Week 2 in the CFL wraps up on Sunday with a clash between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Both teams cashed the Over in their season openers, and my Roughriders vs. Tiger-Cats predictions for this week expect another high-scoring contest. Here are my best free CFL picks for June 16.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats prediction
My best bet
Over 48.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are coming off a 32-24 road loss to the Stampeders last week. They were gashed for 117 rushing yards in that contest while allowing Calgary QB Jake Maier to complete 80.8% of his passes for 252 yards. They also didn't force a single turnover and had just one sack.
That said, the Ticats rolled up a league-high 459 yards of their own, averaging a whopping 8.05 yards per play. Bo Levi Mitchell had a vintage performance with 300 yards through the air and another 36 on the ground, while James Butler rushed for 119 yards on just 13 carries.
With Mitchell surrounded by weapons like Butler and Tim White, the Ticats should be able to put up points against a struggling Saskatchewan Roughriders defence.
The Riders allowed a whopping 34.9 points per game in the final 10 contests of 2023. They didn't do anything to fix their defensive line or secondary in the offseason, which showed in Week 1.
The Riders gave up 336 passing yards to Edmonton, and they were fortunate that the Elks killed their own drives with dumb penalties and unforced turnovers. The Riders finished with 29 points and earned the victory despite some sloppy turnovers of their own and a poor debut from A.J. Ouellette (32 rushing yards on 18 carries). The main reason was their aerial attack, led by Trevor Harris, who threw for 305 yards and three scores while rarely facing pressure behind an improved offensive line.
With both veteran QBs looking sharp and both defences unable to get stops, the Over is the play here.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 48.5
Kian Schaffer-Baker Under 4.5 catches
Bo Levi Mitchell Over 265.5 passing yards
Schaffer-Baker had a productive season last year, but he went Under this number in six of nine games and had just two catches against Hamilton. He also seems further down the pecking order this year and might be Harris' No. 4 option. Shawn Bane exploded for 123 yards in Week 1, while sophomore Jerreth Sterns had a team-high 10 targets, and last year's leading receiver Sam Emilius is also vying for his share.
The Riders have a weak secondary, and that, combined with a lack of pressure off the edge, has resulted in the worst pass defence in the CFL. They allowed 336 passing yards last week and have now given up 326.6 passing yards per game over their last 10 contests. That includes a Week 18 showdown against the Ticats last year when they surrendered 400 passing yards with Mitchell coming off the IL to throw for 129 yards in just the first quarter before being rested.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats odds
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats live odds
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats opening odds
- Spread: Saskatchewan +1.5 (-106) | Hamilton -1.5 (-112)
- Moneyline: Saskatchewan +111 | Hamilton -131
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-107) | Under 47.5 (-113)
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats spread and Over/Under analysis
- Early money has poured in on the Over, moving the total from 46.5 to as high as 49.5 by Friday morning.
- The Riders were second-last in the CFL in scoring last season, largely due to the absence of Harris, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6.
- Mitchell is a two-time MOP winner but has started just 26 games over the previous three seasons.
- Last week's win snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Riders while the Ticats have lost four in a row, with their last victory coming in Regina last year.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats trend
The Over is 11-1 in the Roughriders’ last 12 games overall. Find more CFL betting trends for Roughriders vs. Tiger-Cats.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats game info
| Location: | Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, ON |
| Date: | Sunday, 6-16-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats key injuries
Roughriders: Jermarcus Hardrick OT (Questionable), Rodney Clemons DB (Questionable), Jameer Thurman LB (Questionable.
Tiger-Cats: Carthell Flowers-Lloyd (Questionable), Luther Hakunavanhu WR (Questionable), Jamal Peters DB (Questionable), Richard Leonard DB (Questionable), Enock Makonzo DB (Out), Joel Figueroa OT (Out), Jordan Murray OT (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Roughriders vs Tiger-Cats weather
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