Montreal (0-1) at Toronto (0-0)
Thursday, June 16, 2022, 7:30 PM ET – ESPN2/TSN
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario
NBA Vegas Betting Odds
| Spread | Total | Moneyline | ||
 |
Montreal ATS: 1-0 |
+3.5 | O 50.0 | +150 |
 |
Toronto ATS: 0-0 |
-3.5 | U 50.0 | -175 |
NBA Record & Sports Betting Stats
| Name | Offense | Defense | Diff | OU Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 27.00 | 30.00 | -3.00 | 1-0 |
| Toronto | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0-0 |
Argos Favorite vs the Alouettes to Open the Season
It seems Montreal Alouettes’ owner Gary Stern’s bravado has fallen on deaf ears with the Toronto Argonauts.
On Wednesday, Stern boldly predicted his team would “kill Toronto on Thursday.” Stern took to social media Thursday to apologize to the Argos for his reference to “kill,” yet added “But I gotta believe (the) Alouettes win.”
After an opening-week bye, Toronto hosts Montreal at BMO Field on Thursday night in its season opener. It will also mark veteran running back Andrew Harris’ Argos debut but the 35-year-old Winnipeg native wasn’t biting on Stern’s comments.
“First time hearing it,” Harris said. “They’ve got to do whatever they’ve got to do to get fired up.
“For us. we’ve got to worry about ourselves and let our play do the talking.”
Argos defensive lineman Shawn Oakman echoed those sentiments.
“I don’t do social media,” he said. “We have to play Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
“Whatever he says, goes. It’s his world, I’m just living in it. Being an owner I would hope my guys would bring that ‘W’ home.”
It’s not the first time Stern has shot from the hip regarding the Argos. During his first news conference as the Alouettes co-owner in January 2020, Stern, was asked why he and Sid Spiegel – Sterns’father-in-law and business partner – didn’t consider purchasing the Toronto club.
“The Argos suck,” he replied.
Sadly, Spiegel never saw the Alouettes play. The CFL didn’t have a season in 2020 due to the global pandemic and Spiegel passed away in July 2021 before the league’s abbreviated campaign, reportedly at the age of 90.
Toronto receiver Brandon Banks, an active social media contributor, said Stern’s guarantee was news to him.
“Is that what he said,” Banks asked. “I guess it’s having a lot of confidence in the team.
“It is what it is. No comment from me but I guess he spoke out of confidence.”
Despite having an opening bye, Toronto starts the week atop the East Division as the three other clubs all dropped their first games of the season. That includes Montreal, which suffered a 30-27 setback in Calgary.
Argos coach Ryan Dinwiddie said he’s experiencing a number of different emotions heading into the contest.
“Anxious, a little curious to see how the guys are going to respond Week 1,” he said. “It’s never a pretty game the first week.
“Hopefully we can go out there and put a clean game together. We just need to find a way to get a win.”
Harris was one of Toronto’s biggest off-season acquisitions. The CFL’s all-time leading Canadian rusher signed with the Argos following a successful five-season stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Three times Harris, a Winnipeg native, led the league in rushing and he helped the Bombers win consecutive Grey Cups (2019, ’21).
“It’s an extra long training camp essentially (and) just I’m thankful I came out healthy,” Harris said. “I love the way the team has progressed as far as install and jelling with my new teammates.
“Personally I feel amazing and geared up to go attack the season and this first game. We’ve been going against our defence for too long … we’re just ready to hit someone else now.”
Banks is another new face on Toronto’s offence. The CFL’s top player in 2019 was a four-time league all-star and registered 422 catches for 5,678 yards and 44 touchdowns over eight seasons with the arch-rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“I’ll be honest, it’s weird but it is what it is,” Banks said. “Every day they (Argos) are making it more and more comfortable for me.
“I don’t think it’s really going to hit me until I get to the visitors locker room at Tim Hortons Field … that’s probably when it will hit me.”
Hamilton and Toronto will play four times this season. The Argos’ first visit to Tim Hortons Field will be Aug. 12.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson will open as Toronto’s starting quarterback for the second straight season but first as the bona fide No. 1.
“I think he’s pretty much the same McLeod,” Dinwiddie said. “He had great leadership last year even when he wasn’t playing.
“Just the comfort level that he knows we believe in him and we’re rolling with him just gives him added confidence.”
Toronto finished atop the East Division last season with a 9-5 record, in large part because of its ability to win the close games.
The Argos were 6-0 in contests decided by four or less points and 7-1 in those determined in the final three minutes.
