Week Eighteen CFL Picks

Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts (-7.5)

Friday, October 23: 6:05 PM ET

The Alouettes (5-10) discovered this past week what seven other CFL squads have learned since Kevin Glenn entered the league back in 2001: Glenn, as nice of a guy as he is, simply isn’t very good. You add in the fact that Montreal’s coaching staff is a mess and it’s hardly a surprise that the Alouettes’ offence is incapable of moving the football. I hate eating this many points, but I’m taking the Argos (9-6) to win and cover after an off-game versus Calgary a week ago.

Pick straight-up: Toronto

Pick against the spread: Toronto

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at BC Lions (+1)

Friday, October 23: 10:05 PM ET

This game is toughest pick of the week. As much as Jeff Mathews has impressed the past two weeks, it’s never easy for teams east of Manitoba to win games with a 7:05 PM PT kick-off. On the flip side, Jonathon Jennings and the Lions (5-10) continue to play teams close, covering the spread in both of their last two games as underdogs. This one could easily go either way, but I’ll take the Tabbies (10-5) by a field goal.

Pick straight-up: Hamilton

Pick against the spread: Hamilton

Ottawa RedBlacks at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-1)

Saturday, October 24: 4:05 PM ET

This is the juiciest line of the week for all you bettors out there. The Bombers (5-11) are favored in this contest despite the fact that they are just 7-19 all-time at Investors Group Field and have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season. Is it possible the Bombers win this one? Yes. Do I think it’ll happen? No. Not with Ottawa (9-6) still in the thick of the race for first place in the East Division. Take the RedBlacks and the point.

Pick straight-up: Ottawa

Pick against the spread: Ottawa

Edmonton Eskimos at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+8.5)

Saturday, October 24: 7:05 PM ET

After trading away their best offensive player in Jerome Messam a week ago, the ‘Riders (2-13) are officially in next year country. The Eskimos (12-4), currently battling Calgary for first in the West Division, aren’t. 8.5 point is a lot to eat — particularly for road team — but I’m taking the guys in green and gold.

Pick straight-up: Edmonton

Pick against the spread: Edmonton

Season record straight-up: 42-27

Season record against the spread: 36-32-1

John Hodge, Blue Bomber Talk

Twitter: @BlueBomberTalk

Email: [email protected]

John Hodge
John Hodge is a Canadian football reporter based in Winnipeg.