Nik’s Picks – Week 5 CFL Predictions
Last week’s Nik’s Picks — not great!
Thursday
Edmonton Eskimos @ B.C. Lions:
In Week 2 the Eskimos took over the line of scrimmage and defeated B.C. by two scores. The Lions offensive line should show better, and if not Jarious Jackson will be prepared with a plan to neutralize the Esks’ front. Bryan Burnham is back for B.C. which heavily improves B.C.’s offence. But Edmonton’s rested off of a bye and are the better team right now. The Lions tend to play better at home though and should be feeling better after winning their first game of 2019. That said, the Eskimos score sevens instead of threes. Esks by 10.
Edmonton 35 B.C. 25
Best bet: EDM -3.5
Friday
Toronto Argonauts @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers:
With Matt Nichols good to go for Winnipeg it’s almost certain the Bombers will take advantage of a lesser talented Argos team. Toronto hasn’t won in Winnipeg since 2015 and are coming off a self-inflicted loss. Oh, and they’re averaging 10 points a game on offence. Meanwhile Winnipeg’s allowed one offensive touchdown this season. The Bombers can be trusted with taking care of the football and scoring with efficiency, while the same can’t be said for Toronto. Barring a miracle, Winnipeg wins by double digits. Bombers by a lot.
Toronto 12 Winnipeg 36
Best bet: WPG -15
Saturday
Montreal Alouettes @ Ottawa Redblacks:
Recent Alouettes-Redblacks games have a theme: low scoring Redblacks wins. Ottawa’s got a great secondary, but their run defence will get put to the test against William Stanback’s Alouettes. Ottawa looked human versus a very good Winnipeg team last week, which had Dom Davis playing from behind early and the run game non-existent. That has to and should change against the Alouettes. Montreal’s a trendy upset pick, but it’s tough to take them on the road against a stingy Redblacks defence. If Davis limits the turnovers, Ottawa should come out on top. Redblacks by a touchdown.
Montreal 20 Ottawa 27
Best bet: Under 52
Calgary Stampeders @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats:
The Stampeders just find a way to win, including 14 straight wins against Hamilton. The Ti-Cats lead the CFL in 30-plus yard completions with 10, while Calgary’s given up zero. Calgary’s inexperienced defence has a huge challenge in dealing with Hamilton’s speed, but the Tabbies could be a little too reliant on the pass without Sean Thomas-Erlington. Nick Arbuckle doesn’t have it any easier in Hamilton, but playing a near perfect game in Regina certainly impressed me. I’d imagine Jeremiah Masoli avoids Tre Roberson, but Masoli chucks up an ill-advised interception from time to time. On the other hand, Arbuckle looks to play it safe. I’d feel foolish to lose against the Stamps Saturday. Calgary by five.
Calgary 29 Hamilton 24
Best bet: CGY ML
Last week: 2-2
Season: 6-9
Bet of the week:
WPG -15
Personal plays:
Edmonton quarterbacks over 1.5 passing touchdowns -115 1.5u
WPG -15 -110 1.5u
MTL-OTT under 52 -110 1u
CGY +5 -110 1u
Last week: 1-6 -2.99u
Season: 15-14 +3.7u
Nik’s Picks Week 5 YouTube video.
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
