TORONTO — Whether you’re a CFL team, a CFL Pick ‘Em player or a CFL.ca writer, there’s a lot on the line going into the season’s final week.
The Bombers and Eskimos are playing for a home playoff game and the Argos are dueling for a division title, while two games separate four writers in the CFL Pick ‘Em standings.
Meanwhile, one week after losing their second game in a row, the Stampeders get one final dress rehearsal before hosting the Western Final on Nov. 19 as they try and get back on track.
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.
Here are the Week 20 writer picks:
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MTL at HAM
Neither team owns a ticket to the post-season, yet the Alouettes and Ticats are coming from very opposite directions entering Friday’s season finale. The Ticats are 5-4 since Labour Day and have created hope for 2018, outscoring opponents 262-235 since June Jones and Jeremiah Masoli took the controls.
The Alouettes, on the other hand, are looking to end a 10-game losing streak and have very little to play for on the road. With a last-place finish and first overall pick already under lock and key, Kavis Reed and co. will use this time to evaluate some of their unknown talent, including rookie quarterback Matthew Shiltz, who will make his first career Canadian Football League start.
PICK
Writers: 100% Hamilton
Fans: 95% Hamilton
WPG at CGY
Injuries and a two-game losing streak have temporarily sidelined the Bombers’ bid of hosting their first playoff game since 2011. With Matt Nichols becoming the latest to join an overcrowded infirmary, the huddle now belongs to journeyman quarterback Dan LeFevour along with Dominique Davis.
A home playoff game is not all that’s at stake for Winnipeg. Momentum is on the minds of coaches Dave Dickenson and Mike O’Shea, with the West Division’s top two teams having combined for four consecutive losses. McMahon Stadium sets the scene for a possible preview of the Western Final in two weeks’ time.
PICK
Writers: 71% Calgary
Fans: 77% Calgary
EDM at SSK
The Eskimos won’t know until late Friday whether they’re playing for home field in the first round of the playoffs, as a win combined with a Winnipeg loss nets them another game at Commonwealth Stadium. Whatever happens beforehand, both the Riders and Eskies will have lots to play for.
A lot has changed since the Riders’ 54-31 victory the last time these sides met. Yes, the Riders, 8-3 in their last 11, are still hot, but so are the Eskimos, winners of four in a row (a combined 12-3 for those counting). Talk about stranger things: the loser of Saturday’s bout travels east in the playoffs, meaning this could be a Grey Cup preview.
PICK
Writers: 71% Edmonton
Fans: 67% Saskatchewan
TOR at BC
It all comes down to this for the Argos, who can claim their first division title since 2013 with a win over the BC Lions Saturday night. Slippery slotback Anthony Coombs returns to the lineup for Marc Trestman, whose club should be focused and well-rested despite the perils of a late start time on the west coast.
The BC Lions don’t plan on making it easy. Wally Buono’s team is playing loose with nothing to lose, and it starts with quarterback Jonathon Jennings. After struggling through a lot of 2017, Jennings has gone 55-of-71 (77.5%) for 620 yards, 5 TD and 1 INT over his last two starts. Safe to say the real JJ is back.
PICK
Writers: 86% Toronto
Fans: 61% Toronto
