Weekly Predictor: Will Lions take down Riders again?

TORONTO — Edmonton’s three point victory over the Tiger-Cats; Ottawa taking down the Blue Bombers; BC’s dominance against the Roughriders and the Alouettes snapping the Stampeders’ streak 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.

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Here’s Jamie Nye with his picks for Week 20:

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WINNIPEG @ OTTAWA

Can Matt Nichols lead his team to a victory this week against the REDBLACKS? (CFL.ca)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers still have a shot at hosting a playoff game and that will carry them to victory in Ottawa.

The REDBLACKS can rest players, giving them a break if they like as they know they will host the East Final.

The Bombers also have to clean some things up before going into the playoffs. Too many turnovers on offence with three interceptions by Matt Nichols. The Bombers win would mean the Eskimos would cross over… a loss and they’ll be glued to Saturday’s game between the Eskimos and Argonauts. They win and the Bombers will be glued to the final game of the season hoping for a Riders upset in BC.

The intrigue for Week 20, starts on Friday though for this game.

» PICK: WINNIPEG (70% confidence)

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MONTREAL @ HAMILTON

Will the Alouettes make it three in a row with a win in Hamilton? (The Canadian Press)

This will be a difficult game to predict as the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats don’t have much to play for with the Als out of the playoffs and the Tiger-Cats locked into second place and hosting the East Semi.

The Alouettes are all of a sudden on a two game winning streak and seem to be playing with the right mindset without playoffs being in sight.

Hamilton would look to get a win but are another team that would like to rest some players, despite needing to work players in because of injuries that continue to plague their lineup.

I’m going to go with the upset.

» PICK: MONTREAL (10% confidence)

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TORONTO @ EDMONTON

Depending on the results of the other team’s games, and if they get a win, the Esks have a chance to get out of the crossover spot (CFL.ca)

By the time this game kicks off the Eskimos will know what is at stake. They will either be playing out the string, with the crossover being a reality or they will be playing for third spot in the West and make Winnipeg try to be the first team to get through the East and advance to the Grey Cup.

I’m picking the Bombers to win so that would mean the Esks could rest players, though I don’t think the result from Friday will mean much.

Edmonton has been playing quality football for the last month and send off their fans with a victory in their final home game.

» PICK: EDMONTON (60% confidence)

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SASKATCHEWAN @ BC

Will Jennings and his Lions tame the Roughriders for the second week in a row? (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

The BC Lions showed the Roughriders that the Riders have a bit of a way to go before they can compete in the West. The big problem was the offensive line, allowing seven sacks against the Lions in last week’s loss.

I think that trench dominance continues in a game I foresee being the BC Lions playing for second and a home playoff game.

The Riders are evaluating quarterbacks and still haven’t said if Darian Durant (questionable) can play in B.C. Either way, GJ Kinne will get his first chance to play quarterback for the Riders.

» PICK: BC (90% confidence)

CFL on DraftKings

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

I’m going with the teams playing for meaningful football right now and I’m playing the odds that Winnipeg beats Ottawa (who has already clinched first in the East) and that puts pressure on the BC Lions to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday night.

Matt Nichols was not impressive last week and I think he bounces back with the help of Andrew Harris, Darvin Adams, Weston Dressler et al.

Adams return to the line-up was a big boost as he had a great day with nine catches, 80+ yards and a touchdown.

I’m also thinking of could playing Weston Dressler and Byran Burnham instead of Gore or Arceneaux.

Beware, however, the risk that the Bombers lose on Friday and that means you should be sliding over the Edmonton Eskimos who could win and place third in the CFL West, forcing Winnipeg to crossover.

The Lions defence should be a no brainer with the struggle the Riders offence had last week with the rotation of quarterbacks in and out of the lineup, as well as an offensive line that has allowed 17 sacks in the last three games.