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Saskatchewan at Hamilton
The Ticats are looking strong in the East. The Riders are a bit shambolic after Chris Jones shuffled off to the NFL. Zach Collaros is I'm sure capable of playing well on occasion, but I think the odds of excellent play every game isn't that high. On defence, Jones was good at that; I expect regression.
Tiger-Cats 25 Roughriders 17
Montreal at Edmonton
Edmonton doesn't seem that great to me. They did pick up Dean and Unamba from the Cats at linebacker which is solid. Losing Reilly at quarterback hurts more though. Still Montreal doesn't have an owner and just booted their coach right before the season. So enjoy your week one home win Edmonton.
Esks 29 Alouettes 13
Ottawa at Calgary
Ottawa did little in the off-season. The Stamps lost a lot of players in the off-season but did resign Bo Levi Mitchell. The Stamps always seem to find new players, so while I think the Stamps are worse this year, I doubt they will be that much worse. Ottawa I think will be better by the end of the season, but their quarterback issues will take time to sort out. Plus the Stampeders are at home.
Stampeders 30 REDBLACKS 19
Winnipeg at BC
This is interesting. Winnipeg should be good again this year. BC should improve from 9 and 9 last year with Reilly at quarterback. But Reilly is earning a ton of salary camp money, so BC I'm sure may have some talent problems elsewhere unless some cheap new Americans play well. Somebody has to win on the road this week in the CFL so why not Zoidberg, I mean Winnipeg.
Blue Bombers 21 Lions 19
Showing posts with label picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label picks. Show all posts
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Thursday, June 23, 2016
2016 CFL Predictions Week 1
Hamilton at Toronto
If Zach Collaros was starting, then it would be a no-brainer that Hamilton would be favoured. Instead the Cats are going to be starting Masoli as quarterback against a healthy Ricky Ray. This is in Toronto and in the CFL, home teams have a marked advantage. Hamilton lost some players through free agency and Toronto picked up some decent players in free agency including Hickman and Henry on the defensive line from Hamilton. However Hamilton did pick up receiver Chad Owens from Toronto, who should be motivated to put on a good performance against his former teammates in the double blue.
Still I think the Argos are slightly favoured due to being at home. The Argos should actually have fans at this game for once, although there probably will be plenty of Ticat fans.
Argonauts 35 Tiger-Cats 33
Montreal at Winnipeg
Battle of two crappy teams. The Alouettes have Duron Carter back and the Bombers have Drew Willy not injured yet. Andrew Harris was supposedly injured, but now is not. Again I'll go with home field advantage. Not much is known, although I don't think Kevin Glenn has much left in the tank. That's still more than a lot of quarterback who will start this year in the CFL.
Blue Bombers 27 Alouettes 22
Ottawa at Edmonton
Henry Burris is still old, but didn't get injured last year which is more than can be said for most quarterbacks last year. Mike Reilly isn't injured yet. I think Ottawa should be a decent team, but yet again probably not good enough to beat Edmonton at home.
Eskimos 37 REDBLACKS 30
Calgary at BC
The Stampeders are still a good team and Bo Levi Mitchell is still a good young quarterback. The Stamps don't have Jon Cornish to run the ball and break the ratio, however they've replaced him with Jerome Messam. The Lions lost Andrew Harris in the off-season. I don't think BC is a very good team, even though they are at home.
Stampeders 29 Lions 19
If Zach Collaros was starting, then it would be a no-brainer that Hamilton would be favoured. Instead the Cats are going to be starting Masoli as quarterback against a healthy Ricky Ray. This is in Toronto and in the CFL, home teams have a marked advantage. Hamilton lost some players through free agency and Toronto picked up some decent players in free agency including Hickman and Henry on the defensive line from Hamilton. However Hamilton did pick up receiver Chad Owens from Toronto, who should be motivated to put on a good performance against his former teammates in the double blue.
Still I think the Argos are slightly favoured due to being at home. The Argos should actually have fans at this game for once, although there probably will be plenty of Ticat fans.
Argonauts 35 Tiger-Cats 33
Montreal at Winnipeg
Battle of two crappy teams. The Alouettes have Duron Carter back and the Bombers have Drew Willy not injured yet. Andrew Harris was supposedly injured, but now is not. Again I'll go with home field advantage. Not much is known, although I don't think Kevin Glenn has much left in the tank. That's still more than a lot of quarterback who will start this year in the CFL.
