Tiger-Cats vs Blue Bombers Picks and Prediction – 6/10/2023

Last season Hamilton finished third in the East division at 8-10 and this season looks to end the longest current Grey Cup drought in the CFL. Last November, Hamilton traded for quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. Tim White returns and will be Mitchell’s favorite target at wide receiver. Bralon Addison returns after missing last season with an Achilles injury. 

James Butler was signed during the offseason from the BC Lions and rushed for 1,000 yards last season for the Lions. The offensive line is above average and will provide plenty of protection for Mitchell and open holes for Butler to run through. Hamilton’s defense is strong up front led by newcomer Casey Sayles from Winnipeg. The defensive secondary could be its weak link with two veterans leaving but free agency brought in talent to compensate.

Winnipeg finished the 2022 regular season first in the West division at 15-3. The Blue Bombers were defeated by the Toronto Argonauts in the Grey Cup. Winnipeg’s only focus starting the season is to play in its fourth straight Grey Cup. Nearly every key player from 2022 returned with the re-signing of six of the best on defense and five of the top players from the offense, along with many who were already under contract. 

Quarterback Zach Collaros returns for Winnipeg and will be looking for his third consecutive most outstanding player award which only Doug Flutie accomplished when winning it four consecutive times in the early 1990s. Last season Collaros passed for 4,183 yards with 37 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions. Collaros will have the core of his offensive line back to protect him in 2023. Winnipeg added Kenny Lawler during the off season after the receiver spent a year with Edmonton.