The Saskatchewan Roughriders didn’t play perfectly during the first week of the CFL schedule but were able to lean on their defense to grab a season-opening win. The hope for the Roughriders is that their veteran quarterback Trevor Harris will continue to grow into his role in the offense as the season goes along. Check out our Blue Bombers vs Roughriders predictions.
Meanwhile, people making Blue Bombers vs Roughriders predictions will see that Winnipeg had no issues getting its offense started. The Blue Bombers scored 42 points in a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Winnipeg will want to tighten things up on defense, and playing against a Saskatchewan team that is still molding together will be a good test.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Information
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Saskatchewan Roughriders
Location of the game: Mosaic Stadium, Regina, Saskatchewan
Date & Time: Friday, June 16, 2023, 9:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: CFL+
Recent Scores
When it comes to the CFL standings, both Winnipeg and Saskatchewan opened the season with victories. The Roughriders beat Edmonton 17-13, while Winnipeg beat Hamilton 42-31. The Blue Bombers won all three meetings between the two teams last season.
Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders Betting Analysis
The Blue Bombers and Roughriders each opened the seasons with victories in different styles.
Winnipeg’s offense starts out hot
While the Blue Bombers didn’t turn in a consistent performance, Winnipeg’s offense did what anyone making CFL picks on them in Week 1 hoped they could. The Blue Bombers scored 21 points in the first quarter and rolled up 471 yards of total offense in an 11-point victory. Zach Collaros passed for 354 yards and three touchdowns.
Brady Oliveria led the team in receiving with 118 receiving yards and a touchdown. People making Blue Bombers vs Roughriders predictions will also see that Oliveira led the team in rushing with 113 yards on 22 carries.
The only real concern from Winnipeg’s opener was how their defense faded. The Blue Bombers gave up 27 points in the second half and let Hamilton get within nine points after leading by 28 in the first half.
Roughriders held their ground
Putting together Blue Bombers vs Roughriders predictions may center around how much you believe in Saskatchewan’s defense. Playing against a poor Edmonton team, the Roughriders were mostly effective but also allowed a 108-yard touchdown pass. When it came down to crunch time, Saskatchewan was able to seal the win by making a goal-line stand.
Harris had a mostly successful first start under center. He passed for 179 yards and two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. The Roughriders’ running game was mostly ineffective, though running back Jamal Morrow did finish with 80 rushing yards on 14 carries.
Key Injuries
Winnipeg defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat left last week’s game with a lower-body injury. The Roughriders don’t have any players of note on the injury report.
Blue Bombers vs. Roughriders Betting Preview
Moneyline: The Blue Bombers are -245 on the moneyline, while the Roughriders are +195.
Spread: CFL odds show that the Blue Bombers are 6.5-point favorites.
Over/Under: The over/under is set at 47.5 points.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Betting Prediction
By the end of the season, the Roughriders may be a team that will be a legitimate playoff contender. However, Saskatchewan’s offense is several steps behind Winnipeg at the moment. The Roughriders will show improvement again this week, but the Blue Bombers have already shown their offense is out on a fast start.
Winnipeg should be able to score enough points to win the game by at least seven points and cover the spread. Take the Blue Bombers to win.
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