The Betting Perspective - HAM @ TOR

Hamilton (-1) @ Toronto: TOTAL 45.5

The matchup of the Argos and Ticats on Friday night in Toronto is without a doubt, the most important game on the CFL schedule in the final two weeks of the season. The Argos can clinch first place in the East division with a win and ensure the East Final will be played at BMO Field.

The Argos are an impressive 5-0 at home this season, including a narrow 17-16 victory over Hamilton in early September.

The Ticats come into this contest on a three-game winning streak and Hamilton can thank the schedule makers at the CFL for the good times. The Tiger-Cats beat all three of the league's non-playoff teams over the last little while and it has Hamilton buzzing in anticipation for this all-important game. The biggest difference between this current group and the squad that sputtered early in the season might be the protection up-front. The Ticats still find themselves tied for the second-most sacks given up this year, but that pace has slowed down since an awful start to the season.

The Argonauts found their way to an ugly victory a week ago versus the Redblacks, Toronto overcame three interceptions by McLeod Bethel-Thompson and edged Ottawa 23-20. The boatmen have found ways to win close games at home this season, outside a 19-point victory over the Redblacks earlier in the season – the Argos have only won their other four home contests by a combined 13 points. On the other side of the ball, Toronto have given up 20-plus points in three straight games.

With these two teams separated by just a single-point in two of their three head-to-head matchups this season, it's no surprise to see a pick'em line heading into this week. Hamilton are 3-0-1 against the spread in their last four games in Toronto.

The Argos are in the driver seat heading into this one, a boatload of Ticats road fans don't change the fact that Hamilton haven't really been tested in quite a while.

Pick: Toronto +1