WEEK 6 CFL PICKS 2023

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS AT EDMONTON ELKS, THURSDAY

At Edmonton, it would seem the Elks (0-5) have a decent shot at ending their CFL-record 19-game home losing streak. Hamilton (1-3) is coming off its win over Ottawa on Saturday night and had just two practices before having to head to Alberta. The home team has the CFL’s lowest-scoring offence (11.2 points per game) but the Ticats are allowing a league-high 27.8 offensive points per game. These two clubs meet for the 100th time in the regular season, with the Elks having a 60-38-1 record.

Pick: Edmonton.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES, FRIDAY

At Montreal, Toronto (3-0) has won four straight coming off the bye and is 5-2 in that scenario under head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who signed a multi-year extension this week. The Argos lead the CFL in offensive points (33.7 per game), rushing (136.7 yards) and fewest turnovers allowed (four) but are 1-6 in their last seven visits to Molson Stadium. The Alouettes (2-2) have dropped two straight, including a 35-19 loss in Vancouver on Sunday, but are allowing just 17.5 offensive points per contest.

Pick: Toronto.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS AT OTTAWA REDBLACKS, SATURDAY

Dustin Crum faces a big challenge.

The rookie quarterback will make his first CFL start Saturday when the Ottawa Redblacks (1-3) host Winnipeg (4-1). Not only are the Blue Bombers unbeaten on the road and versus East Division rivals this season (2-0 for both), their defence is second in the CFL in sacks (16) and fewest offensive yards allowed (307.2 per game).

But Crum is coming off an inspiring performance in last week’s 21-13 road loss in Hamilton.

He entered the game in the second quarter after veteran Jeremiah Masoli’s heartbreaking injury. Masoli, making his season debut, suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon.

Winnipeg’s offence is led by quarterback Zach Collaros, the CFL’s outstanding player the last two seasons. Collaros is the league’s second-ranked passer (1,246 yards) but is tied with B.C.’s Vernon Adams Jr. for most TD strikes (nine) and has thrown just two interceptions in 138 passing attempts.

Pick: Winnipeg.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS, SATURDAY

At Regina, history isn’t on the side of the Riders (3-1) as Calgary (1-3) is 15-5 in the last 20 head-to-head meetings. The Stamps have also won their last three games at Mosaic and eight-of-nine there overall. Saskatchewan starter Trevor Harris needs just 231 yards to reach 30,000 in his CFL career but sports a 2-10-2 all-time record versus the Stamps. The Riders won the first meeting of the season 29-26 in overtime at McMahon Stadium on June 24.

Pick: Calgary.

Last week: 3-1.

Overall: 14-5.

(Canadian Press)