The Canadian Press
TORONTO — After going 17-11 in their Week 3 picks, the CFL.ca writers are mostly in agreement with their Week 4 picks.
Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and BC are heavy favourites among writers this week and the fans agree.
With another week of action set to arrive, we take a look at who’s trending.
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.
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TOR @ WPG
Toronto pays a visit to the west for the first time this season as they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to start Week 4. Lead by the steady hand of Ricky Ray, the Argos have impressed in their first three outings of 2017. The 37-year-old pivot has tossed a league-leading 1,199 yards while connecting with his favourite target SJ Green for highlight reel grabs time and time again. Although, they’ll have their hands full this week with the Bombers’ ball-hawking defence that has already collected four interceptions on the year (the most in the CFL).
Don’t count out the Bombers after their Week 3 performance, a loss to the Calgary Stampeders, as they look to get back into the win column. With Matt Nichols at quarterback – the Bombers are 11-4 since he took over as the starter – Winnipeg has the power to turn things around and both the writers and fans think they will. Weston Dressler has emerged a threat in the Bombers’ receiving corps and Andrew Harris has been dangerous both on the ground and catching passes out of the backfield.
Pick
Writers: 71% WPG
Fans: 64% WPG
CGY @ MTL
The red-hot Calgary Stampeders have yet to record a loss in 2017 as Bo Levi Mitchell and co. sit on top of the West Division. It’s not a surprise that the Stamps picked up right where they left off in 2016 after they were one of the teams in the league that didn’t make very many changes to their roster in the off-season. With Mitchell under centre, Jerome Messam in the back field and Mr. Reliable, Marquay McDaniel, catching passes, the Stamps’ offence is as dangerous as ever. Plus, on defence, Alex Singleton has continued his exceptional play from his rookie season as he sits second in the league in tackles with 24, only trailing BC’s Solomon Elimimian (29).
At 1-2, it’s not time for the Montreal Alouettes to panic any time soon. The Als sit second in the East Division and have shown glimpses of what they’re capable of. Veteran quarterback Darian Durant will soon get into a rhythm and with receivers Ernest Jackson, BJ Cunningham and Nik Lewis at his disposal, they have the potential to be lethal.
Pick
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 94% Calgary
OTT @ EDM
The last time these two teams met was in the nation’s capital as both teams fought through the snow in the Eastern Final. While this time there won’t be a white, cold blanket covering the field, Ottawa will be looking to cool off the Eskimos, who are undefeated so far this season. The Esks have yet to lose a game while the REDBLACKS have yet to win. Something has to give for one of these teams.
With Greg Ellingson leading the league in receving yards (369), receptions (25) and targets (34) and Diontae Spencer impressing on special teams, Edmonton will have their hands full trying to contain both of them. However, coming off a Week 3 bye, the Esks will be rested and refreshed as they look to keep Ottawa winless in 2017.
Pick
Writers: 71% Edmonton
Fans: 73% Edmonton
BC @ HAM
It might be a little early to hit the panic button for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but you might call Saturday night’s game a must-win. The Ticats offence has seemed out of sorts in their first two outings and their defence has also seen better days. While injuries have hit Hamilton this season – receiver Terrence Toliver and defensive backs Emanuel Davis and Abdul Kanneh have been sidelined – they still have the pieces to make things work. With the help and confidence of the 13th man – the fans at Tim Hortons Field will be getting their first look at the Tabbies this weekend – Hamilton will try for their first win of the season.
BC, on the other hand, is looking to sweep their eastern swing with one final victory on the road in Hamilton. Jonathon Jennings, as always, has been calm, cool and collected under centre and Solomon Elimimian is a force to be reckoned with on defence. Writers and fans are siding with the visitors to come out on top and head back to BC with 3-0 on the their road trip.
Pick
Writers: 100% BC
Fans: 84% Saskatchewan
