WEEK 9 CFL PICKS 2023

BC AT WINNIPEG, THURSDAY

It’s only August but Dane Evans and the B.C. Lions have a chance to really gain the upper hand on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

B.C. (6-1) visits Winnipeg (5-2) on Thursday night in a game that has tremendous significance for both teams. With a win, the Lions can move four points ahead of the Bombers atop the West Division and win the season series for the first time since 2017.

A victory would move Winnipeg into a first-place tie in the West Division but also be redemption for the 30-6 victory B.C. earned at IG Field on June 22. It could also make the final meeting between the two teams – Oct. 6 in Vancouver – potentially a very important one.

There’s certainly no shortage of storylines heading into the contest, but none is bigger than the CFL’s top-ranked defence (B.C.) facing the league’s second-leading scoring offence (Winnipeg) that’s led by the league’s outstanding player the last two years (Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros).

Evans makes a second straight start for B.C. after completing 25-of-32 passes for 332 yards and two TDs versus Edmonton. Incumbent Vernon Adams Jr. (knee) will be the Lions third quarterback and could return under centre Aug. 12 versus Calgary.

And then there’s Zach Collaros, who has 9-3 record in 12 career starts versus B.C. and is 32-5 in 37 overall regular-season starts with Winnipeg.

Pick: Winnipeg.

TORONTO AT CALGARY, FRIDAY

At Calgary, these are heady days for Toronto (6-0), which is 3-0 both on the road and versus West Division teams. The Argos still lead the CFL in offensive points (31 per game) and fewest turnovers (six) but their defence is tops in turnovers generated (22) and interceptions (14) and third in offensive points allowed (19.7). The Stampeders (2-5) have won 14-of-15 games versus Toronto but have dropped two straight and are 0-3 at McMahon Stadium. Calgary quarterback Maier leads the CFL in passing but also interceptions (11).

Pick: Toronto.

MONTREAL AT HAMILTON, SATURDAY

At Hamilton, rookie Taylor Powell is expected to make his second CFL start with veteran Bo Levi Mitchell (leg) back on the six-game injured list. Powell was 27-of-41 passing for 283 yards and a pick while rushing for a TD in his first start, a 31-15 home loss to Toronto on July 21. The Ticats (3-4) earned a 16-12 road win over Ottawa last week. Montreal (3-3) beat Calgary 35-28 at home Sunday as William Stanback ran for a season-high 83 yards. The Als have won four-of-five versus Hamilton and can clinch the season series with a win.

Pick: Montreal.

OTTAWA AT SASKATCHEWAN, SUNDAY

At Regina, Ottawa (3-4) was its own worst enemy last week versus Hamilton. The defence had five picks but Brandin Dandridge’s lost fumble on one set up the Ticats’ winning TD. Still, the Redblacks drove to the Ticats’ four-yard line before defensive lineman Casey Sayles blocked quarterback Dustin Crum’s third-down pass with 13 seconds left. Mason Fine is expected to start again for Saskatchewan (3-4), which has dropped three straight and is 1-2 at home. By comparison, the visitors are 3-1 versus West Division teams.

Pick: Saskatchewan.

Last week: 2-2.

Overall: 22-9.

(Canadian Press)