This is a step up in class for Edmonton, which has opened the season 2-0 with home victories against Montreal and BC. The oddsmaker realizes that. But the line still is too short especially considering the Blue Bombers had a bye last week and this is their home opener while the Eskimos play their first road game.

The Blue Bombers opened with a 33-23 road win against BC before enjoying their early bye last week. That pushed their ATS mark to 7-2 in their last nine games going back to last season.

Edmonton's rebuilt defense is going to face a far more serious challenge on the road against Winnipeg, which could have the best running back in the CFL in Andrew Harris. The Eskimos didn't see a back nearly that good when it met its first two opponents. Edmonton has injuries on defense that will be tougher to mask against this multi-dimensional opponent.