Finally, it's Thursday...CFL Football is back!

Week 8 starts... most fans are picking Edmonton over Ottawa. Not me.

EDMONTON @ OTTAWA

CFL.ca Staff

Thursday’s contest is the ultimate mid-season test for both squads; injury-ravaged Edmonton faces a long trek east to face a determined REDBLACKS team, while Ottawa would love nothing more than to break its losing trend by handing the Esks their first loss of 2017.

West Division teams have won nine straight games against East Division opponents.

Through seven weeks of football, a mere 36 points separate the Edmonton Eskimos (plus-28) from the Ottawa REDBLACKS (minus-8).

By The Numbers

3 – Interceptions for Edmonton linebacker Kenny Ladler.

11:2 – TD-INT ratio for Edmonton’s Mike Reilly, the best mark amongst all starting quarterbacks.

204 – Completions allowed by Ottawa’s defence, the most in the CFL.

702 – League-high receiving yards for REDBLACKS receiver Greg Ellingson.

GM Marcel Desjardins pointed to turnovers as a major cause for Ottawa’s early-season struggles; protecting the rock will be critical on Thursday against an Esks team that ranks top-two in possession (32:34), sacks allowed (10) and offensive turnovers (6). In contrast, the REDBLACKS have allowed six more sacks and sit last in turnovers (13).

3downnation 

Edmonton visits Ottawa on Thursday night coming off a 33-28 home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The hard-luck Redblacks lost a 33-30 home decision to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their five losses have been by a combined 13 points. That includes a 23-21 setback in Edmonton on July 14. Edmonton is 6-0 to start a season for the first time since 1961 and is doing it with a depleted roster. But a constant is quarterback Mike Reilly, who stands fourth overall in passing yards (1,945) and third in touchdowns (11).

Dunk: Edmonton can close. Simple. ESKS

Hodge: Ottawa will turn this thing around… but not this week. ESKS

Edwards: Edmonton has been finding a way, Ottawa not so much. ESKS

Gasson: The streak will end eventually but not yet. ESKS

Busby: There’s a desperation in the home side the visitors won’t match. REDBLACKS

Smith: Ottawa needs this. Badly. REDBLACKS

Filoso: Edmonton’s injuries finally catch up with them. REDBLACKS

Totals: ESKS 4 REDBLACKS 3

 

 

 

 

Edited August 11, 20178 yr by Mr Dee

Gotta think the RBs are due, and the Esks are some kind of injured right now.....this one has upset written all over it.

I think the Esk's luck runs out...they are kind of a smoke an mirrors team in my opinion. Not as good as their record and beneficiaries of a softer schedule

Unless Riley gets careless with the ball Esks win.

Edmonton not as good as their record.... Ottawa better than their record.... hmm.... Ottawa wins!

I'm going to emerge from the closet - and predict an Ottawa win. 

40 minutes ago, Mark H. said:

I'm going to immerge from the closet - and predict an Ottawa win. 

*emerge, Mr Teacher.......

Edmonton isn't as good as their record and have 20 guys on their IR lists. No Bowman, Zylstra, Van, Lawrence, White, Whyte, Sherritt, Konar or Hunt, yet they still find ways to win and have beaten BC twice.

Ottawa is better than their record, but they keep finding ways to lose.  Last week they couldn't even get a single first down at the end of the game to eek out a win.

Should be close, but I'll put my money on Edmonton.

 

25 minutes ago, Noeller said:

*emerge, Mr Teacher.......

tanks 

Went with Edmonton in the pick ems but got the feeling ottawa pulls it off. 

Of note.. During half-time CFL will be announcing the half time band for the Grey Cup 

21 minutes ago, Goalie said:

Went with Edmonton in the pick ems but got the feeling ottawa pulls it off. 

Of note.. During half-time CFL will be announcing the half time band for the Grey Cup 

Apparently they are a Canadian band that everyone knows and loves

12 minutes ago, Atomic said:

Apparently they are a Canadian band that everyone knows and loves

The Hip? Rush? Yeah, I got nothing else.

Walk Off the Earth? 

Now, that would be different.

Gotta pick that off!!!  Come on Ottawa.

Kenny Stafford!

One of my new favorite RB's LaDarius Perkins. Lock of the Week and RB2. I hope he piles on the yards in garbage time tonight.

That was easy

McSucky.

Man that Buck Pierce commercial makes me cringe

My god Ottawa, what has happened to you?

Edmonton intent on showing the East Final loss was a fluke. 

McDroppy

I think Ottawa's defence has looked okay but they're not making the big play when they have the opportunity.  The offence looks terrible though.

Hey even if they lose Ottawa is still in the thick of the East playoff race.

1 minute ago, rebusrankin said:

Hey even if they lose Ottawa is still in the thick of the East playoff race.

One of those pathetic teams are making it. 

31 minutes ago, rebusrankin said:

The Hip? Rush? Yeah, I got nothing else.

The Hip makes sense but will Downie still be alive? 

Probably Our Lady Peace