WEEK 4 CFL PICKS 2017
TORONTO at WINNIPEG, Thursday, (Bombers -4.0)
Toronto (2-1) will be minus one of its top offensive threats as receiver DeVir Posey (19 catches, 280 yards, two TDs) went on the six-game injured list this week. The Argos still have the CFL’s top passer in Ricky Ray (1,199 yards) and its second-ranked receiver in S.J. Green (10 catches, 367 yards, one TD). Linebacker Victor Butler (seven sacks, two forced fumbles) anchors a solid Argos defence that will present a challenge for Winnipeg (1-1). But the Bombers should still be smarting from last week’s 29-10 home loss to Calgary and anxious for redemption before the Investors Group Field faithful.
Prediction: Winnipeg
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CALGARY at MONTREAL, Friday (Stamps -4.5)
Calgary (2-0-1) is unbeaten on the road this season with a win and tie. The Stampeders outscored Winnipeg 20-0 in the second half to register a 29-10 victory at Investors Group Field. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell had two interceptions but still threw for 332 yards and a TD while Maleki Harris registered an important pick-six in the third quarter. Since opening the season with a one-point win over Saskatchewan, Montreal (1-2) has dropped two straight, including a 23-16 home decision last week to B.C. Offensively, the Alouettes are averaging just 17.3 points per game.
Prediction: Calgary
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OTTAWA at EDMONTON, Friday (Esks -5.0)
A difficult start to the season isn’t about to get any easier for the Ottawa Redblacks.
Ottawa (0-2-1) begins a stretch of three games in 11 days Friday night in Edmonton. What’s more, the defending Grey Cup champions have dropped two straight and face an unbeaten Eskimos team (2-0) coming off a bye.
Offensively, Ottawa leads the CFL in net yards (415.3 per game) and is second overall in scoring (31.7 points). But the Redblacks are tied with Winnipeg for most turnovers (six) and quarterback Trevor Harris has been sacked nine times.
Edmonton’s defence is ranked first against the pass (215 yards per game) and second in fewest yards allowed (313.5). However, the Eskimos are allowing a league-worst 118 yards rushing per game.
Prediction: Edmonton.
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B.C. at HAMILTON, Saturday (Lions -3.0)
It’s been a rough start for Hamilton (0-2), which this week lost defensive back Will Hill to a one-game suspension for contacting an official in last week’s 37-20 loss to Saskatchewan. The Ticats have scored just 23 offensive points and are ranked last in net yards (208 per game). Quarterback Zach Collaros has thrown for just 431 yards and one TD in two games. B.C. (2-1) has reeled off two straight road wins as linebacker Solomon Elimimian had 15 tackles last week in Montreal. Jonathon Jennings has 853 passing yards but is also the CFL’s top-rushing quarterback (87 yards, 5.4-yard average).
Prediction: B.C.
Last week: 3-1.
Overall: 7-4-1.
(Canadian Press/Dan Ralph)
