PICKS
FRIDAY AT 4P.M
Toronto (3-12) at Montreal (8-7)
The Argonauts are playing out the string, the Als are looking to stay sharp for a home playoff game, so this shouldn’t be close. However, Montreal QB Vernon Adams Jr. showed how erratic he can be in a loss to Winnipeg last week, throwing four picks. He’ll have to calm down and take only what the defence gives him. Als head coach/offensive co-ordinator Khari Jones would be wise not to abandon the run game as he did in the second half last week.
Montreal by eight
FRIDAY AT 7P.M.
Saskatchewan (10-5) at B.C. (5-11)
The Lions gave a gutsy effort in Edmonton after losing QB Mike Reilly to a broken left wrist, but backup Danny O’Brien wasn’t sharp. He’ll need to be much better just to keep this game close. The Riders are coming off a tough loss in Calgary and need the points to ensure a home playoff date. Former Lions backup QB Cody Fajardo might want to put on a show in Vancouver. Riders by seven
SATURDAY AT 1P.M.
Ottawa (3-12) at Hamilton (12-3)
Avert your eyes. The firstplace Ticats have won three straight, they’re coming off a bye and should make incredibly short work of a Redblacks team that hasn’t been any good for months. The Tabbies average a CFL-high 31 points per game, while the Redblacks have been held to less than 20 in 11 of 15 outings. Ticats by 17 Winnipeg (10-6) at Calgary (10-5)
Here’s the one worth watching. If the Bombers stick mostly to the run game, and QB Chris Streveler’s penchant for picks probably makes that necessary, they’ll be in tough against the Stamps run defence, which is the stingiest in the league. Calgary’s opponents get just 4.6 yards per rush. Meanwhile, the Stamps lead the league in passing yards per game, but opponents complete only 62.4 per cent of their pass attempts against the Bombers. This has to be close.
Stamps by three
Postmedia record: 50-19 Dan Barnes: 44-18
Tim Baines: 6-1