Week 4 CFL Picks 2024
By: The Canadian Press
EDMONTON AT BC, Thursday
At Vancouver, CFL passing leader Vernon Adams Jr. starts for B.C. (2-1) despite missing Tuesday’s practice with an abdominal issue. Adams threw for 398 yards and two TDs in last week’s win over Winnipeg. Alexander Hollins had seven catches for 215 yards and the two scores. McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 348 yards and four TDs versus Toronto but Edmonton (0-3) will play on four days rest. The hard-luck Elks took a 10-point lead into the fourth against Saskatchewan and have suffered consecutive three-point losses.
Pick: B.C.
MONTREAL AT TORONTO, Friday
Another week another road game for Cody Fajardo and the Montreal Alouettes.
Montreal (3-0) visits the Toronto Argonauts (2-0) on Friday night in a battle of unbeaten East Division rivals. It will mark the third time in four games the defending Grey Cup champions will play on the road, while the Argos has yet to leave BMO Field.
And home field has definitely been good to Toronto, which is riding an 11-game win streak that dates back to last season, However, Montreal also comes in having won its last 11 games — regular season and playoffs — since a 23-20 loss to the Argos on Sept. 15.
The Argos used a strong running game to defeat Edmonton 39-36 last weekend. Ka’Deem Carey accounted for 104 of Toronto’s 186 rushing yards in the contest and had one of the club’s three touchdowns on the ground.
Quarterback Cameron Dukes was a tidy 18-of-21 passing for 214 yards and two TDs and ran for another TD and a two-point convert. Toronto heads into action boasting the CFL’s top ground attack (153 yards per game).
Fajardo spearheads a Montreal offence that’s tops in the CFL in offensive TDs (11) and stands second behind Toronto (37 points) in offensive scoring (32.3). The rushing game is also important to the Alouettes (league-high 63 attempts, second-most yards at 285).
Pick: Montreal.
WINNIPEG AT CALGARY, Saturday
At Calgary, the Stampeders (1-1) should be rested after the bye week. Jake Maier is off to a solid start (79.7 completion average, four TDs, one interception) but the home team is chasing its first win in seven regular-season games versus Winnipeg (0-3), which hasn’t been in this position since 2012. Zach Collaros has a league-low 73.0 efficiency rating and hasn’t thrown a TD pass yet. Winnipeg receivers Dalton Schoen and Keric Wheatfall (both knee) join stalwart Kenny Lawler on the injured list.
Pick: Calgary.
HAMILTON AT OTTAWA, Sunday
At Ottawa, the Redblacks (1-1) look to resume their winning ways following a 47-21 setback last week in Montreal. Receiver Justin Hardy was solid, though, with seven catches for 143 yards while starter Dru Brown finished 21-of-34 passing for 292 yards with a TD and interception. Hamilton (0-3) had five turnovers (three interceptions, two lost fumbles) in last week’s 36-20 road loss to Saskatchewan. Shemar Bridges (nine receptions, 113 yards, touchdown) was a bright spot, however.
Pick: Ottawa.
Last week: 1-3.
Overall: 5-7.