November 9, 2016

Weekly Predictor: Who will surge into the Division Finals?

TORONTO — It’s time for playoffs as four teams go head-to-head in their respective divisions in the Eastern and Western Semi-Finals.

The Tiger-Cats are hosting the Eskimos at Tim Hortons Field while the Bombers visit the Lions at BC Place in the first round of the 104th Grey Cup Playoffs.

This week, Nye looks at choosing who will move on in his Weekly Predictor.

CFL Playoff Pick ‘Em returns so make your picks for the Semi-Finals now.

Here’s Jamie Nye with his picks for the Semi-Finals:

» CFL PICK ‘EM: MAKE YOUR PICKS TODAY

EDMONTON @ HAMILTON

The Canadian Press

Can Mike Reilly and his Eskimos hold the Tiger-Cats, and their stellar defensive line, at bay and win in Hamilton? (The Canadian Press)

The numbers are adding up in favour of the Edmonton Eskimos to advance to another Eastern Final. Something they have done before.

The Tiger-Cats defence allows a high percentage of pass completions with Mike Reilly being among the top quarterbacks throwing the ball for accuracy. Add to that the wide discrepancy in rushing yards, you see the Eskimos have a much more well rounded offence entering this Eastern Semi-Final.

Defensively they are similar teams all season with one big difference, the Tiger-Cats can get after the quarterback, in terms of sacks, more than the Eskimos were able to. The Tiger-Cats also turn over the ball with a little more consistency than the Eskimos do.

That’s going to be where the Tiger-Cats have to win. If they can’t get to Mike Reilly and turn over the ball, they won’t be able to keep pace with the Eskimos offence. Add to that the injuries that the Tiger-Cats are facing adds to the difficulty of beating Edmonton.

» PICK: EDMONTON (50% confidence)

— — — — —

WINNIPEG @ BC

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Will the Winnipeg defence be able to stop the roar of Jon Jennings and the Lions’ offence? (The Canadian Press)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers beat the BC Lions in back-to-back weeks that appeared to give the Bombers the edge to host this Western Semi-Final, however, they weren’t able to finish it off because of a disappointing home loss to the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

Those two games were filled with things that allow the Lions to believe they can win this game at home. Whether it be an untimely turnover or the controversial non-fumble, the Lions had the chance to win. They didn’t.

My biggest thing is the Bombers unbelievable season of turning over the ball. The bend but don’t break defence that is the hallmark of Richie Hall’s great career as a defensive coordinator in the league. They allow a lot of yards (last in the league) compared to the number two defensive in terms of yards that is the BC Lions.

Now look at points allowed. They are even.

I’ve bet against the Bombers all season long that it shouldn’t be sustainable. Sorry, Bomber fans, you likely don’t want me to do this. But with Andrew Harris, a healthy receiving group and some positive momentum carried over by beating Ottawa in the final game of the season.

» PICK: WINNIPEG (20% confidence)