CFL best bets: The need for Snead

The two hottest teams north of the border square off in another Thursday night showcase that Americans can watch on the CBS Sports Network. As the 8-2 Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the 6-3 Montreal Alouettes, both squads are looking to extend four-game winning streaks. The Bombers were 17-3 victors in this season’s first meeting and have been installed as favorites of more than a touchdown, but it’s a player on the other side who earns our support for top prop:

The bet: Over 40½ receiving yards for Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Tyler Snead (DraftKings)

A CFL rookie after not making the regular-season roster with the Pittsburgh Steelers a year ago, Snead has quickly become a fan favorite. When he played his first game in front of the home crowd at Percival Molson Stadium in Week 6, all the 5-foot-7 dynamo did was catch three touchdown passes from Cody Fajardo.

Last week’s one-point victory over the Redblacks saw Snead set career highs with seven receptions for 98 yards. He not only secured every pass thrown to him by backup quarterback Caleb Evans, but also scored two more TDs. Now Fajardo is slated to make his return following a two-game absence, and he and Snead connected four times for 90 yards in their most recent game together.

Although the Bombers field one of the stingier pass defenses, they will likely be without safety Brandon Alexander due to a personal matter. The underdog Als are going to need to pass throughout, and the diminutive Snead should play a large role.