Blue Bombers 27 Alouettes 22
Ottawa at Edmonton
Henry Burris is still old, but didn't get injured last year which is more than can be said for most quarterbacks last year. Mike Reilly isn't injured yet. I think Ottawa should be a decent team, but yet again probably not good enough to beat Edmonton at home.
Eskimos 37 REDBLACKS 30
Calgary at BC
The Stampeders are still a good team and Bo Levi Mitchell is still a good young quarterback. The Stamps don't have Jon Cornish to run the ball and break the ratio, however they've replaced him with Jerome Messam. The Lions lost Andrew Harris in the off-season. I don't think BC is a very good team, even though they are at home.
Stampeders 29 Lions 19
Thursday, July 16, 2015
2015 CFL Week 4 Picks
Hamilton at Montreal
The Tiger-Cats have a week of rest, and hopefully some players back from injury. The Cats looked great last game away in Winnipeg with all three phases of the game working, offense, defence and special teams. Expect the Ticat defence to blitz and then blitz some more on Cato.
Tiger-Cats 29 Alouettes 26
Edmonton at Ottawa
Obviously the Eskimos crushed Ottawa last week with Matt Nichols as quarterback. Is Ottawa reverting to last year's team? I don't think so. Their receivers are certainly better. Plus they are at home this week and have had a look at Nichols. Expect more Ottawa pressure.
REDBLACKS 24 Eskimos 20
BC at Saskatchewan
The Riders haven't been terrible under Kevin Glenn but have found ways to lose. BC has been OK, losing to Ottawa in their opener and then beating the Riders at home last week. I think that the Riders will be better at home.
Roughriders 23 Lions 21
Winnipeg at Calgary
Winnipeg has been decent two out of three games and actually has Willy at quarterback. Calgary also has been good two of their three games. Most important here is that Calgary is at home, plus Cornish looked good last week.
Stampeders 29 Blue Bombers 23
The Tiger-Cats have a week of rest, and hopefully some players back from injury. The Cats looked great last game away in Winnipeg with all three phases of the game working, offense, defence and special teams. Expect the Ticat defence to blitz and then blitz some more on Cato.
Tiger-Cats 29 Alouettes 26
Edmonton at Ottawa
Obviously the Eskimos crushed Ottawa last week with Matt Nichols as quarterback. Is Ottawa reverting to last year's team? I don't think so. Their receivers are certainly better. Plus they are at home this week and have had a look at Nichols. Expect more Ottawa pressure.
REDBLACKS 24 Eskimos 20
BC at Saskatchewan
The Riders haven't been terrible under Kevin Glenn but have found ways to lose. BC has been OK, losing to Ottawa in their opener and then beating the Riders at home last week. I think that the Riders will be better at home.
Roughriders 23 Lions 21
Winnipeg at Calgary
Winnipeg has been decent two out of three games and actually has Willy at quarterback. Calgary also has been good two of their three games. Most important here is that Calgary is at home, plus Cornish looked good last week.
Stampeders 29 Blue Bombers 23
Friday, October 24, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 18
Montreal at Ottawa
An obviously important game for Montreal. An emotional game overall considering the week's past events in Ottawa. I expect the REDBLACKS to actually play a better game because of the events. However Montreal's defence is just too strong.
Alouetttes 24 REDBLACKS 20
Saskatchewan at Calgary
I'm assuming that the Riders are going with Kerry Joseph again at quarterback, but I don't think it will matter much even with Jon Cornish skipping the game. However Calgary doesn't really need to care much anymore the rest of the regular season. I still think Calgary wins though.
Stampeders 33 Roughriders 25
Hamilton at Toronto
This game is interesting. Toronto didn't look good last week, while Hamilton only looked OK at home versus Ottawa. Hamilton will likely have enough fans for it to be close to a neutral site game. I think Toronto just doesn't have the horses late in the season though.
Tiger-Cats 25 Argonauts 23
BC at Winnipeg
I'm assuming that with all the Bomber quarterback injuries this game isn't going to be easy even if Winnipeg is at home. The Lions haven't impressed me lately, but Glenn has had a lot of time as the quarterback, so they have the advantage.
Lions 28 Bombers 24
An obviously important game for Montreal. An emotional game overall considering the week's past events in Ottawa. I expect the REDBLACKS to actually play a better game because of the events. However Montreal's defence is just too strong.
