Once again, the LWOS CFL crew makes their picks and predictions for the upcoming week. Our new CFL writer Steve Gifkins weighs in as well as Matt, Nick, and Lance.

CFL Predictions – Week 6

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Matt’s thoughts: It wasn’t a cakewalk for Hamilton against Ottawa, but the glimmer of promise we saw in their previous outing against Calgary is now shining brightly for the Ticats. Their defence is strong, and their offence is settling under understudy Dan Lefevour. Meanwhile, Winnipeg has been inconsistent, taking a heavy beating in Montreal in Week 4, then dealing out an equally lopsided beating to B.C. in Week 5. The smart money is on the team that’s getting steadily stronger, not the one that blows hot and cold. Even at McMaster, Hamilton should keep rolling this week. (Although I’m the only one on the LWOS CFL crew who thinks Hamilton has a chance. We’ll see, guys.)

Matthew Bin: Winnipeg 22 – Hamilton 29

Nick Di Giovanni: Winnipeg 31 – Hamilton 14

Steve Gifkins: Winnipeg 28 – Hamilton 14

Lance Keiser: Winnipeg 32 – Hamilton 27

Toronto Argonauts at Montreal Alouettes

Nick’s thoughts: The first game of the season between the Argos and Als will feature a veteran QB in Ricky Ray vs an inexperienced QB in Troy Smith. Both offenses have been weak, Toronto putting up 9 in Regina last week and the Alouettes scoring 5 in the last game, against BC two weeks ago. The defense in previous Argos-Als match-ups was usually dominated by Shea Emry… while he was in Montreal. It will be telling whether he has the same impact on the other side of the field. Neither defence is strong, both giving up huge points in their last games. Montreal, with home field advantage and coming off a bye week, will take the win, but the game can easily go to either team.

Matthew Bin: Toronto 14 – Montreal 20

Nick Di Giovanni: Toronto 24 – Montreal 26

Steve Gifkins: Toronto 30 – Montreal 12

Lance Keiser: Toronto 17 – Montreal 24

B.C. Lions at Calgary Stampeders

Steve’s thoughts: Possible let down here for Calgary after an emotional victory over the hated Edmonton Eskimos.  B.C. was embarrassed last week at home against Winnipeg,  so they’re coming into Calgary angry and ready to play. Kevin Glenn has not been great this year, but he certainly has the potential to put points up on the board. Andrew Harris and Stefan Logan are a scary combination in the backfield, giving the Lions the #2 ranked rushing attack in the league. On the other side of the ball, Calgary has the top-ranked rush defense, so that will definitely be a matchup to watch out for. Overall the Stamps are the more polished team at this early stage in the season, and they’re playing at home. A close game, but Calgary comes out on top.

Matthew Bin: B.C. 24 – Calgary 21

Nick Di Giovanni: B.C. 11 – Calgary 47

Steve Gifkins: Calgary 27 – B.C. 24

Lance Keiser: Calgary 29 – B.C. 19

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Ottawa Redblacks

Lance’s thoughts: Week 6 ends with the Saskatchewan Roughriders visiting the Ottawa Redblacks. Ottawa was shredded yards wise against the Ticats last week. The Redblacks looked confused on the defensive side of the ball most of the evening. Saskatchewan, by contrast, avoided pushing the panic button as the team took care of business against an injury-depleted Argos squad. All things to be considered here. Ottawa does not look like a unit playing together on all sides of the ball. Saskatchewan made a statement last week. Burris will play well against the Riders. The new stadium should be sold out. The Riders will spoil another Ottawa party.

Matthew Bin: Saskatchewan 30 – Ottawa 15

Nick Di Giovanni: Saskatchewan 31 – Ottawa 18

Steve Gifkins: Saskatchewan 35 – Ottawa 21

Lance Keiser: Saskatchewan 33 – Ottawa 24

Week 5 Notes

Lance blew everyone’s mind – including his own – by nailing not only the pick but the exact score in the first game of the week. He also topped the LWOS crew’s standings with a 3-1 record on the week, calling everything right except the Winnipeg win. Nick and Matt were both far behind, with only one pick correct on the week. Commenter salty1264, though, beat everyone, not only by picking the winners correctly in all four games (only one point off the score prediction for the first game too), but also by predicting Matt’s picks correctly as well. Gee, thanks, Salty.

Remember to add your picks in the comments. The LWOS CFL writers can’t possibly predict the scores better than you, can they?

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