Week 15…
1.5* Edmonton +3.5 -110
So I wanted to write this one up because I think its an interesting game to handicap.
At the beginning of the Argos bye, Chad Kelly posted something like "comeback time 9-13-2025" to his instagram. So that's why this number is 3.5. Otherwise it would probably be 2. But thats all we have is an instagram post. No confirmation from Kelly, the Argos, nothing. So is he starting or not? We will know a whole lot more by tomorrow afternoon. I think its probable that he starts but not certain. But either way, I like this bet and I may even like it more with Kelly at the helm.
Its all about perception. Kelly is perceived as a stud elite QB while Arbuckle is viewed as an inconsistent, backup level guy. But I think that take is dead-ass backwards.
Over the past 6 games (and that's an important number), Arbuckle has a 74% completion rate and has thrown for 360 yards/game with 14 TDs to 2 picks. He is playing as well as any QB in the league and thats no exaggeration. And yet the Argos are 3-3 because their defence SUCKS!! People still rag on the guy but right now he could seriously be in the MOP conversation if he played for a better team. By the numbers, this offense, under Arbuckle, is top-3 in the league.
So what, exactly are people expecting Kelly to do that Arbuckle isn't already? Throw for 450 yards? I don't see anything but downside by inserting him into an offence that is humming along. It can't get a whole lot better but it can get worse. Do we really expect that this guy who hasn't played a game in 11 months, off a serious injury, is going to come in and light it up even more than their offence is doing now?
Furthermore, it should be noted that the Argos OL, easily the best in the league a year ago, has dropped off badly. Many of the depth guys that were expected to step up and start just haven't made the leap. Add in some injuries and its been a rollercoaster for this group. The reason Arbuckle does so well is that he is extremely mobile and moves the pocket, escapes pressure and throws on the run. Kelly is not that guy. He needs a line in front to provide a pocket and this line is a pale imitation of the one he played behind last season. He is going to be under a lot of pressure.
And if Kelly starts, this line will likely go up! If it does, I'll put my balls on the chopping block and add.
Ok so what if Kelly doesn't get the start and its Arbuckle again? Well right off the bat I still think the line should be about 2, not 3.5. Also, remember I gave Arbuckle's stats over the past 6 games? Thats when Kelly went on the 6 game list. Until then, it was week by week and every game Arbuckle was preparing with the spectre of maybe starting, maybe not. When Kelly went on the injured list, it was Nick's team and he improved imediately. They went from averaging 26 pts/gm to 35 pts/gm at that point. Now even if Arbuckle gets the start, hes doing it with all the Kelly hype surrounding it once again. All the social media bullshit and kelly posting shit on instagram. I don't think he does well in that situation.
And that was just the Toronto side. If you're still reading, thanks. You're a hell of a human being.
As for Edmonton, I don't think its any secret that they are hot right now. Winners of 4 of the last 5 including impressive wins over Calgary and Montreal, they are really humming. Their defence is a bit banged up which is a concern but it didn't seem to hurt them much last week as they stiffled VAj very well.
The other concern is the spot. Elks off a big win vs Calgary and Toronto off a bye. But I think the other factors far out weigh this.