Alouetttes 24 REDBLACKS 20
Saskatchewan at Calgary
I'm assuming that the Riders are going with Kerry Joseph again at quarterback, but I don't think it will matter much even with Jon Cornish skipping the game. However Calgary doesn't really need to care much anymore the rest of the regular season. I still think Calgary wins though.
Stampeders 33 Roughriders 25
Hamilton at Toronto
This game is interesting. Toronto didn't look good last week, while Hamilton only looked OK at home versus Ottawa. Hamilton will likely have enough fans for it to be close to a neutral site game. I think Toronto just doesn't have the horses late in the season though.
Tiger-Cats 25 Argonauts 23
BC at Winnipeg
I'm assuming that with all the Bomber quarterback injuries this game isn't going to be easy even if Winnipeg is at home. The Lions haven't impressed me lately, but Glenn has had a lot of time as the quarterback, so they have the advantage.
Lions 28 Bombers 24
Friday, October 17, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 17
Ottawa at Hamilton
Could Hamilton shit the bed here? Sure. I would expect though that after losing a heart breaker against the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome the Ticats will be itching to lay a beating. One issue, no Madu this week or Gable so there will be a new running back. Of late, the Ticats have really relied on the running back catching passes, especially if Collaros is in trouble. Madu had good hands, but wasn't a particularly great runner, so expect maybe a bit more running from Hamilton.
Tiger-Cats 33 REDBLACKS 22
Montreal at Toronto
Interesting game not just because the game means a lot in the standings, but also that the teams are somewhat close. Montreal has somewhat inexplicably won five of six. Crompton has emerged as a reasonable starter and far better than his predecessors (including the now departed Troy Smith). However Ricky Ray is still a far better quarterback at this stage and has Chad Owens. Montreal has a good defence, but the Argos have home field advantage.
Argonauts 29 Alouettes 24
Calgary at Winnipeg
Winnipeg is in free fall, sucking and releasing running backs. Bo Levi Mitchell is back and the Stamps can clinch first in the West. This does not go well for Winnipeg. Expect Mike O'Shea to do a slow burn on the sidelines.
Stampeders 41 Blue Bombers 29
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
So rumours are that Kerry Joseph starts for the Riders. A desperate move but somewhat understandable. Still Edmonton looked good last week and if the Riders try and run a ton (which is pretty likely) the Eskimo defensive line is going to have a good day.
Eskimos 33 Roughriders 19
Could Hamilton shit the bed here? Sure. I would expect though that after losing a heart breaker against the Argos in Dead Ted's Dome the Ticats will be itching to lay a beating. One issue, no Madu this week or Gable so there will be a new running back. Of late, the Ticats have really relied on the running back catching passes, especially if Collaros is in trouble. Madu had good hands, but wasn't a particularly great runner, so expect maybe a bit more running from Hamilton.
Tiger-Cats 33 REDBLACKS 22
Montreal at Toronto
Interesting game not just because the game means a lot in the standings, but also that the teams are somewhat close. Montreal has somewhat inexplicably won five of six. Crompton has emerged as a reasonable starter and far better than his predecessors (including the now departed Troy Smith). However Ricky Ray is still a far better quarterback at this stage and has Chad Owens. Montreal has a good defence, but the Argos have home field advantage.
Argonauts 29 Alouettes 24
Calgary at Winnipeg
Winnipeg is in free fall, sucking and releasing running backs. Bo Levi Mitchell is back and the Stamps can clinch first in the West. This does not go well for Winnipeg. Expect Mike O'Shea to do a slow burn on the sidelines.
Stampeders 41 Blue Bombers 29
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
So rumours are that Kerry Joseph starts for the Riders. A desperate move but somewhat understandable. Still Edmonton looked good last week and if the Riders try and run a ton (which is pretty likely) the Eskimo defensive line is going to have a good day.
Eskimos 33 Roughriders 19
Friday, September 26, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 14
Montreal at Ottawa
Will the REDBLACKS ever win again? If they are to win again this season, this game at home has to be one of the few possibilities. The REDBLACKS almost won against the Riders at home last week, but blew it in overtime. Montreal hasn't been a particularly good team all year, but are mildly improved with Crompton in at quarterback. The Alouettes defence is decent as it has been the last couple of years and the Larks still have some residual receiver talent. That said, Ottawa seems due and Henry Burris was good last week, with three passing TDs and a running TD (which may be more important). Close but finally Ottawa will double their win total.
