Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Calgary Stampeders
June 7, 2024 at 08:30 PM EDT
The Line: Calgary Stampeders +1
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Calgary Stampeders meet Friday in CFL action at McMahon Stadium. Here’s a Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Calgary Stampeders Prediction.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Betting Preview
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are coming off an 8-10 season and now begin the Scott Milanovich era, as he was a senior assistant coach for the Ticats last year. Hamilton hopes it can have a full healthy season of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, as he played just 6 games last season and was dealing with a foot injury recently. If Levi Mitchell can return to form and stay on the field, it drastically raises the ceiling of the Tiger-Cats. The main questions with the Tiger-Cats are on defense with the retirement of Jordan Williams, and Ted Laurent and Simoni Lawrence no longer around. There’s still potential standouts in defensive backs Carthell Flowers-Lloyd and Jamal Peters, but the linebacker unit in particular is an area to watch early. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats made changes on and off the field this season, but they have a quarterback who can mask any concerns as long as he stays healthy.
Calgary Stampeders Betting Preview
The Calgary Stampeders are coming off a six-win season and continue to roll with Dave Dickenson as head coach. While still sneaking into the playoffs, the Stampeders are clearly in a transition and can’t be viewed the same way they have been in the past. It’s going to take time to see if Jake Maier is the real answer at the quarterback position, and of course, the Stamps have been spoiled previously. Calgary also shook up its offensive line this offseason which can raise question marks with a young quarterback trying to make a name. The good news for the Stampeders is we’re going to see a lot of running back Dedrick Mills with Ka’Deem Carey now in Toronto. Also, the Stampeders made a massive splash with the addition of defensive back Demerio Houston, who led the CFL with 7 interceptions last season. The Calgary Stampeders have the reputation of being a well oiled machine, but we saw some chinks in the armor last year.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Calgary Stampeders Prediction
It’s hard to bet against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in this spot when you consider who the quarterback is. Bo Levi Mitchell is coming home and should have a chip on his shoulder after the Stamps let him walk after a historic career. The Calgary Stampeders probably have less question marks as a team overall given the stability of the coaching staff, but this for me is about the quarterback edge and the motivation. Also, the Stampeders have failed to cover 20 of their last 29 home games, so there’s that. Near pick em game, I’m going with the Tiger-Cats and the more proven quarterback, who should have an extra pep in his step given the opponent and venue.