Nik’s Picks – Week 20 CFL Predictions
Last week’s Nik’s Picks
Nik’s Picks Week 20 YouTube video.
Friday
Calgary Stampeders @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers:
It’s unlikely that this rematch will come anywhere near 70 points, especially considering Zach Collaros is now under centre for the Bombers. Chris Streveler is Winnipeg’s best option at quarterback, but it’s a wise move to sit down down the banged-up pivot ahead of the playoffs. Despite two early turnovers, Bo Levi’s Mitchell found a groove en route to a 37-point outing Saturday. The Bombers current personnel can’t stop Mitchell’s offence, a group that’s getting Don Jackson back. Calgary is gunning for home-field, they win by 14.
Calgary 30 Winnipeg 16
Best bet: CGY -2.5
Saturday
Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ Montreal Alouettes:
Both clubs can’t move in the standings and play inferior divisional opponents next week, making for some interesting lineup decisions. Hamilton has more to lose, meaning starters shouldn’t play the full 60. But the Alouettes are super thin in their secondary which is troublesome for defending Dane Evans’ pass-heavy offence. William Stanback is the Als’ X-factor against Hamilton, but he may be one of many sitting for rest purposes. The Tabbies have lost 19 of their last 24 in Montreal, but won four of those last five. Hamilton by five.
Hamilton 29 Montreal 24
Best bet: HAM FH -1.5
Ottawa Redblacks @ Toronto Argonauts:
It’s the CFL’s version of the Tank Bowl, although both teams appear to be vying for a win. Will Ardnt’s offence has been respectable, and he should get a tad better in his second go-around at the porous Argos secondary. But Toronto’s added some nice pieces like Chandler Worthy and Shaq Richardson to their lineup and are fielding a better roster. McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s shown he can beat Ottawa too, plus the Argos have taken 11 of their last 12 versus the Redblacks, and they should complete the sweep of Ottawa. Toronto by five.
Ottawa 25 Toronto 30
Best bet: First half under 26.5
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Edmonton Eskimos:
Trevor Harris’ return comes at an inconvenient time for the Riders’ push for first in the West. Saskatchewan’s a well-balanced team, but has shown vulnerability on the road this season. It’s also the first time the two top defences and most penalized teams are meeting. This is shaping up for a low-scoring game that’ll be won in the trenches, and Edmonton’s hogs are slightly better. Plus, the Riders have been catching breaks all year via weather storms and injured quarterbacks. The Football Gods take one back, Edmonton by four.
Saskatchewan 18 Edmonton 22
Best bet: Under 48
Last week: 4-0
Season: 47-26
Bet of the week (10-9):
HAM first half -1.5 -115
Personal plays:
CGY first half team total over 11.5 -125 1u
WPG QBs over 19.5 passing attempts -110 1.5u
CGY QBs over 24.5 passing attempts -120 1.5u
CGY QBs over 1.5 touchdown passes +105 1u
HAM first half -1.5 -115 1.5u
OTT-TOR first half under 26.5 -110 1u
S.J. Green over 4.5 receptions -125 1u
S.J. Green over 60.5 receiving yards -115 1u
EDM +2 -110 1u
SSK-EDM under 48 -110 1u
7-point teaser: CGY-WPG over 40.5, EDM +9, SSK-EDM under 54 +120 1u
Last week: 9-3 +7.02u
Season: 89–72-4 +9.9u
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
