EDMONTON ESKIMOS (5-0)

at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (4-1)

Kickoff: Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Line: Edmonton -1, Total: 49.5

The CFL’s two best teams square off Friday night as the Edmonton Eskimos try to remain the league’s only undefeated team. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers look to make it three in a row and stay atop of the East Division, but know they have their hands full against a brutal Eskimo attack. Edmonton holds the league’s second-ranked scoring offense (30.6 PPG) and will clash against the Blue Bombers’ top scoring defense in the league (19.4 PPG).  NFL scores.

Edmonton, who is 4-1 ATS on the year, has had lots of problems playing on Fridays in the past. The Eskimos are 8-20 (29%) in their past 28 Friday games and also 0-4 ATS (2-2 SU) against Winnipeg the last four matchups. Winnipeg is a perfect 5-0 against the spread this year, including 3-0 ATS at home. The Blue Bombers are also 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 games and look to continue their past success against the almighty Eskimos. WINNIPEG will slow the lethal offense of Edmonton and win with tough defense in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

The FoxSheets provide two more reasons to pick the Bombers.

WINNIPEG is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) as a home underdog of 7 points or less over the last 3 seasons. The average score was WINNIPEG 35.8, OPPONENT 24.7 – (Rating = 2*). NFL spreads.

Play Against – All teams where the line is +3 to -3 (EDMONTON) – after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins, top-level team, winning 75% or more of their games on the season. (30-10 since 1996.) (75%, +19 units. Rating = 2*).

The Eskimos had a terrific comeback last week and beat the Argonauts 26-25, giving them their first 5-0 start since 1980. The Eskimos have one of the most lethal passing combinations with quarterback Ricky Ray (league-high 1,492 pass yds; 10 TD, 1 INT) and wide receiver Fred Stamps, who leads the CFL in receptions (30) and receiving yards (578), and is tied for tops in the league with five TD grabs. In addition to the deadly passing attack, the Eskimos are first in the CFL in rushing with 122.8 YPG.

Winnipeg is 4-1 for the first time since 2003 and is poised to win its third straight. The Blue Bombers took out the winless B.C. Lions last week in a 25-20 home win. Quarterback Buck Pierce has had a slow start to the year, throwing only six touchdowns and four interceptions. The Blue Bombers have been relying on their solid rushing attack, which averages 112.4 YPG, good for second in the CFL. With the two best ground games in the league on display, time of possession will be key. Winnipeg is just one of three teams over 30 minutes (31:15), while Edmonton leads the CFL with 33:17 of ball control. NFL lines.