Toronto (3-2) at Hamilton (0-5)
When: Saturday, July 20th 2024
Where: Tim Hortons Field,
Hamilton, ON
Time: 7:00 ET | TV: CBSN
Opening Odds: Toronto -4.5/52.5
Two longtime rivals will meet for the first time in 2024 when the Toronto Argonauts visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday night at Tim Hortons Field. It’s been a rivalry dominated by the Argos in recent years and that includes last year’s 4-0 mark against Hamilton. Toronto won all four games by at least 13 points and are only 2.5-point favorites in this week’s contest. Considering how many points both of these teams are giving up on the season, it’s not surprising that the total is a whopping 53.
The Ticats have not won a game since a Week 18 triumph over the Saskatchewan Roughriders last October. It’s been an ugly 0-5 start to this season, as the team has yet to cover the spread. Meanwhile, the Argonauts are sitting at 3-2 thanks to an offense that leads the league with 30.8 points a game. Toronto is coming off an impressive 37-18 win at Montreal as 7-point underdogs, while Hamilton had a Bye in Week 6 after a 44-28 home loss to B.C. in Week 5.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Toronto looked great last week in the win over Montreal. They had more first downs (20-14), converted all four third-down attempts, and gained more rushing yards (183) than passing yards (131). Running back Ka’Deem Carey led the way with 94 yards and a 5.9 average. Quarterback Cameron Dukes also contributed 46 yards on the ground. A second-quarter pick-six from LB Wynton McManis was a sign that it was Toronto’s night. DLs Jake Ceresna (shoulder) and Folarin Orimolade (ankle) were limited this week, while DL Jordan Williams (ankle) missed practice.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Hamilton has an extra week to stew over a 44-28 home loss to the Lions in Week 5. It was 44-21 before the Ticats scored a touchdown on the last play of the game. The team gives up the most points in the league (33.8) and opponents’ best passing efficiency in the CFL (113.9 rating). Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has the most completions thus far (145), has thrown for 1,671 yards (second), and 11 touchdowns. Wideout Steven Dunbar Jr. is fifth in the league at 14.4 yards per catch. OLs Dayton Black (Achilles) and Joel Figueroa (shoulder) are questionable for Saturday.
Prediction:
I can’t get behind this Hamilton team until they start playing some defense. Teams are driving up and down the field on them. Toronto is coming off their best effort of the season and hopefully won’t have a letdown. The Argonauts are too strong offensively and should score at least 35 in this one.