REDBLACKS 27 Alouettes 25
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
Basically this comes down to Tino Sunseri versus Mike Reilly and it is in Edmonton (although no doubt there will be some vocal Rider fans in Commonwealth). I'll take Reilly and watch Riders fans be glum about losing Darian Durant for the season.
Hamilton at Winnipeg
Will Winnipeg have its Willy? That's what this game hinges on, whether the Bombers will have injured quarterback Drew Willy. Initial reports suggest Winnipeg will be Willyless for this game which makes a big difference. Hamilton and quarterback Zach Collaros have been playing well the past few games and the defence has looked tough too, basically stonewalling Mike Reilly last week at Ivor Wynne. Sure C.J Gable is injured for Hamilton, but Madu is a satisfactory replacement as long as he holds on to the ball. Look for Hamilton to get to five wins.
Tiger-Cats 34 Bombers 29
BC at Calgary
I haven't heard that Bo Levi Mitchell will be back, so Drew Tate and his stupid dark visor will be the quarterback for Calgary. No Lulay for BC, so Kevin Glenn continues to go for BC. I'm a little tempted to go with BC, but Calgary is at home and is the better team overall, even if Jon Cornish doesn't play this game. Calgary has just found ways to win all year.
Stampeders 41 Lions 37
Will the REDBLACKS ever win again? If they are to win again this season, this game at home has to be one of the few possibilities. The REDBLACKS almost won against the Riders at home last week, but blew it in overtime. Montreal hasn't been a particularly good team all year, but are mildly improved with Crompton in at quarterback. The Alouettes defence is decent as it has been the last couple of years and the Larks still have some residual receiver talent. That said, Ottawa seems due and Henry Burris was good last week, with three passing TDs and a running TD (which may be more important). Close but finally Ottawa will double their win total.
REDBLACKS 27 Alouettes 25
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
Basically this comes down to Tino Sunseri versus Mike Reilly and it is in Edmonton (although no doubt there will be some vocal Rider fans in Commonwealth). I'll take Reilly and watch Riders fans be glum about losing Darian Durant for the season.
Hamilton at Winnipeg
Will Winnipeg have its Willy? That's what this game hinges on, whether the Bombers will have injured quarterback Drew Willy. Initial reports suggest Winnipeg will be Willyless for this game which makes a big difference. Hamilton and quarterback Zach Collaros have been playing well the past few games and the defence has looked tough too, basically stonewalling Mike Reilly last week at Ivor Wynne. Sure C.J Gable is injured for Hamilton, but Madu is a satisfactory replacement as long as he holds on to the ball. Look for Hamilton to get to five wins.
Tiger-Cats 34 Bombers 29
BC at Calgary
I haven't heard that Bo Levi Mitchell will be back, so Drew Tate and his stupid dark visor will be the quarterback for Calgary. No Lulay for BC, so Kevin Glenn continues to go for BC. I'm a little tempted to go with BC, but Calgary is at home and is the better team overall, even if Jon Cornish doesn't play this game. Calgary has just found ways to win all year.
Stampeders 41 Lions 37
Friday, September 12, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 12
Montreal at Edmonton
Edmonton has lost back to back games against Calgary, but the Alouettes aren't the Stamps. The Alouettes did manage to win at home last week with Crompton as their starting quarterback, but looked absolutely dreadful in the first half. Even if Reilly doesn't start for Edmonton, I would take Nicholls over Crompton especially at home.
Eskimos 41 Alouettes 25
Toronto at Calgary
One team only has one loss, is at home and the other team has no receivers (although I thought I heard something about Durie being back). So not really a hard call (East versus West this generally isn't a hard call in general).
Stampeders
Winnipeg at BC
So no more Lulay. Not that BC was any better with him last week compared to Glenn. This game is on the road for the Bombers who have lost two straight, albeit to the Riders. I'm going to go against the grain and pick the Bombers.
Bombers 29 Lions 21
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Besides the quarterback position this week, the Riders have more talent than the Ticats (although for a two win team at this stage of the year, the Ticats' talent isn't that bad). However with no Durant, the Riders have to start some guy Tino Sunseri at pivot. The Riders now have Dressler back which would help, but not much with an inexperienced quarterback. The Cats start Collaros who has looked mostly good since returning for a concussion. The Riders have a great pass rush, but Collaros has looked relatively adept at picking up blitzes compared to most CFL quarterbacks who mostly just shit the bed whenever a blitz comes. The Cats are at home, but the difference in quarterbacks will be the game.
