CFL best bets: Jake Maier elects to pass

When the calendar turns to August and you’re still undefeated in the CFL, opponents are going to have the game circled. That’s the situation for the 6-0 Toronto Argonauts, whose average margin of victory has been 15.5 points. They have understandably been installed as favorites of more than a touchdown against the 2-5 Calgary Stampeders, but it’s a player on the underperforming home team who deserves our backing for Friday’s top prop.

The bet: Over 269.5 passing yards for Calgary Stampeders quarterback Jake Maier (DraftKings)

With 1,928 passing yards on the season and an average of better than 275 per game, Maier entered Week 9 as the league leader. He also owns the highest single-game total, having thrown for 450 yards and four touchdowns in an overtime loss to the Ottawa Redblacks two weeks ago.

Because the Argos have been striking fast and almost always playing with a lead, their defense spends a ton of time in coverage. It currently ranks as the CFL’s worst in several categories, allowing the most completions at the highest percentage and surrendering 322 passing yards per game. Every one of Toronto’s opponents has cleared this number, and now the secondary appears even more vulnerable with All-Star cornerback Jamal Peters sidelined.

A pocket passer who doesn’t run as often as some of his counterparts, Maier will be looking to distribute the ball to a trio of talented receivers: Reggie Begelton, Tre Odoms-Dukes and Marken Michel. All of them have eclipsed 100 yards in a game this season — and each is a candidate to do so again tonight.