Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Fred Reid (32) dodges a tackle from Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Justin Hickman (95) in first half CFL action in Winnipeg, Friday, July 2, 2010.John Woods/The Canadian Press
Friday
Toronto (0-1) at Winnipeg (1-0)
The Blue Bombers were the surprise story of Week 1, hanging 49 points on Hamilton and playing well on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Buck Pierce looked reborn in the offence of new head coach Paul LaPolice. The Argos opened with a loss at Calgary that showed both reasons for optimism and concern. Quarterback Cleo Lemon gets his second CFL start and the Argos will be looking for better production from running back Cory Boyd. Argo defensive lineman Adriano Belli returns from a one-game suspension earned at the end of last season.
The pick: Winnipeg
Saturday
Saskatchewan (1-0) at B.C. (1-0)
The Lions were road winners in Week 1 in part because of how poorly the Edmonton Eskimos played at home. B.C.'s first game under new defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler was a success, but the Lions will get a tougher test against the Roughriders. Saskatchewan rallied from three touchdowns down to upset the Alouettes in overtime in Week 1. In that game, Riders' quarterback Darian Durant demonstrated his ability to take advantage of situations where the play breaks down around him.
The Pick: B.C.
Calgary (1-0) at Hamilton (0-1)
The Tiger-Cats were the biggest disappointment in Week 1, with a poor overall effort aside from two touchdowns by returner Marcus Thigpen. Quarterback Kevin Glenn followed up a strong training camp with a stinker against the Bombers, and the Cats weren't much better on defence, surrendering 49 points. Calgary still looked in preseason form against Toronto in Week 1, failing to cap drives with touchdowns and allowing the Argos to hang around until late.
The Pick: Hamilton
Sunday
Montreal (0-1) at Edmonton (0-1)
It's not panic time in Edmonton yet, but starting the season with a pair of home losses would set off alarm bells. The Eskimo offence last week simply couldn't develop much consistency, and there were problems protecting quarterback Ricky Ray. The Als aren't used to kicking off a season with a loss. Any sense of complacency should be gone after blowing a 21-point lead to the Roughriders. Montreal's biggest flaws last week were on defence, especially in a secondary that was beat for several big plays.
The Pick: Montreal
Last week: 2-2.