Tiger-Cats 24 Riders 22
Edmonton has lost back to back games against Calgary, but the Alouettes aren't the Stamps. The Alouettes did manage to win at home last week with Crompton as their starting quarterback, but looked absolutely dreadful in the first half. Even if Reilly doesn't start for Edmonton, I would take Nicholls over Crompton especially at home.
Eskimos 41 Alouettes 25
Toronto at Calgary
One team only has one loss, is at home and the other team has no receivers (although I thought I heard something about Durie being back). So not really a hard call (East versus West this generally isn't a hard call in general).
Stampeders
Winnipeg at BC
So no more Lulay. Not that BC was any better with him last week compared to Glenn. This game is on the road for the Bombers who have lost two straight, albeit to the Riders. I'm going to go against the grain and pick the Bombers.
Bombers 29 Lions 21
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Besides the quarterback position this week, the Riders have more talent than the Ticats (although for a two win team at this stage of the year, the Ticats' talent isn't that bad). However with no Durant, the Riders have to start some guy Tino Sunseri at pivot. The Riders now have Dressler back which would help, but not much with an inexperienced quarterback. The Cats start Collaros who has looked mostly good since returning for a concussion. The Riders have a great pass rush, but Collaros has looked relatively adept at picking up blitzes compared to most CFL quarterbacks who mostly just shit the bed whenever a blitz comes. The Cats are at home, but the difference in quarterbacks will be the game.
Tiger-Cats 24 Riders 22
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 8
A Tuesday game? That means I have to do this early. Damn Argos and their crappy stadium.
Winnipeg at Toronto
Strangely the Argos are favoured in this one, although not by much. Certainly the bye week helps Toronto. I just can't see the Bombers losing this one.
Bombers 33 Argonauts 24
Edmonton at Ottawa
The REDBLACKS have played enough games that we kind of know what they're going to be this season. And that's not very good. The Esks are surprisingly good this year. So sorry Ottawa.
Eskimos 41 REDBLACKS 27
Calgary at Hamilton
I'm basically expecting the Cats to lose another close one at tiny Ron Joyce Field at McMaster. The Cats are a pretty good team for 1 and 5, but they just seem snakebitten this year.
Stampeders 30 Ticats 26
Montreal at Saskatchewan
Why am I even putting some thought into this. Riders at home. The only curious thing will be to see if switching up quarterbacks helps the Als somewhat from ultracrap to just crap.
BC at Toronto
My brain says Toronto will lose because of the two games in one week. But you have to make a wacky pick every so often so Toronto at home. Kevin Glenn isn't omnipotent.
Argos 28 Lions 27
Winnipeg at Toronto
Strangely the Argos are favoured in this one, although not by much. Certainly the bye week helps Toronto. I just can't see the Bombers losing this one.
Bombers 33 Argonauts 24
Edmonton at Ottawa
The REDBLACKS have played enough games that we kind of know what they're going to be this season. And that's not very good. The Esks are surprisingly good this year. So sorry Ottawa.
Eskimos 41 REDBLACKS 27
Calgary at Hamilton
I'm basically expecting the Cats to lose another close one at tiny Ron Joyce Field at McMaster. The Cats are a pretty good team for 1 and 5, but they just seem snakebitten this year.
Stampeders 30 Ticats 26
Montreal at Saskatchewan
Why am I even putting some thought into this. Riders at home. The only curious thing will be to see if switching up quarterbacks helps the Als somewhat from ultracrap to just crap.
BC at Toronto
My brain says Toronto will lose because of the two games in one week. But you have to make a wacky pick every so often so Toronto at home. Kevin Glenn isn't omnipotent.
Argos 28 Lions 27
Thursday, August 7, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 7
Saskatchewan at Winnipeg
I'm going to go with Winnipeg at home. I'm assuming they'll be plenty of more motivated against the hated Riders. The Riders seem a bit hot and cold this season.
Bombers 35 Riders 29
Edmonton at Montreal
Uh, Edmonton.
Hamilton at BC
The Tiger-Cats can win this game, but it is in BC which is usually difficult for EST teams. I expect the Cats to lose a close one and Kent Austin to blow a gasket.
Ottawa at Calgary
Uh, Calgary.
I'm going to go with Winnipeg at home. I'm assuming they'll be plenty of more motivated against the hated Riders. The Riders seem a bit hot and cold this season.
Bombers 35 Riders 29
Edmonton at Montreal
Uh, Edmonton.
