Canadian Bacon: Week 18 CFL odds and picks
Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-8, 48)
The Blue Bombers have now taken full control of their destiny with a comeback victory last week against the Montreal Alouettes that gave them sole possession of first place in the East with two games to play. If Winnipeg wins this week against Toronto and the Alouettes lose, the Blue Bombers will secure first place and host the East final.
The Bombers can’t afford to stumble against the Argos at home in front of another sell-out crowd at Canad Inns Stadium for their last regular season game in Winnipeg. Head coach Paul LaPolice warned his players not to take this game lightly since these Argos did pull an upset against the Bombers last month and did the same two weeks ago against the Calgary Stampeders.
After taking over Cleo Lemon’s job as starting QB, Steven Jyles has completed only 56 percent of his passes and has twice as many interceptions (10) than touchdowns. The Argonauts have lost their last seven games on the road, while the Blue Bombers won only three of their last eight games.
Pick: Winnipeg
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+6.5, 50)
The Tiger-Cats played like a Grey Cup contender last week in a 42-10 mauling of the B.C. Lions, ending the Lions’ eight-game winning streak. The quarterback duo of Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter seems to be working as they both had 116 passing yards last week. Hamilton hasn’t said who will start against Saskatchewan, but both will likely see some action.
Meanwhile, wideout Chris Williams was back at practice this week and could play, but the Tiger-Cats will be without LB Jamall Johnson and CB Woodny Turenne.
The Roughriders are just looking to end the season on a positive note. Darian Durant and Andy Fantuz are both out for the rest of the season.
Pick: Hamilton
Edmonton Eskimos at B.C. Lions (-4.5, 49)
If you’re only watching one game this weekend, make sure it’s this one. The Eskimos are on top in the West and a win would secure first place and a bye week before hosting the division final. The Lions could derail that plan and prolong the debate for another week with a win.
As mentioned, B.C. saw its winning streak snapped last week and also suffered a number of injury casualties – including Akeem Foster.They brought back veteran receiver Ryan Thelwell and acquired LB Neil McKinlay.
Travis Lulay has led Edmonton to three straight wins and sits second in most QB statistics next to Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo. But don’t forget who is in third place in most of those categories: Edmonton’s Ricky Ray.
Pick: B.C.
Calgary Stampeders at Montreal Alouettes (-4.5, 56)
The Alouettes’ unity is being questioned. Running back Brandon Whittaker leads the CFL but feels he could get more touches. Wideout Kerry Watkins has been dropping too many balls and is still complaining the offense is too focused on slotbacks Jamal Richardson and S.J. Green.
The Alouettes spoiled a golden opportunity to secure first place in the east by collapsing in the fourth quarter against Winnipeg last week and now coach Marc Trestman is being scrutinized by some of his players.
The Stampeders, who stand third in the West, must win to keep hopes of hosting a playoff game in November. Drew Tate, who has been taking over a struggling Henry Burris at pivot, should be able to exploit the weaknesses of the Alouettes secondary especially with the return of Ken-Yon Rambo (Achilles).
Pick: Calgary
Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-8, 48)
The Blue Bombers have now taken full control of their destiny with a comeback victory last week against the Montreal Alouettes that gave them sole possession of first place in the East with two games to play. If Winnipeg wins this week against Toronto and the Alouettes lose, the Blue Bombers will secure first place and host the East final.
The Bombers can’t afford to stumble against the Argos at home in front of another sell-out crowd at Canad Inns Stadium for their last regular season game in Winnipeg. Head coach Paul LaPolice warned his players not to take this game lightly since these Argos did pull an upset against the Bombers last month and did the same two weeks ago against the Calgary Stampeders.
After taking over Cleo Lemon’s job as starting QB, Steven Jyles has completed only 56 percent of his passes and has twice as many interceptions (10) than touchdowns. The Argonauts have lost their last seven games on the road, while the Blue Bombers won only three of their last eight games.
Pick: Winnipeg
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+6.5, 50)
The Tiger-Cats played like a Grey Cup contender last week in a 42-10 mauling of the B.C. Lions, ending the Lions’ eight-game winning streak. The quarterback duo of Kevin Glenn and Quinton Porter seems to be working as they both had 116 passing yards last week. Hamilton hasn’t said who will start against Saskatchewan, but both will likely see some action.
Meanwhile, wideout Chris Williams was back at practice this week and could play, but the Tiger-Cats will be without LB Jamall Johnson and CB Woodny Turenne.
The Roughriders are just looking to end the season on a positive note. Darian Durant and Andy Fantuz are both out for the rest of the season.
Pick: Hamilton
Edmonton Eskimos at B.C. Lions (-4.5, 49)
If you’re only watching one game this weekend, make sure it’s this one. The Eskimos are on top in the West and a win would secure first place and a bye week before hosting the division final. The Lions could derail that plan and prolong the debate for another week with a win.
As mentioned, B.C. saw its winning streak snapped last week and also suffered a number of injury casualties – including Akeem Foster.They brought back veteran receiver Ryan Thelwell and acquired LB Neil McKinlay.
Travis Lulay has led Edmonton to three straight wins and sits second in most QB statistics next to Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo. But don’t forget who is in third place in most of those categories: Edmonton’s Ricky Ray.
Pick: B.C.
Calgary Stampeders at Montreal Alouettes (-4.5, 56)
The Alouettes’ unity is being questioned. Running back Brandon Whittaker leads the CFL but feels he could get more touches. Wideout Kerry Watkins has been dropping too many balls and is still complaining the offense is too focused on slotbacks Jamal Richardson and S.J. Green.
The Alouettes spoiled a golden opportunity to secure first place in the east by collapsing in the fourth quarter against Winnipeg last week and now coach Marc Trestman is being scrutinized by some of his players.
The Stampeders, who stand third in the West, must win to keep hopes of hosting a playoff game in November. Drew Tate, who has been taking over a struggling Henry Burris at pivot, should be able to exploit the weaknesses of the Alouettes secondary especially with the return of Ken-Yon Rambo (Achilles).
Pick: Calgary
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