WEEK 16 CFL PICKS 2017
HAMILTON AT WINNIPEG, FRIDAY
(Bombers favoured by 13-points)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have to do something no other East Division team has this season to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Hamilton (3-10) visits Winnipeg (10-3) on Friday night still with an outside chance at catching the Ottawa Redblacks (5-9-1) for second in the East Division. But not only have the Bombers won three straight overall and their last five home games, they’re 6-0 this season versus Eastern clubs.
Hamilton is just 1-7 against West Division competition. The Ticats lost a glorious opportunity to climb back into the Eastern playoff race Saturday by relinquishing a 14-point second-half lead en route to a 43-35 overtime loss to the Toronto Argonauts.
Winnipeg has won its last three meetings with Hamilton and outscored the Ticats 104-47. The Bombers also have a stellar plus-12 turnover ratio in those games.
Nichols has the CFL’s highest quarterback rating (90.2) and efficiency rating (105.1) and has thrown a league-best 26 TD strikes. He’s not been intercepted in 107 straight pass attempts.
Prediction: Winnipeg
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SASKATCHEWAN AT TORONTO, SATURDAY
(Argos favoured by 2-points)
Running back Trent Richardson makes his CFL debut for Saskatchewan (7-6), which ranks last in rushing. The Riders rallied to beat Ottawa 18-17 last weekend. Their defence stands second overall in fewest TDs allowed (32) and third in interceptions (14). The Argos (7-7) are 1-5 versus West Division teams but a 34-26 decision over Edmonton started their current three-game win streak. Toronto is also 5-2 at BMO Field and DeVier Posey gives Argos solid 1-2 receiving punch with veteran S.J. Green.
Prediction: Toronto
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OTTAWA AT B.C., SATURDAY
(Lions favoured by 4.5-points)
Trevor Harris is expected back under centre for Ottawa after missing nearly a month with a shoulder injury. The Redblacks have dropped two straight and three of their last four but running back William Powell has three consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts (438 yards combined, 6.7-yard average). Quarterback Jonathon Jennings has twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (six) for B.C. (6-7), which has lost six-of-eight games. If the Lions feel they’re a playoff team, this is one contest they must win.
Prediction: B.C.
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EDMONTON AT MONTREAL, MONDAY
(Eskimos favoured by 7.5-points)
Something has to give as Edmonton (7-6) has lost six straight and Montreal (3-11) is on a seven-game losing streak. The Eskimos are 5-1 against East teams whereas the Alouettes are 2-6 facing West squads. The Esks hope Gable can provide balance to an offence anchored by CFL passing leader Mike Reilly. Drew Willy could make a second straight start for the Als with Darian Durant (hamstring) still ailing.
Prediction: Edmonton
Last week: 4-0
Overall: 44-16-1
(Canadian Press)
