CFL.ca
TORONTO — It’s early, but so far the East Division is a perfect 2-0 in head-to-head play. The Alouettes and REDBLACKS managed hard-fought road victories over West Division opponents in Week 1, and now these emerging rivals will battle for the chance to start the season atop the East at 2-0.
All four matchups in Week 1 are pretty intriguing as the Riders kick off the Chris Jones era in Saskatchewan, the Ticats and Lions each look to get to 2-0 themselves while the Bombers and Stampeders aim for win number one of the season on Canada Day.
But with Trevor Harris set to make his first start as an Ottawa REDBLACK and the Alouettes and their new-look Anthony Calvillo-led offence building momentum, the clash between two teams in close proximity promises to be an exciting one.
Can the Alouettes silence their critics and get a much-needed jump on the East Division, or will the REDBLACKS continue their unstoppable momentum after last season finishing 12-6 and appearing in the 103rd Grey Cup Championship in just their second season in the league?
» Play CFL Pick ‘Em
The early pick trend places the REDBLACKS squarely among four heavy favourites this week in CFL Pick ‘Em along with the Riders, Stampeders and Ticats. The Alouettes shouldn’t be counted out, however.
Last season the Als were the king of underdogs, claiming three of the biggest upsets of the 2015 CFL season — including the most shocking, a Week 2 win on the road against then the defending Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders.
The REDBLACKS are hot coming into their Week 2 matchup with the Als after a spirited come-from-behind win in a Grey Cup rematch with the Eskimos in Week 1. The defence gave up some big yards to Mike Reilly but the offence more than made up for it, whether it was Most Outstanding Player Henry Burris in the game or last year’s touchdown leader Trevor Harris.
Harris will make his first start as a REDBLACK in Week 2 as Burris sits with a finger injury, while the Alouettes will have the crowd at their back in their home-opener as they look to build on the momentum of a strong first game from Kevin Glenn and his talented arsenal.
Don’t let the pick trend fool you; tread carefully.
CFL.ca Writer Picks
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| Dunk (0-0) | Nye (0-0) | Steinberg (0-0) | Landry (0-0) | Morris (0-0) |
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| Cauz (0-0) | Pedersen (0-0) |
In the first Marquee Matchup of 2016, the CFL.ca writers are leaning towards Ottawa just like the fans. Can the Alouettes play the role of underdog and shock everyone?
Keep an eye on the pick trend and if you haven’t already, log in and make your pick! Kickoff is Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. ET.
