June 21, 2017

Prediction Time: Writers make their MOP, Grey Cup and Week 1 picks

TORONTO — There’s one thing all seven of CFL.ca’s columnists agree on: The Calgary Stampeders will have the best regular season record in 2017.

The Stamps won everything but a Grey Cup last season and with 51 returning veterans, the most out of any Canadian Football League team, they appear poised to repeat last year’s regular season success.

What happens next, however, is less agreeable as only two writers have the Stampeders finishing November with a coveted victory.

Meanwhile, on the topic of awards, many agree that Solomon Elimimian will repeat as Most Outstanding Defensive Player– but not Bo Levi Mitchell as MOP.

With the 2017 regular season about to kick off, it’s now time for the writers check in with their predictions for this season along with their Week 1 picks.

WEEK 1 PICKS

 

2017 PREDICTIONS

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

1. Mike Reilly (3)
2. Jonathon Jennings (2), Bo Levi Mitchell Mitchell (2)

Writer Pick
Nye Jonathon Jennings, BC
Ferguson Mike Reilly, EDM
Steinberg Bo Levi Mitchell, CGY
Landry Mike Reilly, EDM
Cauz Jonathon Jennings, CGY
Morris Mike Reilly, EDM
O’Leary Bo Levi Mitchell, CGY

 

BREAKOUT STAR

1. Brandon Zylstra (2)
2. Devon Wylie, Arjen Colquhoun, Micah Awe, Terry Williams, Kenny Shaw

Writer Pick
Nye Brandon Zylstra, EDM
Ferguson Devon Wylie, TOR
Steinberg Arjen Colquhoun, EDM
Landry Micah Awe, BC
Cauz Brandon Zylstra, EDM
Morris Terry Williams, CGY
O’Leary Kenny Shaw, OTT

 

MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER

1. Solomon Elimimian (4)
2. Loucheiz Purifoy, Alex Singleton, Almondo Sewell

Writer Pick
Nye Loucheiz Purifoy, BC
Ferguson Solomon Elimimian, BC
Steinberg Solomon Elimimian, BC
Landry Alex Singleton, CGY
Cauz Almondo Sewell, EDM
Morris Solomon Elimimian, BC
O’Leary Solomon Elimimian, BC

 

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

1. S.J. Green (3)
2. Ricky Ray, Zach Collaros, Darian Durant, Chris Williams

Writer Pick
Nye S.J. Green, TOR
Ferguson S.J. Green, TOR
Steinberg S.J. Green, TOR
Landry Ricky Ray, TOR
Cauz Zach Collaros, HAM
Morris Darian Durant, MTL
O’Leary Chris Williams, BC

 

MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER

1. Chris Rainey (4)
2. Roy Finch (2)
3. Brandon Banks

Writer Pick
Nye Chris Rainey, BC
Ferguson Roy Finch, CGY
Steinberg Chris Rainey, BC
Landry Chris Rainey, BC
Cauz Brandon Banks, HAM
Morris Roy Finch, CGY
O’Leary Chris Rainey, BC

 

TOP REGULAR SEASON RECORD

1. Calgary Stampeders (Unanimous)

Writer Pick
Nye Calgary Stampeders
Ferguson Calgary Stampeders
Steinberg Calgary Stampeders
Landry Calgary Stampeders
Cauz Calgary Stampeders
Morris Calgary Stampeders
O’Leary Calgary Stampeders

 

GREY CUP CHAMPION

1. BC Lions (3)
2. Calgary Stampeders (2)
3. Edmonton Eskimos, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Writer Pick
Nye BC def. HAM
Ferguson EDM def. HAM
Steinberg BC def. MTL
Landry CGY def. HAM
Cauz BC def. HAM
Morris WPG def. HAM
O’Leary CGY def. HAM