Week 12 CFL Picks 2024

BY: THE CANADIAN PRESS

SASKATCHEWAN AT TORONTO, Thursday

At Toronto, Chad Kelly makes his ’24 debut for the Argos (5-4) after serving his CFL-mandated suspension for violating its gender-based violence policy. The CFL’s ’23 outstanding player takes over an offence that’s last overall in net yards (309.7 per game) and passing (210.9) but first in rushing (123.9). Trevor Harris makes a second straight start for Saskatchewan (5-4-1) after throwing for 355 yards and two TDs in last week’s 27-24 loss to Montreal. But running back A.J. Ouellette (hip) won’t play against his former team.

Pick: Toronto.

HAMILTON AT WINNIPEG, Friday

At Winnipeg, the Bombers (4-6) completed a home-and-home sweep versus B.C. last week with their 20-11 win. Their defence limited the Lions to just six-of-19 second-down conversions while receiver Nic Demski registered six receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown. Hamilton (2-8) has lost three straight, including a 47-22 decision last week and hired Chris Jones as its senior defensive assistant after parting ways with defensive coordinator Mark Washington. Veteran Bo Levi Mitchell could start in place of Taylor Powell (head).

Pick: Winnipeg.

B.C. AT OTTAWA, Saturday

Nathan Rourke and the B.C. Lions will attempt to do something no other CFL team has done this season.

B.C. (5-5) will look to snap a four-game losing streak when it visits Ottawa (6-2-1) at TD Place. The Redblacks are the CFL’s only unbeaten team at home with a 4-0-1 record and the expectation is starter Dru Brown will return after missing last week’s 31-29 road win in Calgary with a foot injury.

Rourke and Co. will face an Ottawa defence that’s second in fewest yards allowed (330.7 per game) and tied for first in fewest touchdown passes surrendered (nine). The unit is also ranked third against the run (79.1 yards per game) and pass (263.9).

But at least Rourke will have the benefit of a full practice week and time to get further acclimated with the Lions’ offence and the weapons at his disposal. But B.C. is just 2-4 on the road this season.

With Brown sidelined, veteran Jeremiah Masoli made his ’24 debut versus Calgary. The 35-year-old American — who suffered season-ending injuries in each of the two previous years — was a tidy 27-of-35 passing for 254 yards and a touchdown while rushing twice for 17 yards. However Brown took reps with the first team offense on Wednesday.

Pick: B.C.

EDMONTON AT MONTREAL, Sunday

At Montreal, the Alouettes (9-1) got a huge boost with the return of receiver Austin Mack. He had 78 catches for 1,154 yards and four TDs last season for the defending Grey Cup champions. Davis Alexander would make a fourth straight start if incumbent Cody Fajardo (hamstring) can’t go. Edmonton (3-7) has won three straight anchored by a solid ground game. Veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson would make a second straight start if Canadian Tre Ford (rib/chest) can’t play.

Pick: Montreal.

Last week: 4-0.

CP’s overall record: 24-20.