WEEK 14 CFL PICKS 2023

Another week, another chance for Chad Kelly and the Toronto Argonauts to clinch a season series with an East Division rival.

Toronto (9-1) hosts the Montreal Alouettes (6-5) on Saturday afternoon in the second of three regular-season meetings between the two teams. The Argos took the first 35-27 at Molson Stadium on July 14 but a victory at BMO Field would cement a playoff spot for the defending Grey Cup champions for a third straight year.

Saturday’s contest is the start of an important home-and-home series for the Argos and Alouettes. Toronto (5-0) remains unbeaten within the East Division, but the only blemish on Montreal’s conference record (4-1) is the loss to the Double Blue.

Kelly and Co. started strong Monday in Hamilton, leading 17-0 entering the second quarter. But the CFL’s top-scoring offence hit a bit of a lull in the second and to start the third before getting back on track as both teams scored 24 second-half points.

All eyes Monday were on Kelly, who was playing his first game after signing a three-year, $1.865-million extension that made him the CFL’s highest-paid player. Kelly finished 15-of-23 passing for 201 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions but also ran three times for 27 yards and a TD.

Montreal comes off a 35-24 home loss to the B.C. Lions. Starter Cody Fajardo was 22-of-35 passing for 308 yards and a TD but also threw two interceptions while the Alouettes allowed five sacks.

Pick: Toronto.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats versus Ottawa Redblacks (Friday night)

At Ottawa, it will be quick turnaround for Hamilton (4-7) following Monday’s physical home loss to Toronto. The Redblacks (3-8) have lost five straight and are 0-2 versus the Ticats but come off a bye week. However, receiver Nate Behar certainly provided bulletin board material by calling out the visitors’ defence for questionable play. There’s no doubt the physical challenges the visitors face but now they can draw inspiration from Behar’s words and become an even tougher out.

Pick: Ottawa.

Saskatchewan Roughriders versus Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Saturday afternoon)

At Winnipeg, the Bombers look to avenge Sunday’s 32-30 overtime loss at Mosaic Field. They won’t have to face defensive end Pete Robertson, who received a one-game suspension for head-butting quarterback Zach Collaros. Winnipeg is 5-1 at IG Field. Jake Dolegala starts for Saskatchewan, having led his team to consecutive wins over the West Division’s top two teams. The six-foot-seven American has thrown for 565 yards and three TDs with no interceptions in his last two starts.

Pick: Winnipeg.

Calgary Stampeders at Edmonton Elks (Saturday night)

At Edmonton, the Elks (2-10) chase a second straight home win after surrendering a 15-point lead in Monday’s 35-31 loss at McMahon Stadium. Tre Ford ran for 135 yards, the most ever by a Canadian quarterback in a CFL game, but Calgary (4-8) made that moot by outscoring the visitors 22-3 in the fourth for the comeback victory. The home team desperately needs to win this game in order to keep its already thin playoff hopes alive.

Pick: Edmonton.

Last week: 2-2.

Overall: 36-15.

(RP.com Wire Services)