After this, only one more week. One more week for the Tiger-Cats to throw away what was almost a certain first-place finish. One more week for Calgary and Edmonton to duke it out for the Western title. One more week for Montreal to fight history and statistics and try to win the elusive Eastern crossover. One more week for Saskatchewan to polish their golf clubs and sanitize their lockers again.
It’s almost done, but there’s lots left to play for. Who will solidify their playoff position this week? Don’t ask me – ask the LWOS CFL crew, who are here again to chime in with their Week 19 CFL predictions.
Week 19 CFL Predictions
B.C. Lions at Toronto Argonauts
Greg’s thoughts: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before — the B.C. Lions need to win to stay in the playoff hunt. Despite their dismantling of the Ticats last week, the final games for the Leos are must wins. Right now the Lions are barely clinging onto third in the west with one win better than Winnipeg, and are tied with crossover hopefuls Montreal. Standing in the Lions’ way this week is the Ricky Ray-led Argonauts. Ray, who hasn’t started a game all season, is taking over from Trevor Harris after the Argos’ 34-2 drubbing at the hands of the Alouettes. While Head Coach Scott Milanovich says this is only a one-game move, one has to wonder what it means for the Boatmen’s playoff plans. Expect a close one but the Argos will make up for that poor showing last week.
Kelly Bale: B.C. 32 – Toronto 26
Matthew Bin: B.C. 17 – Toronto 20
Nicholas di Giovanni: B.C. 22 – Toronto 32
Greg McCulloch: B.C. 30 – Toronto 33
Gina Schiltz: B.C. 30 – Toronto 29
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary Stampeders
Gina’s thoughts: Saskatchewan could win this one; it’s Halloween, after all, and crazier things have happened. The Riders had an 18-point lead against the Eskimos, but still managed to lose the game last week. In the first half, the Roughriders looked like a solid team again with Keith Price and Brett Smith sharing quarterback time. But it wasn’t enough though to keep Mike Reilly and the Eskimos at bay and the the problems the Riders have had all year crept back up. The one thing the Riders do have going for them going into this game is no pressure. They have nothing to lose, and oddly enough, that’s usually when we see teams win. On the other side of the coin though, Calgary needs the win more. They are coming off a much-needed bye week, so players will be rested and ready to play. Jon Cornish still won’t be in the lineup, but newly acquired Messam will be. Calgary is the better ball team right now, so I don’t see them losing to any goblins.
Kelly Bale: Saskatchewan 12 – Calgary 19
Matthew Bin: Saskatchewan 7 – Calgary 21
Nicholas di Giovanni: Saskatchewan 10 – Calgary 28
Greg McCulloch: Saskatchewan 20 – Calgary 36
Gina Schiltz: Saskatchewan 24 – Calgary 35
Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Nick’s thoughts: The biggest game in week 19 will feature provincial rivals, the Ottawa Redblacks and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, battling it out for first place in the East. The first of a home-and-home series to end the season, this game at Tim Hortons Field will be feisty. Can Henry Burris throw for 219 yards and set a career-high for passing yards in a season in this game? Of course he will. The Redblacks will be looking to make a statement by winning on the road. This game might be more important to them than their home date next week, so expect them to squeak by with a victory. Sorry, Steeltown, this Redblacks team is just too good.
Kelly Bale: Ottawa 29 – Hamilton 27
Matthew Bin: Ottawa 17 – Hamilton 33
Nicholas di Giovanni: Ottawa 33 – Hamilton 32
Greg McCulloch: Ottawa 28 – Hamilton 20
Gina Schiltz: Ottawa 30 – Hamilton 28
Montreal Alouettes at Edmonton Eskimos
Kelly’s thoughts: It’s playoff time in both divisions. Not actually, but it feels like it! After a 1-7 start, the Montréal Alouettes recovered down the stretch drive in 2014 to earn a playoff game against the B.C. Lions that they won convincingly. This year, they want to do it again and maintain the streak of 20 consecutive years in the playoffs. But last year, the Edmonton Eskimos did not stand in their way. Looking to make it eight straight against the Alouettes, the Eskimos can clinch first place in the Western division with a win. The Esks may not be great early-on in this contest, but hold those in-game bets because in the end they will prevail and earn the playoff bye. Take Edmonton by at least 10 points.
Kelly Bale: Montreal 19 – Edmonton 32
Matthew Bin: Montreal 20 – Edmonton 18
Nicholas di Giovanni: Montreal 17 – Edmonton 15
Greg McCulloch: Montreal 28 – Edmonton 22
Gina Schiltz: Montreal 24 – Edmonton 31
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