July 18, 2017

CFL.ca writers make their picks for Week 5

Jason Halstead/CFL.ca

TORONTO — The CFL.ca writers were thrown for a loop last week when their unanimous choice, Calgary, was upset by the Montreal Alouettes.

With little time to think, football returns with games on five different days from Wednesday through Monday.

For the writers, Week 5 offers a particular challenge as they must submit all of their picks before the first game.

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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MTL @ OTT

It was a week ago that not a single writer gave the Alouettes a chance to upset the powerhouse Calgary Stampeders. Meanwhile, 94 per cent of fans sided with the Stampeders in what became what could be the upset of 2017. The Als can once again relish their underdog role in a visit to Ottawa because despite having two more wins than the REDBLACKS, 76 per cent of fans are taking the home team.

While Trevor Harris has been one of the CFL’s most productive quarterbacks, yards may be hard to come by against an Alouette defence ranking first in the CFL with only 21.3 points allowed per game. But the REDBLACKS also have desperation on their side heading into a pair of East Division duels on a short week of rest.

Pick
Writers: 86% Ottawa
Fans: 76% Ottawa


EDM @ HAM

Zach Collaros and the Ticats showed signs of life in a Week 4 loss to BC and now look to reverse a trend that heavily favours the Edmonton Eskimos. There’s a reason that 87 per cent of fans and all seven writers are picking the Eskimos this week — they not only boast the No. 1 ranked quarterback in Mike Reilly but also the CFL’s stingiest defence, with 306 yards per game against.

But don’t count out the Tabbies, especially at Tim Hortons Field. Ross Scheuerman has given the Ticats’ offence new life while Collaros appears to be building chemistry with his new receivers. Meanwhile, a tough swing in the schedule with visits to Calgary and Edmonton on tap make this Week 5 affair a critical one for the Black and Gold.

Pick
Writers: 100% Edmonton
Fans: 87% Edmonton


WPG @ BC

The rematch of the Western Semi-Final has been long-awaited, although it’ll be missing one main character as Jonathon Jennings is expected to miss Week 5 with his bruised shoulder. Still, after Travis Lulay set a CFL record with 436 passing yards off the bench, expect plenty of fireworks in a key early-season battle between heated West Division rivals.

Both clubs are playing well as the Lions swept all three games out east while the Bombers are coming off a win over the Argos, setting up one of the most highly-anticipated matchups on the 2017 regular season schedule.

Pick
Writers: 71% BC
Fans: 76% BC


SSK @ CGY

Despite their 1-2 record, the Riders look really good on paper through three contests, coming into Week 5 with both the CFL’s top-ranked defence (306 yards per game) and offence (410.3 yards per game). If Chris Jones’ vision is beginning to take shape, this weekend’s matchup against the Stamps will be a good test.

There’s two things the Stampeders simply do not do: lost two games in a row and lose at home. Saturday’s game at McMahon coming off a loss to the Alouettes represents a perfect storm.

Pick
Writers: 87% Calgary
Fans: 80% Calgary


OTT @ TOR

Whatever happens on Wednesday, the REDBLACKS’ visit to Toronto five days later represents a challenge for Rick Campbell’s team. The Argos will have had more than a week to prepare while for Ottawa it will mark the third game in 11 days. Still, while every writer is picking the Argos, Monday’s Week 5 finale represents the most highly-contested game among CFL fans, with 58 per cent picking Toronto to improve to 3-2 on the year.

The showdown between premier quarterbacks Ricky Ray and Trevor Harris will be one to watch as the defending Grey Cup Champs look for revenge against a surging Marc Trestman-coached Argos team.

Pick
Writers: 100% Toronto
Fans: 58% Toronto