Mat Smith/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Our writers here at CFL.ca have made their picks, and it looks as though Marshall Ferguson is hoping to make up some ground, going against the grain with a pair of his picks, which would have been otherwise straight sweeps.
Week 17 kicks off with a battle between the league’s top running backs. Andrew Harris and William Powell will be looking to get the edge on the other when the Blue Bombers and REDBLACKS clash at TD Place Stadium on Friday.
Week 17 is full of interesting matchups that could drastically impact the standings and overall playoff picture with just four weeks remaining after this one. Calgary has the potential to clinch a home playoff game with a win over the Alouettes.
Meanwhile, in the late tilt on Thanksgiving Monday, the winner between the Roughriders and Eskimos could shake things up and make for an interesting yet exciting finish in the West Division playoff chase, especially with a likely crossover spot available.
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WPG at OTT
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are flying high off of a win against Edmonton last weekend with hopes of continuing their momentum against the Ottawa REDBLACKS in Week 17.
It’s a battle between the league’s two top running backs in Andrew Harris and William Powell, as well as two very strong defensive units. The Bombers, however, lead the league in forced turnovers, while the REDBLACKS are among the league’s best in securing the ball.
Ottawa is coming off of a bye week, meaning that they’re well rested and in perfect position to take advantage of the possible chip on the Bombers’ shoulder. Saturday will also mark the final East Division team that the Bombers will face before wrapping up the season against all West Division opponents.
PICK
Writers: 83% Ottawa
Fans: 67% Ottawa
TOR at BC
The Toronto Argonauts elected to stay out west following their game against the Stampeders last week. As a result, they’ve faced some frigid temperatures in Alberta. Lucky for them, Vancouver has been looking much warmer compared to what things have been looking like across Alberta, and much less snow as well.
The Lions will be happy to be back home after their 40-10 loss to the Tiger-Cats last weekend. BC is 5-1 when playing at home, and that lone loss coming towards the end of August against the Roughriders.
As for the Argos, they have yet to win a single game on the road this season and it’s not looking like that’ll change with the recent news that James Wilder Jr. will be unavailable this week. The Double Blue are also going up against a team that is very much a playoff contender who’s road to football in November is much less complex than that of the Argos.
PICK
Writers: 83% BC
Fans: 86% BC
CGY at MTL
You’ve got two teams that practically mirror each other’s record, and not in a good way.
The 11-2 Calgary Stampeders will travel to Montreal to take on Johnny Manziel and the Alouettes on Thanksgiving Monday. The Stamps could very well seal a home playoff game with a victory over the Alouettes, but the health of their roster moving forward should also be something they need to start being mindful of.
With the Alouettes, their 3-11 record has them on the cusp of being eliminated from playoff contention. Calgary will be their last western opponent before going on a bye in Week 18, followed by a back-to-back against Toronto and then closing out the season against the Ticats… crazier things have happened, right?
PICK
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 94% Calgary
EDM at SSK
Edmonton will most definitely be looking for redemption after their disastrous performance last week against the Blue Bombers. As will Mike Reilly, especially, after throwing two interceptions and throwing only 164 yards.
The Roughriders will be enjoying some time at home before heading on a two-week road stand against the Bombers and Stamps, meaning this game against Edmonton may prove costly if they are unable to come out of it with a win, especially with the playoff picture heating up.
The Eskimos will be hoping to make the most of their trip to Regina, especially after losing just their second game at home last week. Playing well and sorting things out on the road before returning home may be beneficial for the Green and Gold as they currently rank fourth in the West Division.
PICK
Writers: 50/50
Fans: 70% Saskatchewan
