WEEK 8 CFL PICKS 2023

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS AT OTTAWA REDBLACKS, FRIDAY

It took Dustin Crum just two weeks to secure the Ottawa Redblacks a piece of CFL history.

Since taking over as the starting quarterback, Crum has guided Ottawa to consecutive overtime wins – a stunning 31-28 decision over Winnipeg, then last week’s 43-41 victory in Calgary. That made the Redblacks the first CFL team to register two straight overtime victories.

Hamilton comes in having won two of its last three games. But the last contest was a 31-15 home loss to the Toronto Argonauts.

Hamilton rookie Taylor Powell made his first CFL start and was solid, completing 27-of-41 passes for 282 yards and an interception. Powell also had four carries for 37 yards and a touchdown, a 13-yard run that pulled the Ticats to within 23-15 with under five minutes to play.

Veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell resumed practising this week after being released from the six-game injured list. He missed Hamilton’s last four contests with a hip ailment but has been limited, suggesting Powell could start again for the Ticats at TD Place.

Ottawa currently boasts the CFL’s second-ranked rushing attack (129 yards per game). The Redblacks are also averaging a league-best six yards per attempt.

If there’s a key for Hamilton, it might be finding a way to force Ottawa to the air. The Redblacks are last in the CFL in passing (217.3 yards per game) with just three touchdowns through the air although Crum completed 23-of-29 passes for 254 yards and two TDs versus Calgary.

Pick: Ottawa.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS VS TORONTO ARGONAUTS, TD ATLANTIC, SATURDAY

At Halifax, Toronto (5-0) looks to improve to 4-0 this season versus the West Division. The Argos continue to lead the CFL in offensive points (33.4 per game), net offence (401.4) and rushing yards (129.6 per game). Quarterback Chad Kelly has thrown for 300 or more yards in the club’s last two games. Mason Fine is expected to make a second straight start for Saskatchewan (3-3), which managed just three field goals in last week’s 19-9 loss to B.C. But the Riders’ defence had four sacks and allowed just 231 net yards.

Pick: Toronto.

B.C. LIONS AT EDMONTON ELKS, SATURDAY

At Edmonton, quarterback Dane Evans makes the start for B.C. (5-1) after replacing Vernon Adams Jr. (knee) last week versus Saskatchewan. Evans was 16-of-25 passing for 219 yards with a TD and interception and also lost a fumble. The Elks (0-7) lost 22-0 to the Lions last month in Vancouver and have dropped a CFL-record 20 straight at home. The Lions defence has allowed just five touchdowns this season.

Pick: B.C.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES, SUNDAY

At Montreal, the Alouettes (2-3) come off the bye and CFL teams are a stellar 7-1 after a week off. But starter Cody Fajardo has been sacked a CFL-high 26 times while the Stampeders’ defence is ranked third (21) in that category. Jake Maier had a career-high 450 yards passing and four TDs last week for Calgary (2-4) but also threw two picks and lost a fumble in the overtime loss to Ottawa.

Pick: Calgary.

Last week: 4-0.

Overall: 20-7.

(Canadian Press)