WEEK 7 CFL PICKS 2017

Arthur Ward/CFL.ca

CALGARY AT TORONTO, Thursday
(Stampeders favoured by 5.0)

Toronto (3-3) finishes a stretch of three games in 11 nights against a team coming off a 60-point explosion. Calgary (4-1-1) scored eight touchdowns in its lopsided home win over Hamilton and was able to get all three of its quarterbacks into the game. Ricky Ray became the Argos all-time passing leader in last week’s 38-27 road loss in Saskatchewan and has recorded six straight 300-yard passing games. But the Stampeders’ defence is ranked first in fewest offensive points allowed (18.2 per game) and forced turnovers (13) and second overall in sacks (13), all of which makes this a tough ask for a team playing such a condensed schedule.

Prediction: Calgary.
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WINNIPEG AT OTTAWA, Friday
(RedBlacks favoured by 2.5)

After playing three times in 11 nights, Ottawa (1-4-1) returns to action for the first time since a 27-24 road setback in Toronto on July 24. Quarterback Trevor Harris is second overall in passing (1,939 yards) and first in TD strikes (12) while Greg Ellingson (39 catches, 642 yards, three TDs) remains the league’s leading receiver. Winnipeg (3-2) scored two touchdowns and recovered an onside kick with under a minute remaining to earn an improbable 41-40 comeback win over Montreal last week. But the Bombers may be without receiver Weston Dressler (23 catches, team-high 342 yards, two TDs) due to injury.

Prediction: Ottawa.
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HAMILTON AT EDMONTON, Friday
(Eskimos favoured by 14.0)

The struggle doesn’t get any easier for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Hamilton (0-5) is the CFL’s only winless team following an embarrassing 60-1 loss to the Calgary Stampeders. On Saturday, the Ticats continue their western road trip visiting the Edmonton Eskimos (5-0).

This could certainly be a trap game for Edmonton, facing an winless team following such an emotional victory against a division rival. But given what was required to earn the win two weeks ago at Tim Hortons Field, don’t expect the Ticats to have the element of surprise when they face the Eskimos this week.

Prediction: Edmonton.
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SASKATCHEWAN AT B.C., Saturday
(Lions favoured by 5.5)

Duron Carter’s one-handed TD grab has dominated the highlight reels but Kevin Glenn did throw for 340 yards and four touchdowns to lead Saskatchewan (2-3) past Toronto on Saturday. Cameron Marshall added 110 rushing yards and the defence recorded five sacks. But the Riders are 0-2 both on the road and within the West Division. Travis Lulay threw two TD passes and ran for another as B.C. (4-2) lost its season series with the Eskimos. Former starter Jonathon Jennings dressed for the game but Lulay is expected to remain under centre.

Prediction: B.C.

Last week: 4-0.

Overall: 19-5-1.

(Canadian Press)