Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers Week 1 CFL Picks & Predictions 6/14/2018

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Commonwealth Stadium

The Edmonton Eskimos travel to Commonwealth Stadium to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, June 14, 2018. The opening line for this game has Edmonton as 6 point favorites. The over/under has been set at 53.

The Eskimos had an ATS record of 10-10 last season while their over/under record was 12-8. The Blue Bombers had an over/under record of 12-7 and they were 13-6 against the spread.

These were two of the best teams in the West last year, and Edmonton was able to defeat the Blue Bombers 39-32 in the Grey Cup division semifinals before losing to Calgary in the division finals. Edmonton is projected to finish slightly higher than Winnipeg this year, but both teams have an outside shot at this year's Grey Cup crown.

Valuable Edmonton Eskimos Betting Trends

The Edmonton Eskimos were 12-8 against the over/under last season

The Edmonton Eskimos were 10-10 against the spread last year

Important Winnipeg Blue Bombers Betting Trends

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were 12-7 against the over/under last season

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were 13-6 against the spread last year

Key Edmonton Eskimos Injuries

No key injuries to report

Key Winnipeg Blue Bombers Injuries

06/06/18 QB Matt Nichols Knee is out indefinitely

Edmonton Eskimos Stats

Edmonton is now well known for its offensive capabilities, finishing at or near the top of the league in most categories once again in 2017. Their defense did step it up a bit last year and ended up around the middle of the pack in points allowed (495) and sacks (44). The Eskimos didn't make any significant moves during the offseason, but their balanced team should see them have another solid year in 2018.

Mike Reilly is the obvious player to watch for Edmonton after finishing with league-highs in both passing yards (5,830) and touchdowns (42). He definitely deserved his Most Outstanding Player award and will be looking to replicate what he did a year ago. One worry for the Eskimos depth as they saw backup James Franklin leave for Toronto and were forced to sign 38-year-old Kevin Glenn. Glenn is a capable QB, but Franklin was seen as one to watch for the future and someone who could have stepped in if Reilly went down for any reason.

Reilly's top receiver, Brandon Zylstra, will once again be Edmonton's go-to guy. Zylstra ended up with 100 catches last year for an astronomical 1,687 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, the Eskimos will be bringing back All-Star lineman Almondo Sewell, but they did lose Kenny Ladler to the NFL.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stats

Like Edmonton, Winnipeg is also known for its offensive prowess. They were by far the highest scoring team in the CFL last year with 554 points, and they were the top rushing team with 1,824 yards on the ground. They also ended up near the top of the league in most defensive statistics, including the top spot for interceptions with 25. This is a very well-rounded team that could go all the way if they can keep their composure in the playoffs.

Former Eskimo Matt Nichols is now the clear number one QB for the Blue Bombers after throwing 30 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions a year ago. The top star on the team, though, is running back Andrew Harris, who finished the year with a league-high 1,035 rushing yards and got into the end zone six times on the ground.

Their top returning receiver is Darvin Adams, who caught 76 passes for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns. In what might end up being one of the top offseason acquisitions this year, the Blue Bombers were able to add wide receiver Adarius Bowman to the fold. Bowman's not going to be their number one target, but that might actually work to the team's advantage. Even in limited action last year, Bowman was still able to hall in seven touchdown catches.

Who will win tonight's Eskimos/Blue Bombers CFL game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Eskimos -6

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