WEEK 18 CFL PICKS 2022
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS AT HAMILTON, FRIDAY
At Hamilton, this contest could have huge crossover implications. The Ticats (4-10) are third in the East while Saskatchewan (6-9) is fourth in the West. The Riders face a tough end to their regular season with a home-and-home series versus Calgary (10-5). They head to Tim Hortons Field having lost four straight but are 3-3 versus the East Division. Last month, the Ticats stunned Winnipeg 48-31 at home but haven’t played since a disappointing 23-16 road loss to Montreal on Sept. 23.
Pick: Hamilton.
B.C. LIONS AT TORONTO ARGONAUTS, SATURDAY
At Toronto, the Argos (8-6) look to kick-start their offence following last week’s 29-2 road loss to Calgary. McLeod Bethel-Thompson was 19-of-38 passing for 194 yards and two interceptions as the Stampeders had three picks overall. Defender Jamal Peters (head) and his CFL-best six interceptions return but linebacker Wynton McManis (knee) and defensive end Shane Ray (torn biceps) are out. Receiver Lucky Whitehead (ankle) could join Bryan Burnham (wrist) on the sidelines for B.C. (10-4), which is 5-1 on the road and 4-1 versus the East.
Pick: B.C.
EDMONTON ELKS AT WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS, SATURDAY
At Winnipeg, the Bombers (13-2) can clinch first in the West with a win and B.C. loss. They’re 8-0 versus conference competition and 6-1 at home. Zach Collaros looks poised to defend his outstanding player award as he leads the CFL in passing (3,874 yards) and TDs (32). The good news for the Elks (4-10) is they’re not at Commonwealth Stadium but unfortunately, standout receiver Kenny Lawler (shoulder surgery) is out. A loss or Saskatchewan win would end Edmonton’s playoff hopes.
Pick: Winnipeg.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES, MONDAY
It’s a very simple scenario facing Trevor Harris and the Montreal Alouettes: Beat the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday and clinch a home playoff date.
The two teams open a home-and-home series at Molson Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. Ottawa (3-11) will host the Alouettes on Oct. 14.
Montreal (7-7) has won three straight and is just two points behind the first-place Toronto Argonauts (8-6) in the East Division. And the Alouettes’ final four regular-season games will be split between Ottawa and the Argos.
Montreal hasn’t lost since a 38-24 home setback to Ottawa on Sept. 2. The Redblacks registered four sacks in that game, including two by Lorenzo Mauldin IV, the CFL leader in sacks (club-record 14) and multi-sack games (five).
Ottawa plays its first game under interim head coach Bob Dyce. He took over coaching duties Sunday after head coach/offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice was fired.
The Redblacks remain in playoff contention, although just barely. If Saskatchewan beats Hamilton on Friday and Montreal wins Monday, Ottawa will be eliminated from post-season consideration.
And since downing Montreal last month, Ottawa has lost three straight. The Redblacks are also 2-4 against division rivals.
Pick: Montreal.
Last week: 3-1.
CP’s overall record: 47-18.
(Canadian Press)
