RecordLast WeekThis WeekGame Picks3-136-26Player Prop0-09-9Total3-145-35
Any trace of occasional warmth that can be felt in the late autumn air will be gone when the Grey Cup playoffs kickoff next weekend. The conditions will be crisp, cool, Canadian. Count on it. But before the last of the mild air is mixed with the coming cold, there’s a lot left for grabs in week 21.
Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The talent is there for the Ti-Cats. They could be rested and re-focused for a Grey Cup run. But let’s be honest, the Tabbies looked tame leading into the bye. Their last two games against playoff opponents were blowouts. The Stamps had lost four in a row before a 17-point win in Hamilton two weeks ago. Prior to that, the Ti-Cats were embarrassed by the Bombers 40-3 in week 17. Hamilton had wins against Winnipeg and Montreal in weeks 14 & 15 but both of those were against backup quarterbacks. Their last win against a playoff quarterback was in July. Since their six-game win streak ended in week 10, the Ti-Cats have a losing record. It’s safe to say that Hamilton can still win the East thanks in large part to Davis Alexander’s hamstring. Meanwhile, Tyrie Adams showed something in last week’s start against the Als. Maybe more importantly, the rest of the Redblacks appeared energized. Most of it was late in the game, but they still put up 28 points against one of the league’s best defences. Too many points to pass up.
THE PICK: REDBLACKS +14.5
Calgary Stampeders at Edmonton Elks
It was an impressive playoff push for the Elks that started way back when they were 1-6. After falling just short, Edmonton can ease into the off-season with a sense of accomplishment. They have a franchise quarterback in Cody Fajardo and a Head Coach in Mark Kilam. They appear to have moved on from Tre Ford. With some major questions seemingly answered for next season, the Elks can take their hoof off the gas. Several key starters will be sidelined and many more take a seat before this game is over. The Stamps have stopped the bleeding after a four-game losing streak. Vernon Adams looks healthier and like he’s got a bit of his swagger back. But what made the Stamps so good early in the season was their defence and it’s re-established its presence over the last two weeks.
THE PICK: STAMPEDERS -4.5
Montreal Alouettes at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
I jumped on the Als at +5.5 earlier in the week. Since then, Head Coach Jason Maas has said that Davis Alexander will start regardless of whether the game matters to them in the standings. Maas believes his quarterback needs experience, especially against a potential playoff opponent. Even though first place in the East could be out of reach, The Als are flying west to win. Let’s not forget that Alexander’s perfect record as the starter is still intact, with a chance to improve to 12-0. On the flip side, it doesn’t matter where the Bombers play next week if they can’t get healthy. The offence was anemic last week against a Riders team that was resting starters and Zach Collaros was under siege. The best strategy for Mike O’Shea might be to gather as much intelligence as possible for a playoff re-match in Montreal. Perhaps an under-appreciated aspect of this game is that the Als can ensure that they host the Bombers next week by beating them this week. Assuming the Ti-Cats take care of business on Friday, if you’re the Als, ask yourself: who would you rather play – Winnipeg or BC? I think the Als win outright.
THE PICK: ALOUETTES +2.5
BC Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders
This line suggests that the Riders will be resting their starters for another week. They’re the Grey Cup favourite and have already booked the West Final in Regina. But by then, it will have been a month without meaningful football. That must be concerning for Head Coach Corey Mace and his messaging to the media will echo in the locker room: it’s an opportunity to remind themselves that they are who they think they are. The Riders also have an opportunity to affect their potential playoff opponent in two weeks. If it’s not already determined by kickoff, a Riders win will make life a lot harder on the Lions by ensuring they have to head out on the road before the potential rematch in the West Final. Nathan Rourke and the Lions will be ready, but I think Saskatchewan will be close to full strength.
THE PICK: ROUGHRIDERS +7.5
