CFL 2015 Week 1 Preview And Predictions

[USABomberfan]

Well folks, the week we've all been waiting for is finally here and in 4 more days, the real thing the CFL 2015 season starts.  Lotta things to watch for this week and while certainly there will be things that can be seen in week 1 that may be misleading when it comes down to the late season, a lot of teams are needing to prove something in terms of where they sit today.

 

Game 1: Thursday at 7:30 ET  Redblacks at the Als - Neither team had a very good preseason, but for the Als, they want to start out the 2015 season strong and contend for the East.  Their miraculous turnaround last year after starting out 1-7 on the year but finishing 9-9 and making it to the East final despite not winning it, is a momentum swing in and of itself and was done behind the arm of pornstache and Jon Bowman leading a vaunted defense.  Both factors are in play again and they are here to prove that run was not a fluke.  The Als have been in trouble early the last 2 years but have made the playoffs now for the last almost 20 years in a row, something that does not seem to be coming to a stop anytime soon.  The Redblacks, it's their 2nd year now back in the league, and after debuting a 2-16 record, well the only place they can go is up.  Their big challenges facing them is that Hank is probably done after this year and they don't even know how much he has left at this point, and I would not be surprised if sometime this year even, Thomas DeMarco took over the controls.  Also did adding Mo Price, Greg Ellingson, Chris Williams and others address their receiving issues?  I think they'll do better than 2 this year and some wins, even big upsets will be seen this year, but it will not start in Montreal.

 

I will say Alouettes 26-14

 

Game 2:  Friday Night at 9:00 ET  Tiger Cats at Stampeders - Hamilton will be trying to get to their 3rd Grey Cup in a row under Kent Austin, something that would've been unimaginable even just 5 years ago.  Calgary once again comes out under Bo Levi Mitchell and Jon Cornish who after getting sidelined for a while early last year expects to come back again strong and once again lead the way for the stamps.  The Stamps have had a lot of change of receivers over the years from Kenyon Rambo, Jabari Arthur, Mo Price, Nik Lewis, Forzani, Sinopli, and a plethora of others that have all departed now, yet continue to get it done and old Huffnagel is still out to prove his team is in control of the West.

 

The Grey Cup rematch is on and it'll be another nip and tuck close battle, but I think the Stampeders pull it out just barely by a score of 23-20.

 

Game 3:  Saturday at 5:00 ET   Eskimos at Argos  -  This game is one of those huge IF games that you really don't know what to expect.  For the Argos, they will not have Ricky Ray in this one so all eyes will be on Trevor Harris going up against what was a tough Eskimo defense last year.  He will have help however from the much anticipated return of Chad Kackert and the new addition of Brandon Whitaker in the passing game and with a new defensive coordinator, the Argos have some things to look forward to.  The Esks also though are not without loss, while Reilly has gotten the credit for much of their play, RB John White who was that one guy who bruised through defenses will not be there opening day, and ex-bomber Chad Simpson will try to get it done.  Also no longer there is WR Fred Stamps, and Shamawd Chambers is also on the 6-game IR.  Adarius Bowman had a big year last year, but will he do it again?  Good solid first year of Chris Jones but those expectations are gonna be way up again so the pressure is on.

 

Really don't know what to call here, but I'll take a surprise Argos by 4

 

Game 4:  Last but not least at Saturday 8:00 ET  Bombers at Riders:  So we all wonder, will the new additions on our O-line show up and withold the pass rush of Tearrius George?  Good news is John Chick is suspended so that will make the job easier.  Cotton will be there this time and we want to see Drew Willy and our special teams improve on last year, and our defense stop Allen and Messam.  I think it'll be another close tight one here but think we just end up a tad short with a 27-25 loss.

[TBURGESS]

Way too early to provide any analysis for me

 

Als over the Redblacks - Als are simply a better team.

Cats over the Stamps - Grey Cup rematch goes the other way this time.

Esks over the Argos - Eskimos are a significantly better team and the Argos don't have Ricky Ray.

Riders over the Bombers - Home field and it will take some time for the Bombers to gel due to all the changes.

