Smart - CFL POWER POLL WEEK 16

1: British Columbia Lions (9-5/1-0) (7-7 ATS) (LW: 3) It wasn’t a wonderful game for BC bettors, but the Lions hop to the top spot of the Power Poll because they were only team in the Top-3 to pick up an outright victory. It wasn’t QB Buck Pierce’s greatest game, but he hooked up with RB Stefan Logan from ten yards out for the game-winning touchdown against the Argos. Logan finished the day with 165 total yards and the touchdown. BC downed Toronto 24-20, which wasn’t quite enough for CFL betting aficionados which backed either the Lions or the over.

Next up: Home vs. Edmonton (8-6)

2: Montreal Alouettes (9-5/0-1) (8-6 ATS) (LW: 1) After the Als had played fantastic defence over the past couple months, they dropped a massive egg against lowly Hamilton in their Week 15 betting match-up. The Tabbies rolled up 485 yards of offence against the Alouettes, and despite the fact that QB Anthony Calvillo threw for 472 yards and four touchdowns of his own, Montreal still lost 44-38. They still locked up the Eastern Division title by virtue of Winnipeg’s loss to Edmonton.

Next up: Home vs. Hamilton (3-11)

3: Calgary Stampeders (9-5/0-1) (9-5 ATS) (LW: 2) The oddsmakers likely overestimated the value of the Stamps after rolling off four straight victories when they made them three point road favorites in Regina. WR Ken-Yon Rambo did his part, hauling in 12 balls for 94 yards and a touchdown, moving him to the top of the CFL with 82 receptions on the year. It was the defence that let the Stamps down against the Riders though, as they had no answer for QB Michael Bishop. They dropped into a three-way tie for first place in the West by losing 37-34, and will look to get some revenge against Saskatchewan this week.

Next up: Home vs. Saskatchewan (9-5)

4: Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-5/1-0) (10-4 ATS) (LW: 5) Riders bettors got back in the win column on Friday night when knocked off the visiting Stampeders 37-34 as short underdogs. WR Weston Dressler had another huge game, racking up 128 receiving yards. Over the last six games, he has been the heart and soul of the Riders offence, averaging 93.2 yards per game. It should be another shootout this week when Calgary and Saskatchewan hook up once again at McMahon Stadium.

Next up: Away @ Calgary (9-5)

5: Edmonton Eskimos (8-6/1-0) (7-6-1 ATS) (LW: 6) Order was restored for the green and gold when they went into Canad Inns Stadium and held off a late comeback by the Bombers. An explosive 31-point 2nd quarter propelled Edmonton to a 36-22 win, making a mockery of the CFL betting line, which had them favored by 6.5-points. RB Calvin McCarty had a tremendous day, rushing for 88 yards and a touchdown, and adding another 80 yards receiving. If they have a hope of winning the West, Edmonton needs to find a way to win in BC Place this weekend.

Next up: Away @ British Columbia (9-5)

6: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-9/0-1) (5-9 ATS) (LW: 4) Winnipeg missed a huge chance to put two games between themselves and the Argonauts when they lost to Edmonton 36-22 at home on Saturday night. After taking a 14-2 lead, the Bombers were outscored 31-2 in the 2nd quarter, giving them almost no hope for a victory. QB Kevin Glenn put up some gaudy 4th quarter numbers, giving a late hope for a backdoor for Winnipeg bettors, but it wasn’t quite enough to stay within the 6.5-points.

Next up: Home vs. Toronto (4-10)

7: Toronto Argonauts (4-10/0-1) (4-9-1 ATS) (LW: 7) Though the streak of six out of seven ATS defeats for Toronto bettors was stopped this week, the faint playoff hopes of the Argonauts took another hit when they lost 24-20 against BC in Week 15. RB Jamal Robertson gave Toronto their best rushing performance in months, carrying the ball ten times for 139 yards and two scores, but QB Kerry Joseph threw two more interceptions with throwing a touchdown. The ’07 Most Outstanding Player must rally his troops this weekend in Winnipeg, or the Boatmen will be all but finished this season.

Next up: Away @ Winnipeg (5-9)

8: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-11/1-0) (5-9 ATS) (LW: 8) Welcome to the CFL, Quinton Porter! A week after making his first career start, the former Boston College quarterback put up absolutely astounding numbers, going 27/32 for 429 yards and five touchdowns, while adding another 42 on the ground. Though their playoff hopes are faint, the Tabbies kept their hopes alive by beating the East leaders 44-38 as double digit underdogs on the Canadian football betting line.

Next up: Away @ Montreal (9-5)