WEEK 20 CFL PICKS 2022
They’ve endured a sometimes quirky 2022 schedule but it has also delivered head coach Ryan Dinwiddie and the Toronto Argonauts to a very simple and emphatic completion.
Toronto (10-6) concludes its regular campaign with a home-and-home series versus the Montreal Alouettes (8-8). The two teams square off Saturday night at Molson Stadium before returning to Toronto’s BMO Field on Oct. 29.
Both teams have cemented East Division playoff berths and home post-season games. Toronto needs just a split to clinch first – and host the conference final Nov. 13 – whereas Montreal must win both contests to finish atop the standings.
Pick: Toronto.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS AT HAMILTON TIGER-CATS, FRIDAY
At Hamilton, the Ticats (6-10) come off their first road win of the year, a 35-32 decision in Calgary, their first victory at McMahon Stadium since ’04. A win and Saskatchewan loss would give the Steeltown crew third in the East and eliminate Ottawa (4-12) from playoff contention. The Redblacks are also looking to go 2-1 under interim head coach Bob Dyce after last week’s loss to Montreal.
Pick: Hamilton.
BC LIONS AT EDMONTON ELKS, FRIDAY
At Edmonton, Canadian rookie Tre Ford replaces injured starter Taylor Cornelius (spleen) as the Elks (4-13) try to snap their CFL-record 16-game home losing streak. The franchise’s last win at Commonwealth Stadium was a 19-6 decision over B.C. in October, 2019. The Lions (11-5) can cement second in the West Division – and home field for the conference semifinal – with a victory. They’re coming off a 40-32 home win over a Winnipeg team that had already clinched first in the division, though.
Pick: B.C.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS, SATURDAY
At Regina, Calgary (10-6) will have nothing to play for but pride if B.C. wins in Edmonton. But the Stampeders remain one of the CFL’s top road teams (6-2) and veteran Bo Levi Mitchell – twice the CFL’s outstanding player – could see significant playing time. Saskatchewan (6-10) comes off the bye having lost five straight and six of their last seven overall. What’s more, the Riders are just 3-6 versus conference rivals and lost control of their playoff destiny with an 18-14 road loss in Hamilton on Oct. 7. Sophomore Mason Fine has been named Saskatchewan’s starting quarterback in place of Cody Fajardo.
Pick: Calgary.
Last week: 3-1.
CP’s overall record: 52-21.
(Canadian Press)