October 11, 2017

CFL.ca writers make their Week 17 picks

Darryl Dyck/THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO — After a week of dissension, the writers and fans agree on every game this week. Don’t go scratching off any ‘W’s just yet, however.

Last week, none of CFL.ca’s seven writers picked better than 50 per cent, combining for a 10-18 record — including a 7-14 record on the week’s three unanimous picks. With Pat Steinberg’s 42-18 record leading the pack, the group looks for a bounce back in Week 17

Beware the upset. Not since Week 6 have all four favourites won in a week, while four of the last eight games have witnessed underdog winners. Who’s it going to be this time?

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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CGY at HAM

Months after a 60-1 Stampede, things have changed ahead of Friday night’s rematch. Calgary and Hamilton are the CFL’s two hottest teams, with the Stamps on a 10-game winning streak and the Ticats winners of four of their last six following an 0-8 start.

While June Jones’ team has played well, the return to the donut box marks a true test for the tiger stripes: The Stamps have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 20.5 points per game over the last 10, hitting 40 or more points on three different occasions. That’s a lot of horsepower.

PICK
Writers: 71% Calgary
Fans: 86% Calgary


OTT at SSK

For the first time in 36 years, the Riders erased comebacks of 13 points or more in consecutive games — all made possible by Canadian quarterback Brandon Bridge. Bridge won’t start this week, but his efforts personify what a Chris Jones-coached team is all about — one that is learning how to win in any circumstance.

No one’s respecting the REDBLACKS this week, which might be a mistake. Trevor Harris showed no rust after his month-long absence, throwing for 380 yards and three touchdowns in a rare west coast win. The road warriors are in another tough spot this week as they bear down on a playoff spot.

PICK:
Writers: 100% Saskatchewan
Fans: 82% Saskatchewan


BC at WPG

Load up your fantasy teams, bet the ‘over’ and get ready to jump out of your seat when these West Division foes meet on Saturday at IGF. In their last four meetings, split down the middle at 2-2, the Bombers have outscored the Lions 145-144, with no team failing to reach 30 points in any game.

MOP candidate Matt Nichols will play after an injury scare, while Jonathon Jennings (720 passing yards in his last two games) is just starting to heat up as the Lions hope to pounce in the playoff race. Either way, there WILL be fireworks.

PICK
Writers: 86% Winnipeg
Fans: 85% Winnipeg


TOR at EDM

After seven straight losses, Mike Reilly and co. have weathered the storm — literally — overcoming an early two-score deficit and a downpour to take down the Alouettes. Tied for third in the West and just four points out of second, games like this one vs. the Argos are must-win for the Green and Gold.

Week 16 was a forgettable one for the Boatmen, who not only blew a 13-point lead vs. the Riders but also watched Hamilton and Ottawa pick up cross-division victories. The Argos are 2-5 on the road and 1-6 vs. the West, trends they’ll look to reverse in a tough test at Commonwealth.

PICK
Writers: 71% Edmonton
Fans: 73% Edmonton