THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — After Week 1 threw almost everyone for a loop, the CFL.ca writers are back to make amends.
It’s below .500 across the board for the seven columnists but the good news is there’s no separation, with every writer starting out 1-2.
This week, the writers all agree that Calgary and Edmonton will walk away winners. Elsewhere, however, there’s some disparity.
CFL Pick ‘Em is back in 2017 with 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.
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OTT @ CGY
A week after combining for 853 yards of offence, the Stampeders and REDBLACKS will do it again Thursday in the rematch of the rematch of the Grey Cup. Both quarterbacks looked sharp in a season-opening 31-31 tie but the shift to Calgary, where the Stampeders haven’t lost since 2015, gives the Red and White a distinct advantage.
Trevor Harris wasn’t sacked once against the Stampeders in Week 1 but things could be different this time around, especially with the Stamps’ secondary returning to full strength thanks to the addition of Tommie Campbell.
Pick
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 85% Calgary
BC @ TOR
The Lions struggled to protect Jonathon Jennings in a Week 1 loss to Edmonton but last season had the second best record in the CFL and still boast the same dangerous assortment of weapons. Toronto, on the other hand, looks resurgent under Marc Trestman, especially 37-year-old Ricky Ray, who threw for a career-high 506 yards in a one-sided win over Hamilton.
For the fans asking whether the Argos are for real, we’ll know a lot more after Friday night when they face a sturdy home test against the BC Lions. It’s hard to imagine the Lions being 0-2 but impossible to ignore the Argos’ scorching start.
Pick
Writers: 71% BC
Fans: 57% BC
MTL @ EDM
While Darian Durant didn’t shoot the lights out, the long-time CFL veteran got the best of his former team in a 17-16 win over Saskatchewan — positive momentum for a team banking on a new offensive identity in 2017. But the Eskimos are 1-0 and off to a hot start themselves after an impressive road win over BC.
The Alouettes will have to score more than 17 points to beat the Eskimos’ high-octane offence, which features plenty of balance with young breakout receivers Brandon Zylstra and D’haquille Williams complementing 2016 league-leading receiver Adarius Bowman.
Pick
Writers: 100% Edmonton
Fans: 89% Edmonton
WPG @ SSK
The Bombers were 10-3 in games Matt Nichols started last season and now, heading into a clean slate, the second-year Bomber will look to back it up and prove he’s an elite quarterback.
A trip to Regina to open the new Mosaic Stadium will be a test for the Blue and Gold, who open their season in a hornets nest. With the Riders coming off a game they feel they should have won, look for a very inspired effort from Chris Jones’ club on Canada Day.
Pick
Writers: 86% Saskatchewan
Fans: 51% Winnipeg
The Outlier
It’s Pat Steinberg against the world on the Winnipeg-Saskatchewan pick. Steinberg is the only one choosing Winnipeg but is confident his pick will pan out.
“The Bombers made some huge strides in 2016, look like they’re in a good spot to build on that success and I think they’re the better team in this matchup,” writes Steinberg. “I know it’s the home opener for Saskatchewan but it’s also the season opener for the Bombers after they started with a bye, so I’m taking Winnipeg.”
