Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — On Labour Day, anything can happen.
It’s a sign of the times as Mark’s Labour Day Weekend arrives Thursday and commences Monday with four great rivalries.
The REDBLACKS, Riders, Stampeders and Argos are all favourites in Week 11 but if this weekend has taught us anything, it’s that you can throw away all the records and the stats.
It’s a new season for football players and Pick ‘Em players alike as the writers weigh in with their weekly picks.
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 @ MTL
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are learning how to win close games. That was the case again in Week 10 after almost letting a 28-point lead slip against the BC Lions — but a clutch late turnover helped them hang on for their second straight victory.
On Thursday, against an Alouettes team that is particularly stingy at home, Trevor Harris and co. will be put to the test again in a fight for second in the East. The Als won’t make it easy. Remember the last time they played back in Week 5? The Als lost on a late third-down gamble by five points — despite losing the turnover battle 5-0. Expect another last-minute decision to kick off Week 11.
PICK
Writers: 86% Ottawa
Fans: 66% Ottawa
WPG @ SSK
The precursor to the Banjo Bowl may take top billing this Labour Day Weekend. Some of the names have changed over the past year but the rivalry between the Bombers and Riders is taking centre stage in the highly-competitive West Division. And on Sunday, heading into a home-and-home, both teams have a lot to prove.
The Bombers have won five straight games and are within an inch of first in the entire league. The Riders have outscored their opponents 95-39 over the last two games while eclipsing 40 points in both contests. Oh, and the first time these teams met in Week 2, the first game at the new Mosaic Stadium, they combined for 83 points in a 43-40 Bombers overtime win.
PICK:
Writers: 71% Saskatchewan
Fans: 57% Saskatchewan
EDM @ CGY
The Alberta rivals have been evenly-matched over the past few years. Except on Labour Day. The Stamps have won five consecutive fall classics over the Eskimos by a combined score of 157-108 — an average margin of nine points — while the last three decisions have come by two scores or more.
Mike Reilly, who has never won on Labour Day, looks to reverse a couple of trends on Monday against a Stampeders team that is lights out at home. Whoever wins in Week 11 could shift the balance of power in the West and really turn up the pressure heading into the second half of a key home-and-home.
PICK
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 80% Calgary
TOR @ HAM
A lot has happened in Hamilton since the Ticats’ 37-18 loss to the REDBLACKS in Week 9, including a coaching change, some coaching controversy and a swap at quarterback. Monday’s Labour Day Classic presents a chance for the Tabbies to put all of that behind them and finally play some football.
The Ticats would like nothing more than to pick up win No. 1 of the season while, at the same time, knocking Ricky Ray and the Argos out of first in the East. Expect an emotional Monday in the Hammer.
PICK
Writers: 86% Toronto
Fans: 78% Toronto
