxsheet ready for this encounter) On Sunday, unbeaten Saskatchewan hosts Toronto, facing former quarterback, Kerry Joseph, who led them to Grey Cup title last season. Plenty of emotion for both players and fans alike in this matchup. The oddity of every team that has won the game outright, has covered the spread in all 16 contests played continues.

Thursday July 24

Calgary at Winnipeg (+7, 52.5)

Change is in the air in Winnipeg, no winter isn’t coming already just a change under center will be taking place. The Blue Bombers have started winless at 0-4 (0-4 ATS) and are switching to backup Ryan Dinwiddie, whose first career start was in last year’s Grey Cup championship game. Winnipeg is last in points scored at 20.5, last in total yards at 355.5 and last in yards per play at 6.6. Dinwiddie takes over for Kevin Glenn, who has not been effective and the former Boise State star has the job of scoring points, since the Blue Bombers are 9-0 ATS when they score 28 or more points in a game over the last three seasons.

Calgary’s signal caller Henry Burris was highly effective against Hamilton, connecting on 26 of 33 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns. The Stampeders are 3-1 (3-1 ATS) and lead the CFL in total offense at 466.2 yards per game and are tied for second in points scored, at 31.2 per game. Calgary will have the benefit of not facing MLB Barrin Simpson, who is out for the year with torn pectoral muscle. He is the best defensive player for Winnipeg and is heart and soul of defense. The Stamps will try to keep rolling on offense and are 14-3 ATS when they score 28 or more points in a game over the last three campaigns.

Bookmaker.com has Calgary a seven point road favorite with total at 52.5. Winnipeg has won the last two of these matchups at home, however is just 6-7 and 6-6-1 in last 13 meeting at home. The total could hold value, with the Stampeders 11-3 UNDER in road games after the first month of the season and the Bombers 15-6 UNDER in home games.

Friday, July 25

Montreal at British Columbia (-7, 52)

Two teams from different conferences collide, each presently heading in opposite directions. Montreal (2-2 SU & ATS) has lost two in a row after starting 2-0 and British Columbia (2-2 SU & ATS) has posted a couple of victories, after beginning 0-2. Don’t blame quarterback Anthony Cavillo for the Alouettes losses, since he was again brilliant, completing 29 of 41 passes for 352 yards with four touchdowns. The mystery for Montreal is why they have abandoned the running game. In the first two wins, they average 26 rushes per game, in the ensuing losses, a grand total of 11 rush attempts. The Alouettes are just 1-6 ATS following a spread loss.

British Columbia has stepped up their game in recent weeks; still it hasn’t been easy, needing 16-0 fourth quarter to defeat and cover versus Winnipeg in week four. QB Jarious Jackson spear-headed offense that totaled 529 yards, yet stumbled committing three turnovers. The Lions defense is rounding into form, up to second in total defense. B.C. is in the part of the schedule they have excelled; with 36-16 ATS mark in weeks 5 thru 9.

British Columbia is seven point favorite and has won and covered four of last five regular season meetings. These two squads have opposite records playing on Friday’s. Montreal is 7-21 ATS on Friday’s playing on the road and the Lions are 8-3-1 ATS. It will not be a shocker if this goes Under the total and Alouettes cover at this price.

Edmonton at Hamilton (+2, 53)

Hamilton (1-3 SU & ATS) has arguably been the biggest disappointment in the CFL this season. With what was an overhauled roster, which saw supposedly upgrades across the board in terms of talent, the Tiger-Cats have not meshed. Having tailback Jesse Lumsden back will help the offense, as he sat out last week’s loss to Calgary, as precautionary measure. Lumsden is averaging robust 7.5 yards per carry and takes the onus off inconsistent QB Casey Printers. This doesn’t explain the defense caving in, giving up 43 points and Hamilton is 6-17 ATS after allowing 40 points or more last game.

Edmonton (2-2, SU & ATS) suffered disappointment on a couple of fronts last week. Leading Toronto by three points, with just over a minute to play, they allowed Toronto to march 109 yards for the winning score. Prior to that, DE Fred Perry suffered broken leg and dislocated ankle, ending their best defensive lineman’s season. The Eskimos defense is being ripped by opposing teams, surrendering 32 PPG and next to last 427.2 YPG.

Edmonton is a slight favorite, which spells trouble for backers. The Eskimos are 4-17-1 ATS when facing team with losing record and 3-13 ATS as a favorite. A system in high standing favors the Ticats - Play On underdogs or pick, after two or more consecutive losses against the spread, with a losing record. This system has won 75 percent of the time since 2004.

Sunday, July 27

Toronto at Saskatchewan (-5.5, 54.5)

Toronto quarterback Kerry Joseph returns to Regina, where he was the toast of the town, leading Saskatchewan to Grey Cup in 2007. Contract talks broke down and he was traded to Argonauts. After tussling to find rhythm with new team, Joseph single-handily triumphed over Edmonton last week, with late game heroics. Joseph was 22 for 38 passing, netting 343 yards and a TD, plus added 118 yards rushing to say nothing of game winning touchdown. The Argos may be 11-3 ATS after the first month of the season and they will need all the help they can find facing the Saskatchewan.

The Rough Riders (4-0 SU & ATS) have not missed a beat as Grey Cup champs, even without Joseph. Saskatchewan is winning by better than two touchdowns a game (14.5), led by a defense that is first in total defense (342.2), yards per play (6.3) and second in points allowed at 22.5. They are efficient offensively, even having to use third-string quarterback Darian Durant, who has put together sterling back-to-back starts. The Riders are 10-2 ATS in the first half of the season the last two years.

This matchup will have Canadiens attention all across the country, with Toronto 4-1 ATS in last five road games and they have won and covered last two ventures to Regina. Saskatchewan will have to be patient and take advantage of the Argos run defense, which is the worst in the league. If they do, the Riders move to 37-13 ATS when they gain 7.5 or more total yards per play.

StatFox Suggestions: 5-11 ATS