CFL PICKS: WEEK 9

Edmonton Eskimos at Winnipeg Blue Bombers Thursday, 8:30 p.m.

The Edmonton Eskimos and Winnipeg Blue Bombers have made a habit of winning close games this season. The unbeaten Eskimos (7-0) have won four games by four points or less and another by just five points. Winnipeg (5-2) is 3-1 in contests decided by four points or less. The Eskimos continue winning despite having an injured list filled with proven performers. But a constant for Edmonton has been quarterback Mike Reilly, who threw for 384 yards and two TDs against Ottawa. Reilly, the CFL passing leader last year, is third overall this season with 2,329 yards but sports a gaudy 72.7 per cent completion average with 13 TDs. Quarterback Matt Nichols leads a potent Winnipeg offence that’s first in offensive points scored (31.6 per game) and second in touchdowns (24) despite being ranked seventh in net yards (361.8 per game) and passing yards (294.6) and eighth in time of possession (29:02).

Prediction: Edmonton

Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Ottawa (1-6-1) is 0-5-1 in games decided by four points or less and has lost three straight. Quarterback Trevor Harris leads the CFL in passing (2,468 yards) and TDs (16) while Greg Ellingson remains the league’s leading receiver (48 catches, 749 yards, five touchdowns). It’s been a miserable existence for Hamilton (0-7), which is scoring a league-low 15.4 offensive points per game while allowing a CFL-high 39 points.

Prediction: Ottawa

Calgary Stampeders at B.C. Lions Friday, 10:30 p.m.

Fatigue shouldn’t be a factor for Calgary (5-1-1), which last played Aug. 3 in a 41-24 road win over Toronto. The Stampeders have scored a CFL-high 29 TDs while allowing a league-low 19 offensive points per game. And returner Roy Finch is a big-play threat on special teams. B.C. (5-3) never got on track in its 41-8 loss to Saskatchewan on Sunday as starter Jonathon Jennings threw three interceptions in his return under centre before being replaced by veteran Travis Lulay.

Prediction: Calgary

Toronto Argonauts at Montreal Alouettes Saturday, 4 p.m.

Montreal (3-4) can clinch the season series with a sweep of this home-and-home set after last week’s 21-9 home victory. That makes the Alouettes the only East Division team not on a losing streak. Toronto (3-5) has dropped three straight but starter Ricky Ray is expected back after missing last week’s game with a shoulder injury. Ray is crucial to coach Marc Trestman’s pass-first offence and having him back under centre would be huge for an Argos team that needs a win to keep pace the conference.

Prediction: Toronto Last week: 2-2 Overall: 24-8-1

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press All games on TSN