CANADIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE PICKS: WEEK 5
Montreal Alouettes at Ottawa Redblacks
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
It’s been a rough start for Ottawa (0-3-1), which has lost its games by a combined six points. What’s more, the club is in the midst of playing three games within 11 days, which gives it precious time to heal and practise. The Redblacks held Mike Reilly to 265 passing yards in last week’s 23-21 road loss to Edmonton but Tavon Van ran for 103 yards on 18 carries against his former team. Montreal (2-2) is coming off a 30-23 home win over Calgary, its fourth straight victory at Molson Stadium against the defending Canadian Football League West Division champion. Darian Durant threw for 296 yards and a TD against the Stampeders but also had two interceptions.
Prediction: Ottawa
Edmonton Eskimos at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Edmonton (3-0) has earned its three wins by a combined nine points. While quarterback Mike Reilly, the CFL’s passing leader last year, has completed 71.8 per cent of his throws, the Eskimos’ defence is tied with Saskatchewan for fewest yards allowed (306 per game) and allowed a league-low two TD passes. But rival offences have run for four TDs, one behind league-worst Hamilton (0-3). The Ticats are also coming off being torched by Lulay and are ranked last in scoring (15.7 offensive points per game) and points allowed (35 offensive points per game).
Prediction: Edmonton
Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B.C. Lions
Friday 10 p.m.
There are two twists this week for B.C. The Lions (3-1) are home to Winnipeg (2-1) following three straight road wins over East Division rivals, and they’ll likely have a different starting QB. Veteran backup Travis Lulay came off the bench to throw for a record 436 yards and three TDs in a 41-26 win over Hamilton on Saturday. Lulay entered the game on B.C.’s opening possession after starter Jonathon Jennings suffered a shoulder injury. That could put the onus on Winnipeg’s offence — ranked seventh in time of possession at 28:39 — to not only score but take its time doing so to keep the Lions’ unit off the field.
Prediction: B.C.
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary Stampeders
Saturday 9 p.m.
Saskatchewan (1-2) has had two weeks to savour its 37-20 win over Hamilton. Kevin Glenn threw for 380 yards and two TDs against Hamilton while Roosevelt Naaman had 10 catches for 167 yards. But the Riders’ defence was solid, allowing just 216 net yards. Calgary (2-1-1) is coming off a 30-23 road loss to Montreal. It was just the eighth career regular-season loss for Bo Levi Mitchell, last year’s league MVP who threw for 379 yards and a TD. Kamar Jorden made nine catches for 140 yards. Defensive end Charleston Hughes (leg), a premier pass rusher, could be back.
Prediction: Calgary
Ottawa Redblacks at Toronto Argonauts
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Ottawa (0-3-1) will end a tough stretch at BMO Field. Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris has thrown a league-high eight touchdown passes but will face a rested Toronto defence that’s recorded a CFL-best 14 sacks. Toronto (2-2) last played July 13 in a 33-25 road loss to Winnipeg. Argos starter Ricky Ray enters action as the CFL’s passing leader, having thrown for over 300 yards in each of the club’s four games. Veteran S.J. Green, who missed much of last year with a knee injury, is the league’s top receiver with 24 catches for 452 yards and a TD.
Prediction: Toronto