Patrick Doyle (CFL.ca)
It’s what seems to be a shorter week with three teams off on bye.
That being said, there are still some storyline driven games to keep us entertained once the Ottawa REDBLACKS and those undefeated Calgary Stampeders get the week of football underway.
Total CFL Pick ‘Em is back in 2018 and if you can pick the winners with regularity, you’ll have a chance to win $5,000. *View rules regarding streaks and prizing.
With the first game tabbed to kick off on Thursday, here are my picks for Week 5 of the CFL season.
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CALGARY @ OTTAWA
Thursday | 7:30 p.m. ET
Expect Trevor Harris to have a much better performance against the Stamps after having some film to breakdown from their earlier matchup two weeks ago. (The Canadian Press)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS were right there with the Calgary Stampeders two weeks ago. It was a defensive battle until Ottawa’s defence was unable to continue their strong play throughout the game, while Calgary was able to create turnovers, sacks and make things easier for the offence.
Ottawa went to Montreal and beat up on the Alouettes, while Calgary had the week off to get short rest after a 3-0 start.
The Stampeders defence has allowed just over 10 points per game, while Ottawa has the second-best defence in many categories.
I’m looking at Trevor Harris to have a much better game than two weeks ago after being able to break down some film on the Stampeders. I’ve promised to take at least one upset a week. This is my pick.
PICK: OTTAWA (20% confidence)
TORONTO @ EDMONTON
Friday | 9:00 p.m. ET
Edmonton will be needing to find an answer in how to stop James Wilder Jr. if they plan on winning in Week 5. (The Canadian Press)
The Edmonton Eskimos can blame the turf at BMO Field all they want but they’ll need to stop James Wilder Jr. if they want to win the back half of this home and home set.
I doubt the Eskimos will fall behind by 12 points in the first six minutes like they did last week.
I’m also interested to see how James Franklin does on the road as he didn’t need to air it out in the game because of the aforementioned successful run game. I think he’ll need to a little more in this one with the Eskimos rarely being held to under 25 points.
I don’t think Toronto will pull off the back to back.
PICK: EDMONTON (50% confidence)
WINNIPEG @ BC
Saturday | 10:00 p.m. ET
In his first game back since suffering an injury in training camp, Matt Nichols shook off some rust last week versus the very same Lions he and the Bombers will be facing in Week 5. (Trevor Hagan, CFL.ca)
There wasn’t much to inspire me to believe the B.C. Lions have an answer for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after last week’s game.
While the season is premature, the Lions aren’t looking like a team ready to send off Head Coach Wally Buono with a memorable season. Their lone win has come against the Montreal Alouettes, who sit last in most power rankings.
Buono is even hesitant to name quarterback Jonathon Jennings the starter, which leads to further concern in B.C.
Meanwhile, Matt Nichols was able to break off some rust and I expect to see much better from the Bombers starter in his second game of the season. Andrew Harris had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and another former Lion Adam Bighill was a one-man wrecking crew last week.
Bombers look inspired, the Lions do not.
PICK: WINNIPEG (80% confidence)
WEEK 5 FANTASY
QUARTERBACK – James Franklin – I really wanted to play Mike Reilly because I think he’ll have a big game so Franklin is a budget pick as the lowest starter available and with the opportunity to be in a game that he may have to air it out a little more, he could find some yards and touchdowns.
RUNNING BACKS – William Powell, Don Jackson – Powell comes into the game against the Stampeders being looked to carry the load. I feel Powell will be the man who could take over the game and try and wear down the Stampeders defence. He has added value catching out of the backfield.
Jackson had a big day against the REDBLACKS two weeks ago and the budget works out to rely on the upstart running back out of Calgary to continue to carry the load for the Stampeders. I really would like to see him involved more in the passing game but it’s not happening yet.
WIDE RECEIVERS – Derel Walker, Duke Williams – Again, I really wanted to play Mike Reilly but his 14,000 budget limits the availability to get quality in other positions so I’ll just take his top two targets instead.
FLEX – Nic Demski – The Canadian receiver showed flashes in Saskatchewan last season he can be relied upon a little more and I think Matt Nichols can switch up the game plan a little more and Demski could see a slight increase in looks. I’m looking for catches to help boost the value at this spot with as little cash I have left. If he can get into open space, he can definitely make a big play out of nothing.
DEFENCE – Edmonton – Another budget play but on home field 3,200 is a great price with only five other defences available this week due to just three games in Week 5 of the regular season.
