November 24, 2017

Prediction Time: CFL.ca writers make their Grey Cup picks

Larry MacDougal/CFL.ca

TORONTO — Between the betting odds and the CFL Simulation, there’s been a healthy split between the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts going into the 105th Grey Cup presented by Shaw.

The writers have finally settled the difference, picking the Argos to be victorious on Sunday at TD Place.

Four out of seven CFL.ca columnists have picked the Boatmen, who are a seven-point favourite according to the simulation but a touchdown-dog in Vegas.

Will Ricky Ray win the fourth Grey Cup of his career, or will Bo Levi Mitchell add to his impressive collection of hardware with his second ring? The writers make their choices:

CFL.ca Writer Pick ‘Em Leaders

Writer Record
Matthew Cauz 58-26
Don Landry 56-28
Pat Steinberg 56-28
Jim Morris 55-29
Marshall Ferguson 54-30
Jamie Nye 50-34
Chris O’Leary 47-37

 

105th GREY CUP: CALGARY VS. TORONTO

The Calgary Stampeders swept their season series with the Argos and come into Sunday’s game as the betting favourite. Meanwhile, the last time these clubs played, the Stamps allowed only 18 rushing yards while not giving up a single offensive point.

But that was back in Week 10. Since then, after starting the year with the league’s worst rushing attack, the Argos have emerged as a powerhouse on the ground, led by Most Outstanding Rookie James Wilder Jr. Wilder’s presence has both taken pressure off Ray and opened up more space for dynamic receivers S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards and speedster DeVier Posey.

On defence, the Argos have since added shutdown cover corner Mitchell White, who’s helped cut 10 passing yards per game that the defence has allowed. Meanwhile, for the first time in a while, their defensive line is entirely healthy, led by three division all-stars and the dynamic Shawn Lemon.

The Argos go into Sunday’s contest with wins in six of their last eight, with their only two losses coming on the last possession to strong West Division teams in Edmonton and Saskatchewan.

That’s not to dismiss the class of the CFL, once again the Stampeders. The Red and White have redemption on their minds after last year’s Grey Cup letdown, and appear to be doing things differently. After resting players and closing the year on a three-game losing streak, a refreshed and re-focused Stampeders club handled the Eskimos on their way to their third Grey Cup appearance in four years.

The Stampeders boast the CFL’s best defence, which allowed the fewest passing yards in the league and tied for the most sacks (50, with the Argos). They also led the CFL in turnover differential.

Bo Levi Mitchell looked sharp in Sunday’s Western Final and, for the first time in a while, has a full complement of powerful receivers at his disposal, led by Kamar Jorden, DaVaris Daniels, Marquay McDaniel and Marken Michel.

Without further delay, here are the picks.

Fan Poll
Who will win the 105th Grey Cup presented by Shaw?
Calgary Stampeders
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Toronto Argonauts
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