Last week was one of the more predictable weeks in this year’s CFL season: the two dominant-looking teams scored big wins, some mid-tier teams had their wins and losses. The only really surprising fact was that Saskatchewan didn’t lose. Some say that was because they were on a bye week, but most of us were expecting to somehow screw that up, too. But the week 9 CFL predictions will probably not be so easy to call. Here’s how the LWOS CFL crew see things playing out.
Montreal Alouettes at B.C. Lions
Kelly’s thoughts: The Montreal Alouettes and B.C. Lions’ clash provides an interesting set of circumstances when you consider the standings. If Montreal were to lose, their record would be 2-6, far from striking distance from Hamilton or Toronto who could both move to 6-2 this weekend. They are close to finding themselves out of a playoff spot. If B.C. continues their recent tailspin and lose, they move to 3-5. With a week before midseason, it’s safe to say that record will raise questions about the offseason moves made by GM Wally Buono. Andrew Harris can only do so much. Take the increasingly desperate Alouettes by a touchdown or more.
Kelly Bale: Montreal 33 – B.C. 30
Matthew Bin: Montreal 16 – B.C. 25
Nicholas di Giovanni: Montreal 12 – B.C. 19
Lance Keiser: Montreal 19 – B.C. 27
Gina Schiltz: Montreal 29 – B.C. 17
Michael Wilts: Montreal 22 – B.C. 34
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Edmonton Eskimos
Mike’s thoughts: This should be the game of the week in the CFL as Hamilton’s top ranked offense takes on Edmonton’s league leading defense. Hamilton has improved week after week and demonstrated more consistent play in all three phases of the game while Edmonton has yet to find their groove offensively and sputtered on special teams last week against Montreal. Home field advantage should come into play for the Eskimos but they’ll need more than that if they want to head into Labour Day on a modest two game winning streak. A game too close to call and may come down to a special teams play or may head into overtime where anything can happen.
Kelly Bale: Hamilton 42 – Edmonton 30
Matthew Bin: Hamilton 38 – Edmonton 36
Nicholas di Giovanni: Hamilton 32 – Edmonton 30
Lance Keiser: Hamilton 30 – Edmonton 18
Gina Schiltz: Hamilton 38 – Edmonton 31
Michael Wilts: Hamilton 27 – Edmonton 25
Calgary Stampeders at Saskatchewan Roughriders
Matt B’s thoughts: Both ends of the West Division table are at play here. Saskatchewan has had a week to rest and recuperate, a strong defence, and a distinct advantage on home turf. Calgary has a bunch of wins – including an authoritative thumping of Ottawa last week, a vertical quarterback, and a functioning team. Who will come out on top? Not many are picking the Riders, and for good reason. Calgary is capable of imploding, but this is probably neither the time or place where they’ll do so.
Kelly Bale: Calgary 40 – Saskatchewan 26
Matthew Bin: Calgary 41 – Saskatchewan 22
Nicholas di Giovanni: Calgary 31 – Saskatchewan 10
Lance Keiser: Calgary 28 – Saskatchewan 30
Gina Schiltz: Calgary 41 – Saskatchewan 32
Michael Wilts: Calgary 40 – Saskatchewan 24
Ottawa Redblacks at Toronto Argonauts
Lance’s thoughts: Two teams that didn’t perform as expected last week clash this Sunday at Rogers Center. The Argos needed a full 60 minutes to dispose of the Blue Bombers last week and escaped Winnipeg with a big win to keep pace with Hamilton in the east. Ottawa must have missed their flight to Calgary, that’s the only explanation I can come up with regarding their nightmare week eight performance. If this game was played in Ottawa, take the Redblacks, however they are on the road again and will be suffering from PTSD after being shell schocked in Calgary, take Toronto to puff their chests out and expose Ottawa.
Kelly Bale: Ottawa 15 – Toronto 27
Matthew Bin: Ottawa 13 – Toronto 27
Nicholas di Giovanni: Ottawa 27 – Toronto 22
Lance Keiser: Ottawa 24 – Toronto 29
Gina Schiltz: Ottawa 29 – Toronto 31
Michael Wilts: Ottawa 19 – Toronto 29
Week 8 Roundup
An uncanny week for picks last week – five out of seven LWOS writers picked every game correctly, although most of them saw the Calgary-Ottawa tilt being a lot less lopsided. Only Matt B, with one wrong, and Connor, with two and two, failed to get a perfect record.
Agree or disagree with these predictions? Who’s on the ball and who’s lost their marbles? Let us know your picks in the comments!
