Weekly Predictor: Will the rookie lead the Als to another victory?

TORONTO — Hamilton’s thrilling overtime victory against the REDBLACKS; Calgary grabbing its 15th win of the season against Toronto; the Als’ rookie quarterback snapping the Riders’ win streak and the Lions taking down the Eskimos led CFL.ca’s Jamie Nye to a 1-3 record last week.

This week, Nye looks to turn things around in his Weekly Predictor.

CFL Pick ‘Em returns with more up for grabs than ever before because this season more than $130,000 in combined cash and prizes are up for grabs.*

Pick 30 in a row, win $30,000; pick 40, win $40,000; think you can pick 50 straight? You’re looking at $50,000. *View rules regarding streaks and prizing.

Here’s Jamie Nye with his picks for Week 19:

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EDMONTON @ HAMILTON

Will Zach Collaros’ return help lead the Ticats to a win over Edmonton? (The Canadian Press)

The Tiger-Cats welcome back Zach Collaros at quarterback after an emotional win against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. The Eskimos are nearly nailed in to the crossover spot so you could call this a East Semi-Final or maybe East Final preview.

Both teams can score and both teams have trouble with stopping the opposition from scoring so I’m going to with a 33-30 type game in Hamilton on Friday night.

It shall be entertaining. With the Tiger-Cats having first place within their sight, I think we’ll see that edge and see better QB play from Collaros, though Jeremiah Masoli got it done last week for them.

It’s close.

» PICK: HAMILTON (30% confidence)

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OTTAWA @ WINNIPEG

Can the Bombers stay ahead of the Lions with a win this week over Ottawa? (The Canadian Press)

Another great matchup with two teams with so much on the line in the final two weeks of the season. Ottawa battling Hamilton for first in the East. Winnipeg battling BC for second in the West.

The Bombers are coming off a rest over the bye week and hoping some fresh legs helps them keep them on top of the Lions in the standings and a home playoff game for a starving fan base.

They’re also coming off two huge, tight games and victories over those same Lions.

Ottawa is coming off a disappointing game where they had the lead and coughed it up, including a chance to clinch first place.

These two teams go head to head twice to finish of the season and I see a split coming with Winnipeg taking the first one.

» PICK: WINNIPEG (50% confidence)

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BC @ SASKATCHEWAN

Can Jennings and co. keep the Riders at bay during the final game at Mosaic? (The Canadian Press)

It’s going to be a high emotion night in Saskatchewan with pre-game ceremonies, halftime show and post game ceremonies to mark the final game at Mosaic Stadium before moving into the new stadium next year.

A fired up fan base could trickle into the players for another magical moment at Mosaic Stadium, but I think BC is too strong a team against one riddled with injuries and the potential that Darian Durant may not play the entire game.

The Lions of course need to win out likely to have a shot at second place and home field in the West Semi-Final. Plus, Wally being able to win the last game at Mosaic after all the abuse he’s taken verbally from that East sideline…. may be a fitting end.

» PICK: BC (40% confidence)

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CALGARY @ MONTREAL

Two in a row for Vernon Adams Jr. and the Alouettes? (The Canadian Press)

It’ll be interesting to see how the Stampeders handle their players in the final game with history on the line but the playoffs directly ahead. It’s Calgary’s final game of the season before going on a bye week for Week 20. Drew Tate likely gets some time, though you never know with the team being able to break a regular season record by going 16-1-1.

They haven’t lost since Week 1 of the season.

On the flip side, Vernon Adams Jr. was able to run around and make some plays in his first ever start and win last week in Saskatchewan. But the Stamps got a little film on Adams and shouldn’t be as surprised as Saskatchewan seemed to be last week.

As much as I like the Alouettes defence to keep the team in it, I can’t pick the upset with the best team in the league against once of the worst.

» PICK: CALGARY (75% confidence)

CFL on DraftKings

With CFL now on DraftKings, Nye checks in with his weekly fantasy roster. Set your lineup today!

I’m avoiding the Calgary Stampeders this week with the possibility some key players could get some rest as the game goes on in Montreal, although I do have their defence against rookie quarterback Vernon Adams who showed he will be sacked and more pressure means more turnovers.

But points will be scored between Hamilton and Edmonton so I’ll slide my wager over to Mike Reilly and Derel Walker (whose price continues to fall) against the Tabbies defence who have given up some yards to Ottawa over the last two weeks.

I’m also going to ride a hot hand in Emmanuel Arceneaux as he heads to Saskatchewan in a key game for the BC Lions and an emotional night in the farewell game at Mosaic Stadium.

Now I had to find some bargains and that’s where I go to the Ottawa running back Mossis Madu … or if things chance you could run to Travon Van or others. Brandon Rutley gets enough action in Montreal to be valuable and Nic Demski is getting the chances from Darian Durant to shine. Joe Craig could be another option with sneaky Saskatchewan receivers.