Hamilton at BC
The Tiger-Cats can win this game, but it is in BC which is usually difficult for EST teams. I expect the Cats to lose a close one and Kent Austin to blow a gasket.
Ottawa at Calgary
Uh, Calgary.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 2
Ottawa at Winnipeg
The Rot und Schwarz are a good story so far, as they have played no games. They do have a veteran quarterback in Henry Burris plus some decent parts. Ottawa should be better this first season than their last first season. Still though Drew "Slick" Willy didn't look bad last week leading the Bombers to a convincing home win. The Bombers are at home again, so I won't go against the massive home playoff advantage that CFL teams statistically enjoy.
Bombers 29, RotSchwarzen 16
BC at Montreal
I don't have a lot of faith in former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith successfully taking over Anthony Calvillo's shoes. Kevin Glenn didn't look great last week, but I have more confidence that he'll start getting things together. The game is in Montreal, but I see the Alouettes as a team in disarray. As a bit of an aside, Travis Lulay has been put on the six game disabled list by the Lions. That makes me wonder if he'll end up being done for the season.
Lions 26, Alouettes 21
Hamilton at Edmonton
This one is a bit of a conundrum. Hamilton was embarrassed last week by the Riders in some ridiculous weather, giving up an atrocious ten sacks. Edmonton managed to beat BC on the road. Last year at home, Edmonton managed to beat Hamilton at home. Edmonton isn't quite Saskatchewan yet and Collaros shouldn't be so rushed. Still the Eskimos are at home. I'll go with home field advantage.
Esks 23, Good Guys 21
Saskatchewan at Toronto
After both games last week, even if Toronto is at home, I think the Riders are a fairly safe pick. The Argos have to show something this season before I'll pick them over the depending Grey Cup champs.
The Rot und Schwarz are a good story so far, as they have played no games. They do have a veteran quarterback in Henry Burris plus some decent parts. Ottawa should be better this first season than their last first season. Still though Drew "Slick" Willy didn't look bad last week leading the Bombers to a convincing home win. The Bombers are at home again, so I won't go against the massive home playoff advantage that CFL teams statistically enjoy.
Bombers 29, RotSchwarzen 16
BC at Montreal
I don't have a lot of faith in former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith successfully taking over Anthony Calvillo's shoes. Kevin Glenn didn't look great last week, but I have more confidence that he'll start getting things together. The game is in Montreal, but I see the Alouettes as a team in disarray. As a bit of an aside, Travis Lulay has been put on the six game disabled list by the Lions. That makes me wonder if he'll end up being done for the season.
Lions 26, Alouettes 21
Hamilton at Edmonton
This one is a bit of a conundrum. Hamilton was embarrassed last week by the Riders in some ridiculous weather, giving up an atrocious ten sacks. Edmonton managed to beat BC on the road. Last year at home, Edmonton managed to beat Hamilton at home. Edmonton isn't quite Saskatchewan yet and Collaros shouldn't be so rushed. Still the Eskimos are at home. I'll go with home field advantage.
Esks 23, Good Guys 21
Saskatchewan at Toronto
After both games last week, even if Toronto is at home, I think the Riders are a fairly safe pick. The Argos have to show something this season before I'll pick them over the depending Grey Cup champs.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
2014 CFL Predictions Week 1
The CFL regular season is back! Along with my weekly picks.
Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Newsflash! Winnipeg still sucks in 2014, but it may get better. Appointing former Argos special teams coach as head coach may or may not be a good move for the Bombers. The Bombers will go with Drew Willy at quarterback. Willy had some success last year with the Riders, but the Bombers aren't anywhere near as good as the 2013 Riders (the 2014 Riders aren't as good as the 2013 either).
The Argos still have Ricky Ray as their quarterback who should reliably although not particularly excitingly dissect the Bomber defence. Maybe Chad Owens will do something for the Argos.
Toronto 26, Winnipeg 19
Montreal Alouettes at Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps seem to be starting Bo Levi Mitchell at quarterback which is a smart move. Drew Tate is a whiny bitch. Jon Cornish is back to carry the mantle of best Canadian running back while also probably being the best running back. Montreal is going again with Troy Smith at quarterback. I'm not really sold on Smith, although at least he got some experience last season. The Als also have Chad Johnson to drive page views although whether he'll do much is a pretty open question. Stamps are at home and are likely to come out of the gate better than Montreal
Calgary 25, Montreal 19
Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions
The Lions are the better team and are at home. Travis Lulay is injured but Kevin Glenn isn't much of a step down. Mike Reilly threw for a lot of yards for the Esks last year, most of it while running for his life. Edmonton could eventually end up better than last year, but I think the first game will be tough.
