Nik’s Picks – Week 21 CFL Predictions
Last week’s Nik’s Picks.
Nik’s Picks Week 21 YouTube video.
Friday
Montreal Alouettes @ Ottawa Redblacks:
Montreal is only resting a few starters Friday, which spells trouble for Ottawa. That said, it’s not expected that the Als will keep key players like Vernon Adams Jr. in for the full 60, similar to last week. Dom Davis is under centre for the Redblacks and he’s up against most of Montreal’s starting defence. The Redblacks did beat Montreal back in August, but each team has since parted in different directions. Ottawa might hang in there, but they won’t be able to score. Seven of these teams’ last nine have gone under too. Alouettes by 11.
Montreal 25 Ottawa 14
Best bet: Under 50
Saturday
Edmonton Eskimos @ Saskatchewan Roughriders:
If Trevor Harris, Greg Ellingson, and other key players were dressing, Edmonton would have a shot. But all are sitting out of this meaningless game for the Esks, while the Riders are dressing most starters. With caution to his back injury, Cody Fajardo won’t play the entire game. Regardless, Saskatchewan’s defence will hold it down versus Edmonton’s backups, similarly to the second half of last week’s matchup. The Riders have won five straight at home and they’ll be looking to clinch first in the West. Saskatchewan by 10.
Edmonton 18 Saskatchewan 28
Best bet: SSK first half -5
Toronto Argonauts @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats:
It’s Dakota Prukop versus Hayden Moore in the final battle of Ontario this season, just like we all predicted. Hamilton’s wisely resting nearly all of their key players (i.e. Simoni Lawrence, Brandon Banks, Chris Van Zeyl), giving the Argos a serious chance at the upset. Toronto’s found some nice pieces as of late to go with solid quarterback play too. That said, the Argos have won only one of their last 17 road games, and lost nine of their last 10 in Hamilton. But the Argos catch a break to end their season on a high note. Argos by four.
Toronto 30 Hamilton 26
Best bet: TOR +14 (now TOR +11.5)
Calgary Stampeders @ B.C. Lions:
It’s a shame that this won’t be another epic Bo Levi Mitchell-Mike Reilly shootout, and instead the Stampeders’ first-team will likely beat up on the defeated Lions. It’s a similar situation to the Lions’ last game: their defence can hang in there against solid opponents, but for how long? Danny O’Brien’s combined for 311 yards in nearly two full games, and tossing it up to Bryan Burnham can’t work all the time. Calgary’s covered in 13 of their last 18 at B.C., and Calgary wins big Saturday to clinch a home playoff game. Stamps by 19.
Calgary 32 B.C. 13
Best bet: CGY -6.5
Last week: 2-2
Season: 49-28
Bet of the week (10-10):
SSK & CGY ML -148
Personal plays:
MTL-OTT under 50 EVEN 2u
HAM team total under 33.5 -140 2u
TOR +14 -115 1u
CGY -6.5 -110 2u
CGY first half -4.5 -115 1u
SSK & CGY ML -148 2.5u
6-point teaser: MTL -2.5, TOR +17.5, CGY -1.5 +160 1u
Last week: 6-5 +1.07u
Season: 94–77-5 +10.11u
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
