Week 11 CFL Picks 2024

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Jeremiah Masoli has again completed the long trek back into the Ottawa Redblacks’ starting lineup.

The veteran quarterback will make his 2024 debut when Ottawa (5-2-1) visits the Calgary Stampeders (4-5) on Thursday night. It will be Masoli’s first start since suffering a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in a 21-13 loss in Hamilton on July 8, 2023.

Masoli replaces incumbent Dru Brown (foot). Ottawa will also be without speedy receiver Kalil Pimpleton (hand) but cornerback Brandin Dandridge and receiver Bralon Addison both return.

Masoli makes his first start of the season after dressing as Ottawa’s third quarterback its last two games. And he’s not taking over the Redblacks’ offence cold as Masoli and offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell also worked together in Hamilton.

As for the Stampeders, they are a different animal at home. They’re 4-0 at McMahon Stadium yet 0-5 on the road.

Calgary lost 39-25 in Toronto last weekend. The Argos outscored the Stampeders 32-10 in the second half, led by Janarion Grant’s 86-yard punt-return TD and former Stamp DaShaun Amos’ 55-yard pick-six.

Pick: Ottawa.

Montreal Alouettes versus Saskatchewan Roughriders (Friday night)

At Regina, Davis Alexander is expected to make a third straight start for Montreal (8-1) despite missing practice time for personal reasons. The Als swept a home-and-home series versus Hamilton with Alexander, who also rallied them to a 20-16 home win over Saskatchewan (5-3-1) on July 25 in relief of Caleb Evans. Montreal is 4-0 both on the road and versus the West. Quarterback Trevor Harris (knee) is expected to start for the Riders while running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) and linebacker Jameer Thurman (elbow) both practised and are available.   

Pick: Montreal.

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Edmonton Elks versus Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Saturday night)

At Hamilton, Taylor Powell makes his first start of ’24 for the Ticats (2-7) after replacing Bo Levi Mitchell in last week’s 33-23 loss to Montreal. Powell made nine starts as a rookie last year. Tre Ford (rib) is day-to-day for Edmonton (2-7), which has won two straight. If Ford can’t play, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson will resume starting duties. Javon Leake has rushed 33 times for 266 yards (8.1-yard average) and four TDs in the Elks’ last two games.

Pick: Edmonton.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus B.C. Lions (Sunday night)

At Vancouver, Nathan Rourke is expected to start at quarterback for B.C. (5-4) after rejoining the club Tuesday. That should give the already motivated Lions a boost at home following three straight losses. That included a 25-0 loss in Winnipeg on Aug. 1 but the Leos haven’t dropped four straight since ’21. The Bombers (3-6) come off the bye 15-1 in their last 16 games following the break. Their defence is ranked first in fewest offensive yards allowed (320.8 per game) and second in offensive points (20).

Pick: Winnipeg.

Last week: 2-2

CP’s overall record: 20-20

(Canadian Press)