Football: CFL
Week 16 Predictions
By GREG HARRIS, MOP Squad Sports CFL Editor
Oct 12, 2007 - 3:41:53 PM

Last Week: 4-0
Season to Date: 37-19 (.661)

Last week was an easy week for me to predict.  While there weren't as many blowouts as I had expected, only two of the four games were ever really in doubt.  After the BC Lions beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday Nite Football, I knew that I was in for a good week, and whaddayaknow?  I went four-and-oh!

This week is similar to last in that the one tough matchup takes place on Friday nite, with the Montreal Alouettes coming into Toronto to take on the Argos.  Both teams are coming off wins in Week 15; Toronto, with a 33-8 blowout over the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal with a 27-19 home win against Hamilton.  For the Argos, it was their fifth win in six games, while the Als barely beat the Tabbies to end a three-game losing streak.  Not only does Toronto have the momentum and the homefield advantage, but I simply feel they're the better team.  They're my pick to win.

As for Wendy's Kick for a Million at halftime, I'm guessing that the guy makes from 20, shanks it wide right from 30, and comes up short from 40 and 50.  Do I get a bonus point for picking that?  Well, since this is my column, I'm inclined to say yes.

Anyways, the Friday nite halftime show might be the most exciting part of this week of CFL action.  The rudderless Eskies, without Ricky Ray, will have a tough time against the BC Lions, who remain the team to beat this year.  I expect the Lions to win big on Saturday.

On Sunday, Hamilton plays host to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who will wrap up second in the West with a win and a Calgary loss.  Had this game been two weeks later, when the Riders had nothing to play for, they might rest some starters and give the Tabbies a chance, but that ain't gonna happen this week.  Break out the Pilsner, Rider Nation, cuz your team's gonna be hosting a playoff game for the first time in 19 years.

And that brings us to the Calgary Stampeders, who are facing the slumping Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  The Bombers have lost two of their last three, and only beat Hamilton by two points at home, in a 21-19 squeaker.  Meanwhile, Ben Sankey looked good enough in the second half last week for the Stamps to cut Akili Smith, and Henry Burris will be in uniform, although I doubt he'll be healthy enough to play.  If Smilin' Hank is good to go, then I'd go with the Stamps, but Winnipeg's the safe pick here, and I expect them to win the game.


CFL Editor Greg Harris can be contacted at gruesomegreg@toohightogetitright.com.  He is anxiously awaiting the return of Henry Burris so that he can stop picking against the Calgary Stampeders.


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