[IC Khari]

Winners: Redblacks - Als aren't that good and Hank is due for a good game at home, Stamps - are better than the Ticats and hardly lose at home this early, Esks - won't have to face Ray and the Argos are a hot mess right now, Bombers - It's been ages since we've won there and we're due, other than that logic suggests (when I look at Friday's game) suggests we aren't ready yet. Just a hunch and this early in a new season that's pretty much all we've got anyway.

[Doublezero]

Riders will show Winnipeg the importance of a solid run game in the CFL.

Just about everyone should be able to beat the Argos and the Esks will win by a wide margin.

I agree with tburgess Cats over Stamps as Collaros outplays Mitchell.

Redblacks still have a long way to go but might just take this one from Montreal.

[IC Khari]

Riders will show Winnipeg the importance of a solid run game in the CFL.

Just about everyone should be able to beat the Argos and the Esks will win by a wide margin.

I agree with tburgess Cats over Stamps as Collaros outplays Mitchell.

Redblacks still have a long way to go but might just take this one from Montreal.

But they may also show the importance of a solid O-line, which they may not have this season ...

[johnzo]

Four "upsets":

Redblacks 16 Als 13

Cats 29 Stamps 26

Argos 24 Eskies 23

Bombers 20 Riders 18

man it's weird picking scores now with these crazy new conversion rules.

[WBBFanWest]

I've got:

The Al's over the Redblacks, but it will be close.

Calgary over Hamilton because, well, they're Calgary

Edmonton over Toronto, TO looks like they might be in deep and I'm not sold on their QB when the bullets start flying

Winnipeg over Saskatchewan, because they're the Bombers!  Go Bombers!

[Taynted_Fayth]

if I did a sports select Id take Als over Redblacks (27-13)

Edmonton over Toronto 35-14 (argos pts coming off 1 defensive td, 2 fgs and a rouge)

Hamilton over Stamps (put picked as a tie) 24-21

Riders over Winnipeg (17-7)  I just dont think the bombers have the gel yet

[USABomberfan]

Winners: Redblacks - Als aren't that good and Hank is due for a good game at home, Stamps - are better than the Ticats and hardly lose at home this early, Esks - won't have to face Ray and the Argos are a hot mess right now, Bombers - It's been ages since we've won there and we're due, other than that logic suggests (when I look at Friday's game) suggests we aren't ready yet. Just a hunch and this early in a new season that's pretty much all we've got anyway.

 

1.  The Redblacks are not playing at home, so that one is out the window.

 

2.  I have seen NOTHING and I mean NOTHING from the Redblacks that suggests that a win is gonna come this Thursday.  I don't see that O-line of theirs in any better shape than it was last year, John Bowman is gonna have a field day rushing the passer.

 

3.  I don't see how anyone can think an old timer buffon that's 40 years old is gonna get that team anything.  He's looked about 1000x times worse than even Anthony Calvillo looked in his last year playing and that team may improve some but they're showing no signs of being ready come opening day.  I'd almost be willing to bet my lifesavings that by week 10, Thomas Demarco is running the show.  Yup I said it, Demarco will be the QB by week 10.

 

 

Now as to the Esks and Argos game, hey I understand where everyone's coming from there, I know on paper it seems like no Ricky Ray should tip the balances heavily in there favor, it's just watching Trevor Harris, I don't think he's as bad as everyone thinks.  Here's what I think the Argo's success is contingent on.  Down and distance.  If I'm Millanovich, I try to make the game plan revolve mostly around the short passing game.  Make first down solid gains long enough to make 2nd and shorts and manageable for the offense and work the way down the field methodically.  Staying on schedule is what's most critical.  If they can do that, the Argos have a chance.  If they veer off schedule and get caught in a lot of sacks, penalties, and turnovers, it's gonna be a long day in Toronto.

[Mark F]

Edmonton ..good defence, Chad Simpson, Reilly, I pick them to win

 

Ottawa D good Montreal O not good 

 

Ottawa w

 

Calgary w at home

 

Winnipeg….. team is a complete mystery to me…. I guess

 

some people here have a good idea what we've got.

