Predictions from the writers of CFL News Hub for the opening week of regular season play in the CFL. The season will kick off on Thursday with a rematch of the Grey Cup as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers look for revenge as they host the Montreal Alouettes.
Montreal Alouettes @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Thursday, June 6, 8:30 PM Eastern, Winnipeg, MB, TSN (Canada), CBS Sports Network (USA), CFL+ (Global)
Montreal Alouettes Week 1 Preview vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers by JonathanClink
Bombers Season Opener A Grey Cup Rematch by Don Cruickshank
The anticipated rematch of last year’s Grey Cup is finally here. The last time these teams met Montreal won the Grey Cup thanks to some last-minute heroics as Cody Fajardo found Tyson Philpot for a game-winning touchdown.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers did not play quarterback Zach Collaros in the preseason. He did not play in the 2022 preseason and had one of his least productive games of the season in week 1 against Ottawa as he passed for just 188 yards with 1 touchdown. Regardless of what’s been in the past, the Bombers will be extremely focused on redeeming themselves in front of their home fans.
The Alouettes who embraced an underdog mentality last season now hold the crown of the CFL and will fight hard to protect it. Buckle up for some intense football in a playoff-like atmosphere.
Writer’s Pick: 78% Winnipeg
Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Calgary Stampeders
How Will Tiger-Cats Fare in Their Matchup Against Calgary in CFL Week 1? by Aaron Sauter
Friday, June 7, 9:00 PM Eastern, Calgary, AB, TSN (Canada), CFL + (USA), CFL+ (Global)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will travel to take on the Calgary Stampeders on the road Friday. It will be the first time Bo Levi Mitchell plays against the Calgary Stampeders after leaving in the 2023 off-season. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from facing his old team last year. At 33 years old BLM is still an intense competitor who will be looking to show that he can still be elite.
The Calgary Stampeders will begin the season with Dedrick Mills as the starting running back who played very well over the last 2 seasons backing up Ka’Deem Carey. With Hamilton’s runningback James Butler we will get to see a matchup with good RBs on both teams.
Writer’s Pick: 78% Hamilton
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Edmonton Elks
CFL Week 1: Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders, Preview by Dino Sepe
Saturday, June 8, 4:00 PM Eastern, Edmonton, AB, TSN (Canada), CBS Sports Network (USA), CFL+ (Global)
The Edmonton Elks will open their season at home hosting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Edmonton will have Mcleoud Bethel Thompson under center who led the USFL in passing yards in 2023 after leading the CFL in 2022. He looked good in the preseason completing 17 of his 25 passes for 190 yards although he did have an interception.
The Roughriders will be hoping they can keep quarterback Trevor Harris healthy this season who missed much of last year due to injury. He only played in 5 games last season. Harris had over 4,000 passing yards in 2022 with Montreal before joining Saskatchewan.
Writer’s Pick: 67% Edmonton
BC Lions @ Toronto Argonauts
Sunday, June 9, 7:00 PM Eastern, Toronto, ON, TSN (Canada), CBS Sports Network (USA), CFL+ (Global)
This is another heavy-weight tilt. The losing team of the Western Final last season will travel to face the losing team of the Eastern Final from last season. Both of the teams are very good teams with high-powered offense and strong defense.
The BC Lions will be without 2023 CFL sack leader Mathieu Betts who signed with the Detroit Lions this offseason. The Argos will be without reigning MOP Chad Kelly who is suspended for at least 9 games to start the season. In his place, Cameron Dukes will get the start.
Writer’s Pick: 100% B.C.
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