WEEK 18 CFL PICKS 2023

WINNIPEG AT BC, FRIDAY

The battle for first in the West Division is about to get much clearer.

The B.C. Lions (11-4) host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-4) on Friday night. Not only will the winner take sole possession of first in the division, it will also claim the season series and tiebreaker in the event the two teams end the regular season with identical records.

This game will feature two high-powered offences squaring off against the league’s top two-ranked defences. Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. enters this week’s action leading the CFL in passing (4,005 yards) but second to Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros in touchdown passes (30-28).

Winnipeg’s Brady Oliveira is the CFL rushing leader (1,359 yards) and teammate Dalton Schoen is tops among receivers (66 catches, 1,136 yards, 10 TDs), just ahead of B.C.’s Keon Hatcher (69 receptions, 1,103 yards, six TDs).

Winnipeg, though, boasts a defence that’s first in the CFL in fewest offensive points allowed (18 per game), fewest offensive TDs allowed (22), fewest offensive yards (298.1) and fewest passing yards (224.7). B.C. is no worse than third in all of those categories.

Pick: Winnipeg.

EDMONTON AT TORONTO, FRIDAY

At Toronto, the expectation is Chad Kelly will start for the Argos (12-2) after Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott shared snaps in last week’s 31-21 loss in Winnipeg. Linebacker Wynton McManis (ankle) and defensive lineman Shawn Oakman (healthy scratch) both resumed practising this week. Edmonton (4-11) comes off the bye week sporting a 4-3 record since Canadian Tre Ford became the starting quarterback. But either a loss at BMO Field or Saskatchewan win over Hamilton would eliminate the Elks from playoff contention.

Pick: Toronto.

HAMILTON AT SASKATCHEWAN, SATURDAY

At Regina, the Riders (6-9) are on a four-game losing streak. Quarterback Jake Dolegala threw for 409 yards last week versus B.C., but also had two interceptions. Both Kian Schaffer-Baker and Jarreth Sterns recorded over 100 yards receiving. Hamilton (7-9) has clinched a playoff spot but remains in a battle with Montreal for second in the East Division. Veteran Matt Shiltz came off the bench to rally the Ticats past Calgary last week but split starting reps in practice this week with Bo Levi Mitchell.

Pick: Hamilton.

OTTAWA AT MONTREAL, MONDAY

At Montreal, the Alouettes (8-7) hold down second in the East and home field for the division semifinal with a regular season-finale with Hamilton still looming. William Stanback ran for 85 yards and a TD on 13 carries in last week’s 32-17 win at TD Place as the Als defence forced six turnovers (three fumbles, two interceptions, downs). The Redblacks (4-11) have dropped eight-of-nine contests and are 0-7 within the East Division. They’d be eliminated from playoff contention with either a loss here for Saskatchewan win over Hamilton.

Pick: Montreal.

Last week: 4-0.

Overall: 46-21.

(Canadian Press)