CFL Week 4 Picks: Expert Betting Analysis for the Top Games (Archive)
We’ll break down the CFL odds of two of the top CFL matchups this week: Ottowa Redblacks vs. BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Edmonton Elks. Let’s begin!
BC Lions vs. Ottawa Redblacks
Thursday, June 30, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at TD Place Stadium
BC Lions Highlights
The BC Lions continued the most impressive start to their 2022 season with a 44-3 win against the Toronto Argonauts.
Things are looking good in Vancouver after two home-field wins to begin the year but maybe this week's road trip to Ottawa will inform us further on the Lion’s Grey Cup credentials.
- Quarterback Nathan Rourke threw a record-breaking 436 yards with a remarkable 80% completion rate on Saturday evening.
- Dominique Rhymes scored a brace of touchdowns at wide receiver.
- The Lions had bad luck with injuries with linebacker Bo Lokombo, running back James Butler, and Bryan Burnham who had scored a touchdown earlier in the game, all being taken off.
- Head coach Rick Campbell is hopeful Lokombo and Butler will be available for this week but Burnham's immediate future looks more uncertain.
Ottawa Redblacks Highlights
There is no doubt, that having a bye last week in Ottawa will have allowed the Redblacks to regroup after a difficult start to their CFL 2022 campaign.
It’s also fair to state, that back-to-back games against the reigning Grey Cup champions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were the toughest start imaginable for any CFL side.
Winnipeg has been something of a bogey team for Ottawa in recent seasons but in fairness, the Redblacks looked the more dangerous side for the opening three-quarters of their home-field encounter on a rainy and windy night in the capital.
The failure to score a touchdown or two from their early pressure came back to haunt the Redblacks in the end but there was the encouragement given how soundly the Bombers defended.
Quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli’s fumble and failure not to convert on a short third-down were costly. Wide receiver, Shaq Johnson has been the only Touchdown scorer in their opening two games and a few more threats on offense would help the Redblacks' cause.
Redblacks vs. Lions Betting Analysis and Pick
It's fair to say, that this week's road trip will inform bettors and fans about the potential the BC Lions squad has this season. They have been dominant in their opening two home fixtures, but we have to take that with a pinch of salt given how easily they won both.
With home advantage and how they played in the first three-quarters of their last match vs. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Ottawa Redblacks should keep things tighter for the Lions this week in my opinion.
With that in mind, the spread of -3.5 available at BMR's top-rated sportsbooks and betting sites looks small enough from the BC Lions' perspective, and take that to a healthy stake amongst your CFL best bets this week.
CFL Pick: BC Lions -3.5 (-107) with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Edmonton Elks
Friday, July 01, 2022 – 07:30 PM EDT at Tim Hortons Field
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Highlights
It's been a tough beginning to the 2022 CFL campaign for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as they got completely outplayed in Winnipeg 26-12. This means last year’s Grey Cup runner-ups are 0-3 and in desperate need of a win this week.
- The new signing at Defensive Back, Alden Darby has not tightened things up at the back as expected in the opening three CFL matches.
- The Ticats were unable to find the end zone vs. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and this led to huge pressure on kicker, Michael Domagala who missed two out of six field-goal attempts.
- Quarterback, Dane Evans felt things weren't going the Ticats way as two of his throws deflected from his receiver’s hands and into the clutches of the opposition.
- Head coach, Orlondo Steinauer remained upbeat and said, “I was definitely proud of our football team's effort. I didn’t see any quit”, while acknowledging his team’s need to turn possession into touchdowns.
Edmonton Elks Highlights
Like their opponents, the Edmonton Elks have gone 0-3 at the beginning of the 2022 Grey Cup. Football was a struggle for the Elks last year and currently, the prognosis for this year looks similarly bleak.
- There was more promise by the Elks’ play this weekend vs. The Calgary Stampeders and they were live in the match until a fourth-quarter push by the Stampeders.
- Kai Locksley and Manny Arceneaux both made the End Zone for the Elks.
- Maybe it was the “Battle of Alberta” local derby rivalry that helped but there was enough encouragement for the Elks and their quarterback, Nick Arbuckle as they head into CFL Week 4.
Betting Analysis and Pick
This week sees an interesting clash between two teams desperate for their first win after going 0-3 so far this year. Undoubtedly, both sides will secretly fancy their chances of a first CFL win this week.
The Ticats have the home-field advantage which could be crucial. I’m expecting the Elks to be able to keep things close early doors in what could be a tense contest.
It could come down to the experience and winning mentality that two recent Grey Cup finals give the Hamilton Tiger-Cats squad an edge.
With that in mind, 6.5 looks too big to trust for the Ticats so I’m advising taking under 46.5 amongst your betting picks this week.
CFL Pick: Under 46.5 (-110) with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.