Lions 31, Esks 27
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Rough-Riders
The Cats are back to the seen of last year's Grey Cup against the same opponent. The Riders have lost of important players from last year's Cup winning team. The Cats lost Henry Burris and have replaced him with Zach Collaros. If the Cats were at home, I would go with a narrow Cat win, but the Riders (and basically every CFL team) are strong at home. Plus Collaros has only had a few weeks of training camp to get used to brand new receivers and to top it off, Cat slotback Andy Fantuz is out for a week.
Riders 29, Ticats 19
Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Newsflash! Winnipeg still sucks in 2014, but it may get better. Appointing former Argos special teams coach as head coach may or may not be a good move for the Bombers. The Bombers will go with Drew Willy at quarterback. Willy had some success last year with the Riders, but the Bombers aren't anywhere near as good as the 2013 Riders (the 2014 Riders aren't as good as the 2013 either).
The Argos still have Ricky Ray as their quarterback who should reliably although not particularly excitingly dissect the Bomber defence. Maybe Chad Owens will do something for the Argos.
Toronto 26, Winnipeg 19
Montreal Alouettes at Calgary Stampeders
The Stamps seem to be starting Bo Levi Mitchell at quarterback which is a smart move. Drew Tate is a whiny bitch. Jon Cornish is back to carry the mantle of best Canadian running back while also probably being the best running back. Montreal is going again with Troy Smith at quarterback. I'm not really sold on Smith, although at least he got some experience last season. The Als also have Chad Johnson to drive page views although whether he'll do much is a pretty open question. Stamps are at home and are likely to come out of the gate better than Montreal
Calgary 25, Montreal 19
Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions
The Lions are the better team and are at home. Travis Lulay is injured but Kevin Glenn isn't much of a step down. Mike Reilly threw for a lot of yards for the Esks last year, most of it while running for his life. Edmonton could eventually end up better than last year, but I think the first game will be tough.
Lions 31, Esks 27
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Saskatchewan Rough-Riders
The Cats are back to the seen of last year's Grey Cup against the same opponent. The Riders have lost of important players from last year's Cup winning team. The Cats lost Henry Burris and have replaced him with Zach Collaros. If the Cats were at home, I would go with a narrow Cat win, but the Riders (and basically every CFL team) are strong at home. Plus Collaros has only had a few weeks of training camp to get used to brand new receivers and to top it off, Cat slotback Andy Fantuz is out for a week.
Riders 29, Ticats 19
Thursday, August 22, 2013
2013 CFL Predictions Week 9
BC at Montreal
Anthony Calvillo is out with a concussion so Josh Neiswander (who didn't do well in relief of Calvillo last week) is in for Montreal. The game is in Montreal, however I can't see Travis Lulay losing to Neiswander. The Alouettes still have some good offensive tools, however Neiswander will find it difficult to use them. I assume that the Als will run a lot and maybe Neiswander as well, but it won't be enough.
Lions 35 Montreal 18
Calgary at Toronto
This should be a good game, especially since it is in Toronto. I assume that Ray is playing as I haven't heard anything else. The Stamps may be missing star non-import running back Jon Cornish and chunky receiver Nik Lewis is out with a broken leg, so there goes a lot of the Stamp offence. I'm not sure who's starting at quarterback but I'm assuming Tate is still doing his Buck Pierce impression and Kevin Glenn will start again.
Given all the injuries to the Stamps I have to give the nod to Toronto.
Argos 28 Stampeders 26
Fun fact: the Calgary fight song is Ye Men of Calgary!
Winnipeg at Hamilton
Former number three guy Max Hall gets his second start in a row against the Cats, although the Bombers didn't do a lot in their new stadium last week in terms of offence. They have a new offensive co-ordinator in former Ticat coach Marcel Bellefeuille. I'm not sure if that helps in the first week.
The Cats are healthy on offence and look to be rolling. Even defensively last week there was some interceptions (albeit against the Bombers) for once. The game is in Guelph which should give some advantage to the Cats.
The Bombers are in turmoil, so picking the Cats is easy.
Cats 33 Bombers 21
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
On the surface this seems like an easy game to pick. Also below the surface it is an easy game to pick. Riders easily.
