WEEK 7 CFL PICKS 2019

CALGARY AT OTTAWA, THURSDAY

At Ottawa, Jonathon Jennings starts again for the Redblacks (2-3), who’ve dropped three straight. Jennings threw for 45 yards with a pick in last week’s 31-1 loss to Winnipeg. Calgary (3-2) comes off a 26-16 win over Toronto. Linebacker Cory Greenwood had an interception, forced fumble and fumble return while Tre Roberson had a fumble return TD.

Pick: Calgary.

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TORONTO AT EDMONTON, THURSDAY

At Edmonton, running back C.J. Gable, the CFL’s second-leading rusher, won’t play for the Eskimos (3-2). But the offence still boasts the league’s top passing attack (326.6 yards per game) while the defence has a league-best 19 sacks. Toronto (0-5) completes a three-game road trip having committed a league-high 21 turnovers.

Pick: Edmonton.

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WINNIPEG AT HAMILTON, FRIDAY

Hamilton leads the CFL in points for (37.4 per game) and average yards per play (7.1) and is tied with Winnipeg for most offensive points (31.4) and touchdowns (21). The Bombers are tops in offensive touchdowns (19, three more than the second-place Ticats), passing touchdowns (13, again three more than second-place Ticats) and second overall in average yards per play (6.9).

Winnipeg’s defence is stingy, leading the league in opposition rushing yards (59.2 yards per game), points allowed (16), offensive points (13.2), fewest offensive touchdowns (four) and rushing touchdowns (none). The Bombers are tied with Calgary for most turnovers forced (17) and second in interceptions (eight).

Winnipeg linebacker Adam Bighill, the CFL’s top defensive player last year, is expected back Friday. He missed three games due to injury.

Hamilton’s defence isn’t shabby either, ranked first in fewest TD passes allowed (two, two more than second-place Winnipeg) and second in points (20) and offensive points (18.4). But the Ticats will be minus linebacker Simoni Lawrence, their leading tackler, due to suspension.

Hamilton boasts two explosive returners in Brandon Banks and Frankie Williams while Winnipeg can counter with Lucky Whitehead. The Ticats are 3-0 at home and come off the bye while the Bombers are 2-0 on the road.

Pick: Winnipeg.

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SASKATCHEWAN AT BC, SATURDAY

At Vancouver, the Lions (1-5) look to avenge last week’s 38-25 loss in Regina. Mike Reilly threw for 346 yards and a TD while scoring another but B.C. has allowed a league-high 21 sacks. Charleston Hughes got to Reilly three times for Saskatchewan (2-3). Something has to give as the Riders are 0-2 on the road while the Leos are 0-2 at home.

Pick: Saskatchewan.

Last week: 3-1.

Overall: 15-8.

(Canadian Press/Photo: Ottawa RedBlacks)