The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Week 21 gets underway with just one game having any major implications on how the playoffs will shape out. It just so happens that the Stamps-Lions tilt is set to be the ‘main event’ of the week’s tab of games, which will also be Wally Buono’s final game at BC Place before he plans to retire at the conclusion of the Lions season.
The CFL.ca writers have taken Calgary across the board to win, which will give them the top spot in the West Divison and a first-round bye when the playoffs get underway.
As for the other games on tap, there will likely be a lot of fresh faces in the starting lineups for playoff-bound teams, along with a lot three teams wanting to go out with a bang as they will not be playing past Week 21.
Who will win each matchup? Do you agree with the CFL.ca writer’s picks, or do you go against the trend?
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TOR at OTT
The Ottawa REDBLACKS enter Friday’s matchup against the Toronto Argonauts as favourites to win either team’s final regular game. After clinching the East Division crown, Rick Campbell has elected to sit the majority of his starters. Dominique Davis and Danny Collins are both reportedly splitting the game at the quarterback position as Trevor Harris will be on of many offensive starters taking the game off.
The opportunity for James Franklin to put up some impressive numbers, especially for TSN CFL Fantasy players, is right there in front of him with the REDBLACKS opting to sit their starters. Despite that, both our CFL.ca writers and the fans both see the REDBLACKS finishing the season with one more win to their record.
PICK
Writers: 83% Ottawa
Fans: 91% Ottawa
WPG at EDM
The Edmonton Eskimos will not be playing a playoff game for the first time since 2013. It’s a tough pill to have to swallow for a storied-franchise like Edmonton, but they’ve approached this week with the right mindset.
GM/VP Brock Sunderland said earlier this week that if anyone is treating their Week 21 game as a meaningless one, they’re gone, as the Eskimos will use this game as a way to set the tone early-on for next year’s preparation.
As for Winnipeg, Mike O’Shea has reportedly been asking for players input on whether or not he starts Matt Nichols at quarterback for their final regular season game, or whether he rests him in place of Chris Streveler with the Bombers already locking up a Western Semi-Final appearance.
PICK
Writers: 50/50
Fans: 61% Winnipeg
MTL at HAM
The Tiger-Cats have found themselves in search of answers in the last quarter of the season after back-to-back losses against the REDBLACKS. The loss of Brandon Banks has left the Ticats depleted at the position with Jeremiah Masoli struggling to find chemistry with the remaining receivers who remain healthy.
The Alouettes, who have been eliminated from playoff contention for quite some time now, will come into Hamilton with the mentality of playing for pride on their minds. As a result, the CFL.ca writers are leaning in favour of the Als, especially following the emergence of William Stanback as the likely running back of the future for Montreal.
PICK
Writers: 67% Montreal
Fans: 86% Hamilton
CGY at BC
It’s the last home game of a storied career as Wally Buono will patrol the sideline at BC Place for the last time.
The Lions have already booked their ticket East as they will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern Semi-Final, but the Lions can still contribute to a West Divison that has gone right down to the wire.
Calgary will be needing a win against the Lions if they hope to have a first-round bye in the playoffs, clinching the No. 1 seed in the West and being one win away from appearing in their third consecutive Grey Cup.
PICK
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 54% Calgary