 

I haven't got a clue.

 

nice summary USA bomber fan

[AtlanticRiderFan]

Montreal vs. Ottawa: Montreal Wins 14-3. Mediocre East team vs. Mediocre East team. This one's going to be a low scoring game.

 

Calgary vs. Hamilton. Calgary wins 30-17. Could be a close game, but Calgary has too much power for Hamilton to handle.

 

Edmonton vs. Toronto. Edmonton wins 41-10. Toronto is a mess. They don't stand a chance against a strong west team like Edmonton.

 

Saskatchewan vs. Winnipeg. Saskatchewan wins 35-24. Sorry guys, but the Riders are going to have too much home field energy for Winnipeg to handle. It'll be fairly close though.

[SPuDS]

Rebs. Shmoes. Shtamps. Bombersssss..

[Goalie]

Als Esks Cats Bombers. Side note... the ticats have been to the last 2 grey cups. They are very good and should dominate in the east and give lots of problems to teams in the west.

[Brandon Blue&Gold]

Well folks, the week we've all been waiting for is finally here and in 4 more days, the real thing the CFL 2015 season starts.  Lotta things to watch for this week and while certainly there will be things that can be seen in week 1 that may be misleading when it comes down to the late season, a lot of teams are needing to prove something in terms of where they sit today.

 

Game 1: Thursday at 7:30 ET  Redblacks at the Als - Neither team had a very good preseason, but for the Als, they want to start out the 2015 season strong and contend for the East.  Their miraculous turnaround last year after starting out 1-7 on the year but finishing 9-9 and making it to the East final despite not winning it, is a momentum swing in and of itself and was done behind the arm of pornstache and Jon Bowman leading a vaunted defense.  Both factors are in play again and they are here to prove that run was not a fluke.  The Als have been in trouble early the last 2 years but have made the playoffs now for the last almost 20 years in a row, something that does not seem to be coming to a stop anytime soon.  The Redblacks, it's their 2nd year now back in the league, and after debuting a 2-16 record, well the only place they can go is up.  Their big challenges facing them is that Hank is probably done after this year and they don't even know how much he has left at this point, and I would not be surprised if sometime this year even, Thomas DeMarco took over the controls.  Also did adding Mo Price, Greg Ellingson, Chris Williams and others address their receiving issues?  I think they'll do better than 2 this year and some wins, even big upsets will be seen this year, but it will not start in Montreal.

 

I will say Alouettes 26-14

 

Game 2:  Friday Night at 9:00 ET  Tiger Cats at Stampeders - Hamilton will be trying to get to their 3rd Grey Cup in a row under Kent Austin, something that would've been unimaginable even just 5 years ago.  Calgary once again comes out under Bo Levi Mitchell and Jon Cornish who after getting sidelined for a while early last year expects to come back again strong and once again lead the way for the stamps.  The Stamps have had a lot of change of receivers over the years from Kenyon Rambo, Jabari Arthur, Mo Price, Nik Lewis, Forzani, Sinopli, and a plethora of others that have all departed now, yet continue to get it done and old Huffnagel is still out to prove his team is in control of the West.

 

The Grey Cup rematch is on and it'll be another nip and tuck close battle, but I think the Stampeders pull it out just barely by a score of 23-20.

 

Game 3:  Saturday at 5:00 ET   Eskimos at Argos  -  This game is one of those huge IF games that you really don't know what to expect.  For the Argos, they will not have Ricky Ray in this one so all eyes will be on Trevor Harris going up against what was a tough Eskimo defense last year.  He will have help however from the much anticipated return of Chad Kackert and the new addition of Brandon Whitaker in the passing game and with a new defensive coordinator, the Argos have some things to look forward to.  The Esks also though are not without loss, while Reilly has gotten the credit for much of their play, RB John White who was that one guy who bruised through defenses will not be there opening day, and ex-bomber Chad Simpson will try to get it done.  Also no longer there is WR Fred Stamps, and Shamawd Chambers is also on the 6-game IR.  Adarius Bowman had a big year last year, but will he do it again?  Good solid first year of Chris Jones but those expectations are gonna be way up again so the pressure is on.