Riders 38 Eskimos 21
Anthony Calvillo is out with a concussion so Josh Neiswander (who didn't do well in relief of Calvillo last week) is in for Montreal. The game is in Montreal, however I can't see Travis Lulay losing to Neiswander. The Alouettes still have some good offensive tools, however Neiswander will find it difficult to use them. I assume that the Als will run a lot and maybe Neiswander as well, but it won't be enough.
Lions 35 Montreal 18
Calgary at Toronto
This should be a good game, especially since it is in Toronto. I assume that Ray is playing as I haven't heard anything else. The Stamps may be missing star non-import running back Jon Cornish and chunky receiver Nik Lewis is out with a broken leg, so there goes a lot of the Stamp offence. I'm not sure who's starting at quarterback but I'm assuming Tate is still doing his Buck Pierce impression and Kevin Glenn will start again.
Given all the injuries to the Stamps I have to give the nod to Toronto.
Argos 28 Stampeders 26
Fun fact: the Calgary fight song is Ye Men of Calgary!
Winnipeg at Hamilton
Former number three guy Max Hall gets his second start in a row against the Cats, although the Bombers didn't do a lot in their new stadium last week in terms of offence. They have a new offensive co-ordinator in former Ticat coach Marcel Bellefeuille. I'm not sure if that helps in the first week.
The Cats are healthy on offence and look to be rolling. Even defensively last week there was some interceptions (albeit against the Bombers) for once. The game is in Guelph which should give some advantage to the Cats.
The Bombers are in turmoil, so picking the Cats is easy.
Cats 33 Bombers 21
Saskatchewan at Edmonton
On the surface this seems like an easy game to pick. Also below the surface it is an easy game to pick. Riders easily.
Riders 38 Eskimos 21
Thursday, July 25, 2013
2013 CFL Picks Week 5
Edmonton at Montreal
Hmmm. Montreal looked OK in the first quarter last week against Calgary and then fell apart. That's generally no good, but shows they can at least do something. Edmonton still has a young quarterback who hasn't done very much. Montreal is at home. That pretty much seals it for me.
Alouettes 29 Esks 16
Calgary at Winnipeg
Who's starting for Calgary? I'm not sure. Goltz is for Winnipeg, so no Buck although that hasn't mattered much this season. I'm tempting by Calgary, but I'll go with my gut and Winnipeg's defense and home field advantage.
Bombers 22 Stampeders 19
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Is Durant injured? Beats me. I'm betting not though. Hamilton will no doubt do better than last week's pasting, being in Guelph, but they'll still lose. The Cats linebacking corps is in a bit of turmoil with Markeith Knowlton being released. Good run offense versus linebackers in flux. Not generally good.
Riders 29 Ticats 25
BC at Toronto
Weird Tuesday game. Toronto isn't bad but they're not great either. Haven't heard much about Ricky Ray's health, but I'm guessing he'll be back for Tuesday. BC is pretty good, but occasionally underachieves and they are on the road. I'll go with BC just on injury rumours. That's kind of related to the Wall Street adage buy on rumor sell on news, although I'm not sure it is right.
Lions 24, Argos 22
Hmmm. Montreal looked OK in the first quarter last week against Calgary and then fell apart. That's generally no good, but shows they can at least do something. Edmonton still has a young quarterback who hasn't done very much. Montreal is at home. That pretty much seals it for me.
Alouettes 29 Esks 16
Calgary at Winnipeg
Who's starting for Calgary? I'm not sure. Goltz is for Winnipeg, so no Buck although that hasn't mattered much this season. I'm tempting by Calgary, but I'll go with my gut and Winnipeg's defense and home field advantage.
Bombers 22 Stampeders 19
Saskatchewan at Hamilton
Is Durant injured? Beats me. I'm betting not though. Hamilton will no doubt do better than last week's pasting, being in Guelph, but they'll still lose. The Cats linebacking corps is in a bit of turmoil with Markeith Knowlton being released. Good run offense versus linebackers in flux. Not generally good.
Riders 29 Ticats 25
BC at Toronto
Weird Tuesday game. Toronto isn't bad but they're not great either. Haven't heard much about Ricky Ray's health, but I'm guessing he'll be back for Tuesday. BC is pretty good, but occasionally underachieves and they are on the road. I'll go with BC just on injury rumours. That's kind of related to the Wall Street adage buy on rumor sell on news, although I'm not sure it is right.
Lions 24, Argos 22
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