Jul 20, 2017; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly (13) throws a pass against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Prizing:

1st Place: $25 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Amazon gift card

If there are ties, a random drawing will determine the winner.

Top 5 Winners:

1. Langleylife101 (367 points)
2. Kgwace (358 points)
3. Crazypenny88 (358 points)
4. Randymeekjr (350 points)
5. 1Cooleyguy (350 points)

Overview:

On Thursday, June 14^th, the (0-0-0) Edmonton Eskimos will be on the road to take on the (0-0-0) Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the opening game of the 2018 CFL season.

 The Crowd:

“The Crowd” projects a final score of Winnipeg 29.5 – Edmonton 25.0 with an over/under of 54.5.

2017 Statistics (9 total teams):

Point differential: Winnipeg +62 (3^rd) > Edmonton +15 (6^th)

Points per game: Winnipeg 30.8 (1^st) > Edmonton 28.3 (4^th)

Points allowed per game: Winnipeg 27.3 (5^th) > Edmonton 27.5 (6^th)

Passing yards per game: Edmonton 331.8 (1^st) > Winnipeg 271.9 (8^th)

Rushing yards per game: Winnipeg 101.3 (1^st) > Edmonton 96.3 (2^nd)

Summary:

Winnipeg opens the 2018 campaign at home after finishing with a (12-6-0) record a year ago.  The Blue Bombers have a big question mark at the quarterback position after Matt Nichols will be forced to sit out with a knee injury.  Whoever is manning the quarterback position will have comfort knowing 1,000-yard receiver Darvin Adams is back. and Winnipeg had the league’s most potent rushing attack last season (101.3 YPG) led by Andrew Harris.  Defensively, Winnipeg brings back the majority of its starters from a unit that was good but not great.  Winnipeg led the CFL last season averaging 34.3 points per game and ranked 5^th in points allowed (27.3).  The Blue Bombers were (6-3) at home last season with a (+17) point differential.

Edmonton was (12-6-0) a year ago and finished the season strong going on a five-game winning streak.  The Eskimos had the league’s most prolific passing attack led by quarterback Mike Reilly.  Reilly topped the CFL in passing yards (5,830) and passing touchdowns (30).  The Eskimos are not a one trick pony as they also rushed for the second most yards per game (96.3).  Edmonton lost some of their best playmakers in the offseason and defensively they struggled at times last year.  Edmonton ranked 4^th in points per game (28.3) and 6^th in points allowed (27.5).  The Eskimos were (6-3-0) on the road last season and had a (+16) point differential.

Bottom Line:

With the injury to Matt Nichols, Winnipeg will have to start either Alex Ross or Chris Streveler at quarterback.  The uncertainty at quarterback will make it tough for Winnipeg to keep up with Mike Reilly and the high scoring Eskimos.  Edmonton was one of the CFL’s best road teams last season and look for them to win week one.

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