Toronto was also 6-1 at BMO Field, and Harris said it’s imperative the club protect its home turf.
“I think it’s crucial,” he said. “For us, we want to get the fans engaged, we want to get people out, we want to make this place a hard place to play at.
“As a running back I love the grass field. I’m licking my chops at being able to play on this field nine times this year. For me, I’m just looking forward to having my best games at home. You always want to have a good game but having a good game at home is always crucial.”
by CP
Prediction: Toronto -3.5
Player Props
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receiving Yards – Brandon Banks (TOR)
Over 60.5 (-115)
Under 60.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receiving Yards – DaVaris Daniels (TOR)
Over 45.5 (-115)
Under 45.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receiving Yards – Eugene Lewis (MON)
Over 69.5 (-120)
Under 69.5 (-110)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receiving Yards – Jake Wieneke (MON)
Over 48.5 (-115)
Under 48.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receptions – Brandon Banks (TOR)
Over 4.5 (-135)
Under 4.5 (+105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receptions – DaVaris Daniels (TOR)
Over 3.5 (-135)
Under 3.5 (+105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receptions – Eugene Lewis (MON)
Over 4.5 (-145)
Under 4.5 (+110)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Receptions – Jake Wieneke (MON)
Over 3.5 (-135)
Under 3.5 (+105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Passing Yards – McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR)
Over 255.5 (-115)
Under 255.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Passing Yards – Vernon Adams (MON)
Over 253.5 (-115)
Under 253.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Completions – McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR)
Over 22.5 (-115)
Under 22.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Completions – Vernon Adams (MON)
Over 18.5 (-115)
Under 18.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Rushing Yards – Andrew Harris (TOR)
Over 80.5 (-105)
Under 80.5 (-125)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Rushing Yards – Jeshrun Antwi (MON)
Over 59.5 (-125)
Under 59.5 (-105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
First Touchdown Scorer
Andrew Harris (TOR) +425
Brandon Banks (TOR) +650
DaVaris Daniels (TOR) +800
Eugene Lewis (MON) +1000
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (TOR) +1100
Jake Wieneke (MON) +1200
Jeshrun Antwi (MON) +1200
Reggie White (MON) +1200
Dominique Davis (MON) +1400
Cam Phillips (TOR) +1800
Markeith Ambles (TOR) +1800
Vernon Adams (MON) +1800
Hergy Mayala (MON) +2200
Earnest Edwards (TOR) +2500
McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR) +2500
Kaion Julien-Grant (MON) +3300
Shane Simpson (MON) +3300
Tyson Philpot (MON) +3300
A.J. Ouellette (TOR) +4000
Chad Kelly (TOR) +6500
Tommy Nield (TOR) +10000
Trevor Harris (MON) +10000
No Touchdown Scorer +10000
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
First Touchdown Scorer – Montreal Alouettes
Eugene Lewis (MON) +450
Jake Wieneke (MON) +550
Jeshrun Antwi (MON) +550
Reggie White (MON) +550
Dominique Davis (MON) +650
Vernon Adams (MON) +850
Hergy Mayala (MON) +1100
Kaion Julien-Grant (MON) +1600
Shane Simpson (MON) +1600
Tyson Philpot (MON) +1600
Trevor Harris (MON) +8000
No Touchdown Scorer +1000
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
First Touchdown Scorer – Toronto Argonauts
Andrew Harris (TOR) +230
Brandon Banks (TOR) +375
DaVaris Daniels (TOR) +450
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (TOR) +650
Cam Phillips (TOR) +1100
Markeith Ambles (TOR) +1100
Earnest Edwards (TOR) +1600
McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR) +1600
A.J. Ouellette (TOR) +2500
Chad Kelly (TOR) +4000
Tommy Nield (TOR) +8000
No Touchdown Scorer +2000
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Anytime Touchdown Scorer
A.J. Ouellette (TOR) +850
Andrew Harris (TOR) -160
Brandon Banks (TOR) +105
Cam Phillips (TOR) +325
Chad Kelly (TOR) +1200
DaVaris Daniels (TOR) +135
Earnest Edwards (TOR) +500
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (TOR) +200
Markeith Ambles (TOR) +325
McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR) +500
Tommy Nield (TOR) +2500
Dominique Davis (MON) +230
Eugene Lewis (MON) +165
Hergy Mayala (MON) +425
Jake Wieneke (MON) +210
Jeshrun Antwi (MON) +190
Kaion Julien-Grant (MON) +600
Reggie White (MON) +210
Shane Simpson (MON) +600
Trevor Harris (MON) +3300
Tyson Philpot (MON) +600
Vernon Adams (MON) +325
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Who will Score 2 or more Touchdowns?