 

Really don't know what to call here, but I'll take a surprise Argos by 4

 

Game 4:  Last but not least at Saturday 8:00 ET  Bombers at Riders:  So we all wonder, will the new additions on our O-line show up and withold the pass rush of Tearrius George?  Good news is John Chick is suspended so that will make the job easier.  Cotton will be there this time and we want to see Drew Willy and our special teams improve on last year, and our defense stop Allen and Messam.  I think it'll be another close tight one here but think we just end up a tad short with a 27-25 loss.

What happened with Chick?

[Brandon Blue&Gold]

Isn't this the "home" game for the Argos that's in Fort Mac?  That probably doesn't help their chances.

[USABomberfan]

Don't know, just saw it on this:

 

http://cfl.ca/roster/index/team/4

 

Chaz Schillens too

[szaroz71]

He was suspended by the team so he could go to his brothers wedding because he was the best man. He'll be playing in week 1.

[Bomber_fanaddict]

I really only care about the Bomber game Saturday I would absolutely love to see the Bombers go in and just crush the Riders.  Go into a place we haven't won in forever and just completely destroy them.  Get the season started in a positive way and get the momentum going. Of course I don't think it'll actually happen.  I think the Riders are still a pretty good team and most aren't giving them enough credit.  I also don't think the Bombers are quite ready yet.  Preseason games didn't show me much and I'm hoping it's just a tactic of not wanting to show off to much but I don't think it's the case.  The good thing is game #1 of the season always seems to go either way and hopefully they can take advantage of it.  I'd gladly take a W in any form but a sever butt kicking would be nice!

 

 

Rest of the games....

RedBlacks

RedWhites

GreenGolds

[M.O.A.B.]

I really only care about the Bomber game Saturday I would absolutely love to see the Bombers go in and just crush the Riders.  Go into a place we haven't won in forever and just completely destroy them.  Get the season started in a positive way and get the momentum going. Of course I don't think it'll actually happen.  I think the Riders are still a pretty good team and most aren't giving them enough credit.  I also don't think the Bombers are quite ready yet.  Preseason games didn't show me much and I'm hoping it's just a tactic of not wanting to show off to much but I don't think it's the case.  The good thing is game #1 of the season always seems to go either way and hopefully they can take advantage of it.  I'd gladly take a W in any form but a sever butt kicking would be nice!

 

 

Rest of the games....

RedBlacks

RedWhites (beats the BlackYellows)

GreenGolds GreenYellows

 

Fixed it for you. No one touches the gold except the Blue&Gold.

[bearpants]

Als - don't think either team is very good but the Als are a bit better...

Stamps - Hammy looks like they're probably the 2nd best team in the CFL this year... unfortunately they play the best week 1

Esks - hard to bet on the argos

Bombers - homer pick??... ABSOLUTELY!

[M.O.A.B.]

RedBlacks @ Alouettes

Ti-Cats @ Stampeders

Eskimos @ Argonauts

BlueBombers @ RoughRiders

[USABomberfan]

25 more hours till Als and Redblacks kick off this season.  All I can say though is all those fools who picked the Redblacks to win this one are going to lose money on it big time.

[Tracker]

25 more hours till Als and Redblacks kick off this season.  All I can say though is all those fools who picked the Redblacks to win this one are going to lose money on it big time.

Plus be subjected to merciless tormenting.

[Jasper]

All road wins...week 1

Redblacks

Tigercats

Eskimos

Blue Bombers

[USABomberfan]

 

25 more hours till Als and Redblacks kick off this season.  All I can say though is all those fools who picked the Redblacks to win this one are going to lose money on it big time.

Plus be subjected to merciless tormenting.

 

 

Well at least I know those of more sane minds picked the Als in the week 1 pickem, via the poll results I've been seeing.

 

Als lead it 79.5 % to 20.5 %.