The CFL week begins here on Thursday night as the BC Lions travel to Montreal to face the Alouettes. The Alouettes are currently the league's top team with a 10-1 record and are looking to extend their dominance. They boast a potent offense led by quarterback Cody Fajardo, who recently returned from injury and has shown great form. Montreal's defense has also been solid, allowing only 21.1 points per game. The BC Lions have struggled lately, losing five of their last six games. Despite a strong offensive showing in their recent 38-12 victory over Ottawa, BC's defense remains a concern, particularly against the pass. They rank near the bottom of the league in several defensive categories, making this road game against the Alouettes a tough challenge. I'll take the best team in the league at home tonight. Play Montreal.

 NFL On Friday Night and it's the first time the NFL will play in Brasil. However, there is some controversy with the riots and unrest in the area the NFL has come under attack for playing this game at this location. Still, they are on and the Packers and Eagles both looking to get that first win of the season. These first games of the season are almost like preseason game since most of these players never play in the actual preseason so this is their first real game situations they have had. The Packers enter their 2nd season under QB Jordan Love after the departure of Aaron Rodgers for the NY Jets. The Packers offensive line's ability to protect Love and open up lanes for the running backs will be crucial especially on first and second downs. The Packers defense will need to create pressure on Jalen Hurts and contain the Eagles' dynamic rushing attack that now features Saquon Barkley. The Eagles come into this game with one of the most explosive offenses in the league, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and now one of the best running backs in Barkley. Their offense revolves around Hurts' dual-threat ability, combined with a top-tier offensive line and a dynamic receiving duo in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. The Eagles' running game got a huge upgrade with Barkley coming over from the Giants. If he can remain healthy he will give defenses lots issues as they have to now content with him and Hurts scrambling ability too. Philadelphia's defense is led by an elite defensive front that thrives on disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Packers' Offensive Line vs. Eagles' Defensive Line will be a critical battle in the trenches. The Packers must protect Love and establish the run against Philadelphia's ferocious pass rush and strong run defense. This neutral site contest holds the promise of lots of points with the new look for Philly and Love leading the Packers attack. I look for the OVER here tonight.

The Detroit Tigers head West to face the Oakland A's tonight. The Tigers are 4th in the AL Central with a 71-70 record and 9.5 games back of the first place Cleveland Guardians. Still, the Tigers are not out of the playoff race as they are five games back in the AL Wildcard. and have only to catch Kansas City to get into the postseason. However, they do have three teams on their tail, all within 1 1/2 games to fight off. Oakland has been playing out the season it seems since day one. Tarik Skubal has been the Ace of this Tigers' staff with his 16-4 record and 2.51 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. The Tigers have won his last five starts and Skubal has allowed just eight runs over his last 32 innings of work. He also has just seven walks and 39 KO's during that span. Mitch Spence will counter for the A's with a 7-9 record and 4.50 ERA. The A's have won two of his last five starts and while Spence has shown brilliance, like a 10 KO performance vs the Ryas, he's been inconsistent at best. I have to take the Tigers here tonight with their best on the hill and still a postseason shot. Play Detroit.

 The NY Yankees travel to Chicago for their series at the Chicago Cubs from Wrigley. The Yankees are in 2nd place in the AL East, just a half game back of the Orioles. They also have a +118 run differential. The Yankees have slumped a bit, losing two straight and going 4-6 their last 10 games. They face one of the hotter teams in recent weeks in the Cubs. The Cubs moved into 2nd place in the NL Central, but still trail first place Milwaukee by nine games. However, their best chance at the postseason is via the NL Wild Card. The Cubs are now in 5th in the Wild Card race, four games back of both the Mets and Braves for that last spot. Luis Gil gets the start for the Yankees with his 12-6 record and 3.39 ERA. The Yankees have lost Gil's last two starts where the starter has allowed seven runs over seven innings. But most important has been his lack of control, walking 13 batters over his last 12 innings. Jordan Wicks will toe the rubber for the Cubs. Wicks is 2-2 with a 3.82 ERA. He's coming off an excellent start where he went five innings allowed four hits and just one run. Cubs a dog here today at home and as hot as they have been they are worth a shot. Play the Cubs.

Two teams just playing out the regular season meet here today as the Pirates host the Washington Nationals. Neither team going anywhere this postseason as the Pirates are in last in the NL Central, 15-games back of first place Milwaukee. Not much better for the Nats as they are fourth in the NL East, 22-games back of the Phillies. DJ Herz will start for Washington with his 2-7 record and 4.09 ERA. The Nats have lost four of his last five starts. He's coming off a start vs the Cubs where he went 4 2/3 innings and allowed four earned runs. Luis Ortiz will go for the Bucs with his 3.19 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. Ortiz is coming off two excellent starts where he's allowed no runs over 12 innings of work, both wins with four walks and 10 KO's. Ortiz looking very good of late. I'll take him and the Bucs here on Friday.