WEEK 20 CFL PICKS 2023

CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT BC LIONS, FRIDAY

It’s been a difficult year for the Calgary Stampeders but they’re still in control of reaching the CFL playoffs for an 18th straight season.

Calgary (5-11) is currently fourth in the West Division, just two points behind Saskatchewan (6-11). The Stampeders visit the B.C. Lions (12-5) on Friday night while the Roughriders conclude their regular season hosting the Toronto Argonauts (14-2) on Saturday night.

Calgary will clinch a playoff spot with a win over B.C. and Saskatchewan loss to Toronto. Conversely, the Riders would advance if they downed the Argos and the Lions defeated the Stampeders.

Even if Calgary and Saskatchewan both win or lose this week, the Stampeders would still cement third with a home win over Winnipeg on Oct. 27, the final week of the CFL regular season.

A difficult road? Certainly, considering Calgary is 2-6 on the road and 3-6 against West Division rivals while the Lions are 6-2 at B.C. Place and 8-3 within the conference.

However, win out and Calgary punches its playoff ticket regardless of what Saskatchewan does.

B.C. remains in the hunt for first in the West Division, although that quest could end abruptly. A Lions loss Friday or Winnipeg win Saturday over the Edmonton Elks (4-13) would secure the Bombers (12-4) top spot and home field for the conference final.

B.C. is 2-0 versus Calgary this season, although the last meeting between the two was Aug. 12 (won 37-9 by the Lions at B.C. Place Stadium). Adams Jr. has thrown for 300 or more yards in both contests with six combined TDs and two interceptions.

Pick: B.C.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS, SATURDAY

At Regina, Toronto recorded eight of its club record-tying nine sacks in the second half of last week’s 40-27 home win over Ottawa. The unit leads the CFL in that category (63), interceptions (21) and forced turnovers (46). Quarterback Chad Kelly is expected to start although backups Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott could also play. Saskatchewan is 4-4 at home but 1-4 versus East Division teams and lost to the Argos earlier this summer in Halifax.

Pick: Toronto.

EDMONTON ELKS AT WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS, SATURDAY

At Winnipeg, the Bombers are 8-2 within the West Division and 7-1 at IG Field. That could all be moot should Calgary win Friday night but the home team has won nine straight versus Edmonton. Zach Collaros has a CFL-high 32 TD strikes but there’s also the matter of Brady Oliveira (league-high 1,426 rushing yards) and a stout defence. Canadian starter Tre Ford has led the Elks to all of their wins and has certainly been impressive but the club has lost three straight and is 2-8 within the division and 2-6 on the road.

Pick: Winnipeg.

Last week: 3-1.

Overall: 53-22.

(Canadian Press)