CFL best bets: Labour of love

In celebration of Labour Day — that’s the proper spelling north of the border — the Canadian Football League gives us a Monday doubleheader. We previously characterized CFL betting as providing “a great bridge during the summer months,” and it has served that purpose well. But before our passion for pro pigskin gets redirected to the NFL, it seems only appropriate to back a Canuck receiver for our top prop:

The bet: Over 34½ receiving yards for Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. (DraftKings)

Raised in Ottawa, Gittens realized a childhood dream by winning a Grey Cup last season and eclipsing 1,100 receiving yards in the process. Although he has struggled to find his groove this year, there have been a number of contributing factors, including missing time due to a hamstring injury and having some big plays negated by penalty.

But Gittens looked more like his old self last week, drawing seven throws from recently extended quarterback Chad Kelly and finishing with four receptions for 55 yards. When the Argos went against these Ti-Cats in July, Gittens recorded season highs for catches (6), targets (9), and receiving yards (69). And his role should remain prominent since fellow wideout Cam Phillips is questionable with a knee injury.

The Hamilton defense surrenders 278 passing yards per game, which is the third-highest mark in the league. If Gittens accounts for merely one-eighth of that total this afternoon, our bet will be a winner.