CFL Picks: Saturday Doubleheader

The CFL wraps up its opening week with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning with the Toronto Argonauts heading to Calgary to face the Stampeders. Kick off is 7:00 pm ET at McMahon Stadium.

Argonauts Aim For Turnaround

Toronto is coming off a disappointing 4-14 campaign in 2019 and will be guided by new head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. He’ll have plenty of new faces to work with as the Argonauts have turned over much of their roster. Still to be determined is who will be playing QB as both former Stampeder Nick Arbuckle and McLeod Bethel-Thompson are expected to get time under center.

Stampeders Build On Success

Calgary has plenty of roster changes as well, but less uncertainty with head coach Dave Dickenson returning and looking to add a second Grey Cup title to his resume after winning it all in 2018. He’ll rely once again on QB Bo Levi Mitchell, who is hoping to stay healthy this year after missing 7 games in 2019 with a shoulder injury. When he’s right, Mitchell is arguably the best player in the league with two outstanding player awards and a pair of Grey Cup titles to his credit.

Dunkel’s Pick: Calgary (-5.5); Over

The Dunkel Index has Calgary coming into the contest with a rating of 117.963, while Toronto has a rating of 103.829. That makes the Stampeders 14 points stronger on their home turf. Dunkel also forecasts a point total of 50.

The Vegas sportsbooks have Calgary as a 5.5-point home favorite and a over/under total of 46.5.

The Stampeders are accustomed to winning under Dickenson and will be looking to get further in the postseason this year after falling in the West semifinals in 2019. They should have plenty of firepower to get past a rebuilding Argonauts team, according to Dunkel. Dunkel also has the point total going slightly over.

Below are all of Dunkel’s picks for Saturday’s CFL schedule:

August 7

Toronto at Calgary
Time: 7:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 103.829; Calgary 117.963
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 14; 50
Vegas Line & Total: Calgary by 5 ½; 46 ½
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-5 ½); Over

Ottawa at Edmonton
Time: 10:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Ottawa 93.972; Edmonton 110.809
Dunkel Line & Total: Edmonton by 17; 43
Vegas Line & Total: Edmonton by 8; 45 ½
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-8); Under