Nik’s Picks – Week 6 CFL Predictions
Last week’s Nik’s Picks — back on the good side.
Thursday
Calgary Stampeders @ Ottawa Redblacks:
Calgary’s going to have revenge on their mind after Ottawa’s stunning Week 1 win at McMahon. Too bad Dom Davis won’t receive it as Jon Jennings is back under the helm of the Redblacks offence, wait, or is that too bad for Ottawa? In all seriousness, the Redblacks are doomed on offence. John Crockett showed promise in the run game, but Calgary’s going to load up for Ottawa’s lone offensive weapon in 2019. The Stampeders are shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers, but I except Calgary to clean it up and win by 20.
Calgary 34 Ottawa 14
Best bet: CGY -5.5
Toronto Argonauts @ Edmonton Eskimos:
McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Argos offence are in tough against an Eskimos defence averaging a league-best 181 passing yards against per game. Luckily for Toronto, the Esks’ are missing three more key starters in C.J. Gable, DaVaris Daniels and Forrest Hightower. As for Argos’ injuries, Brandon Burks, an intriguing, shifty back, is replacing James Wilder Jr. If Bethel-Thompson limits his turnovers this game will be close. It’s still hard to see the Argos winning on the back half of an Alberta trip against a mad Eskimos team. Esks by 2.
Toronto 25 Edmonton 27
Best bet: TOR +11
Friday
Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats:
It’s hard not to dub this a Grey Cup preview. Winnipeg and Hamilton are the top teams in the CFL — it’s a near wash when comparing overall talent. But Hamilton’s got some tiny problems. Simoni Lawrence is out *Andrew Harris grins* and there’s something off with the Ti-Cats offence versus finer teams. They’re only intimidating when Jeremiah Masoli’s scrambling and slinging the rock to Bralon Addison and Brandon Banks, who line up opposite a weaker Bombers’ field side. Until beaten, side with Mike O’Shea. Winnipeg by 6.
Winnipeg 28 Hamilton 22
Best bet: WPG -3
Saturday
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ B.C. Lions:
No matter the records, winning back-to-back football games versus a team is difficult. The Lions need a win after playing well in Regina last Saturday yet coming up short. What’s key is B.C. finally having stability on offence with Brandon Rutley. The Riders defence has continued to disappoint, which could be the case in a calmer atmosphere at Vancouver. If the Lions shore up their tackling and end up on the right side of key plays, they beat the Riders. Desperation is a scary motivator, especially with Mike Reilly. B.C. by 3 in overtime.
Saskatchewan 28 B.C. 31 (OT)
Best bet: BC +2.5
Last week: 3-1
Season: 11-12
Bet of the week (4-2):
CGY -5.5 EVEN
Personal plays:
CGY FH -3 -115 1u
CGY -5.5 EVEN 1.5u
Ottawa quarterbacks under 280.5 passing yards -115 1u
Toronto quarterbacks over 260.5 passing yards -115 1u
Toronto quarterbacks over 1.5 passing touchdowns +115 .5u
EDM by 1-6 points +375 .5u
WPG -3 +105 1u
WPG & CGY ML +144 1u
6-point teaser: CGY -0.5, TOR +17, B.C. +8.5 +160 1u
Last week: 5-3 +1.58u
Season: 23-21 +5.07u
Nik’s Picks Week 7 YouTube video.
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
