Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — While the CFL.ca writers are mostly in agreement this week, there’s one lonely exception unafraid to stand out. In second place on the leaderboard, Jim Morris has a major hunch this week, going against the grain on not one but two of his picks.
The third-last week of the season features four one-sided affairs in the eyes of our experts, as the Stamps, Argos, Eskies and Ticats seem to be the ‘safe picks’. Of course, no pick is safe in our three-down game of football, something Morris is taking to heart.
Will his inkling pay off and land him a late-season spot atop the standings?
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SSK at CGY
The Riders can clinch a playoff spot with a win, but would have to buck a couple of long-standing trends in doing so: It’s been four years since the last time they beat the Stampeders, while Calgary hasn’t lost on home turf in two years (a run of 17 straight home wins).
Stop the presses, however, because Friday’s contest offers an intriguing plot twist: receiver Duron Carter playing on both sides of the ball. Bo Levi Mitchell says he’ll target Carter all night at corner, making the Week 18 opener must-see TV.
PICK
Writers: 86% Calgary
Fans: 77% Calgary
WPG at TOR
Never have the writers and fans disagreed so strongly. They’ll settle their differences on the field, where the Argos and Bombers have lots to play for in a Saturday matinee at BMO.
Ricky Ray and Matt Nichols have been two of the league’s most dependable pivots this season, but can the Blue and Gold overcome the losses of Darvin Adams and Maurice Leggett? A win for the Bombers locks up their first home playoff game since 2011.
PICK
Writers: 86% Toronto
Fans: 73% Winnipeg
EDM at BC
It’s night and day, the difference between home and away, for the BC Lions. Wally Buono’s team is averaging 29.7 points per game at BC Place compared to 22.9 on the road, making Saturday’s must-win matchup a compelling scrap for both sides.
Look out for the the Eskimos, who are back on track after winning consecutive contests following a six-game losing streak. Pay extra attention to Brandon Zylstra, who continues to be the best receiver in the Canadian Football League with 500 yards over his past three games.
PICK
Writers: 100% Edmonton
Fans: 73% Edmonton
HAM at MTL
While Sunday’s game won’t affect the playoff picture, quarterback Darian Durant will be one to watch when the Ticats visit the Als for a Montreal matinee. The 35-year-old has plenty to play for following his two-game absence, including possibly his future as a starting quarterback.
For the Ticats, they’ll have to overcome the recent letdown of being eliminated. That happened following last week’s loss to Calgary, despite a 4-3 run since Labour Day that’s witnessed a drastic turnaround in Tiger Town.
PICK
Writers: 100% Hamilton
Fans: 89% Hamilton