A.J. Ouellette (TOR) +10000
Andrew Harris (TOR) +225
Brandon Banks (TOR) +450
Cam Phillips (TOR) +2500
Chad Kelly (TOR) +10000
DaVaris Daniels (TOR) +600
Earnest Edwards (TOR) +5000
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (TOR) +1200
Markeith Ambles (TOR) +2500
McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR) +5000
Tommy Nield (TOR) +12500
Dominique Davis (MON) +1600
Eugene Lewis (MON) +1000
Hergy Mayala (MON) +4000
Jake Wieneke (MON) +1600
Jeshrun Antwi (MON) +1200
Kaion Julien-Grant (MON) +8000
Reggie White (MON) +1600
Shane Simpson (MON) +8000
Trevor Harris (MON) +12500
Tyson Philpot (MON) +8000
Vernon Adams (MON) +2500
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Who will Score 3 or more Touchdowns
Andrew Harris (TOR) +750
Brandon Banks (TOR) +2000
Cam Phillips (TOR) +10000
Chad Kelly (TOR) +15000
DaVaris Daniels (TOR) +3000
Earnest Edwards (TOR) +15000
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (TOR) +6500
Markeith Ambles (TOR) +10000
McLeod Bethel-Thompson (TOR) +15000
Tommy Nield (TOR) +15000
Dominique Davis (MON) +8000
Eugene Lewis (MON) +5000
Hergy Mayala (MON) +12500
A.J. Ouellette (TOR) +15000
Jake Wieneke (MON) +6500
Jeshrun Antwi (MON) +6500
Kaion Julien-Grant (MON) +15000
Reggie White (MON) +6500
Shane Simpson (MON) +15000
Trevor Harris (MON) +15000
Tyson Philpot (MON) +15000
Vernon Adams (MON) +10000
Game Props
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Moneyline
Montreal Alouettes +150
Toronto Argonauts -175
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Point Spread
Montreal Alouettes 3.5 (-110)
Toronto Argonauts -3.5 (-110)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total
Over 50.0 (-110)
Under 50.0 (-110)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Moneyline
Montreal Alouettes – 1H +110
Toronto Argonauts – 1H -145
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Point Spread
Montreal Alouettes – 1H 1.5 (-105)
Toronto Argonauts – 1H -1.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total
Over – 1H 23.5 (-110)
Under – 1H 23.5 (-110)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Moneyline
Montreal Alouettes – 1Q -105
Toronto Argonauts – 1Q -125
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Point Spread
Montreal Alouettes – 1Q 0.5 (-135)
Toronto Argonauts – 1Q -0.5 (+105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total
Over – 1Q 9.5 (-115)
Under – 1Q 9.5 (-115)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Points O/U – Montreal Alouettes
Over 22.5 (-125)
Under 22.5 (-105)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Total Points O/U – Toronto Argonauts
Over 25.5 (-130)
Under 25.5 (EVEN)
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Winning Margin
Tie +7000
Argonauts by 1-6 points +300
Alouettes by 1-6 points +400
Argonauts by 7-12 points +450
Alouettes by 7-12 points +750
Argonauts by 13-18 points +600
Alouettes by 13-18 points +1400
Argonauts by 19-24 points +1000
Alouettes by 19-24 points +2800
Argonauts by 25-30 points +1600
Alouettes by 25-30 points +4500
Argonauts by 31-36 points +2500
Alouettes by 31-36 points +7000
Argonauts by 37-42 points +4000
Alouettes by 37-42 points +10000
Argonauts by 43 or more points +5000
Alouettes by 43 or more points +10000
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
First Score Method
Field Goal +125
Touchdown EVEN
Any Other +500
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 10
Toronto Argonauts -176
Montreal Alouettes +125
Neither +10000
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 15
Toronto Argonauts -190
Montreal Alouettes +150
Neither +2500
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 20
Toronto Argonauts -174
Montreal Alouettes +180
Neither +800
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 25
Toronto Argonauts -121
Montreal Alouettes +300
Neither +240
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 30
Toronto Argonauts +140
Montreal Alouettes +475
Neither EVEN
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 35
Toronto Argonauts +280
Montreal Alouettes +850
Neither -265
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Race To 40
Toronto Argonauts +500
Montreal Alouettes +1400
Neither -675
Montreal Alouettes @ Toronto Argonauts
Odd/Even Total Points
Even -105
Odd -125
