There were a couple of very good games and one dominant performance in week 14. Saskatchewan and Calgary both escaped with late wins while the Lions picked up their second victory of the season when they crushed the Redblacks. I went 3-0 straight up and 2-1 against the spread last week to bring my totals to 39-14 straight up and 34-19 against the spread this season. This week there are four games a couple of playoff clinching scenarios as well. Let’s take a look at how I see week 15 playing out.
(8-4) Calgary Stampeders @ (2-9) Toronto Argonauts Friday 7:0pm ET
The Stamps have looked good since Bo Levi Mitchell has returned. With a win this week and an Ottawa loss they would clinch a playoff spot for themselves and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The offence has been balanced lately and have looked like a well oiled machine. Last week Tre Roberson blocked a field goal attempt late to preserve the win. He has been amazing all season long. For Toronto they have looked less bad the past few games and might just be the third worst team in the CFL. An upgrade from what they were looking like at the start of the season. They will be in tough this week against Calgary and I see the Stamps putting away a good effort and doing their part to lock up a playoff spot on the road.
Prediction: Stampeders win 33-22
(9-3) Hamilton Tiger-Cats @ (6-6) Edmonton Eskimos Friday 9:30pm ET
The Tiger-Cats lost a tough one in Calgary last week and stay out west to battle the Esk’s in week 15. Dane Evans has done the job for the most part and threw for 360 yards in the Hamilton loss against the Stamps. I think this team is just fine and will come out with a better performance in Edmonton. For the Eskimos they have really disappointed me lately. They have yet to really beat anyone that is relevant this season and haven’t looked good in their losses to the top teams. Trevor Harris is banged up and until they prove they can hang with the big boys I have to pick against them.
Prediction: Tiger-Cats win 29-25
(9-3) Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ (6-5) Montreal Alouettes Saturday 4:00pm ET
The Bombers avenged their Labour Day loss with a crushing of the Riders a couple of weeks ago. They come off a bye with their best player back in the fold in Andrew Harris. Harris served a two game suspension for PED use but is back and ready to help the Bombers push for first in the West. This team doesn’t have a lot of holes but I’m not convinced that Chris Streveler is ready to lead this team for the remainder of the regular season and it is looking like that may have to be the case. I think the Bombers will continue their winning ways this week but it should be a great game.
Prediction: Blue Bombers win 31-26
(2-10) B.C. Lions @ (3-9) Ottawa Redblacks Saturday 7:00pm ET
The Lions picked up their second win last week against the Redblacks and they play the back half of a home and home in week 15. B.C. looked pretty good and the offensive line didn’t give up a single sack for the first time this season. It is always hard to pick up both wins in a back to back scenario but if the o-line plays good again I think it is very possible. For Ottawa they need to start winning now if they want any shot at making the playoffs. If they lose this week and Calgary wins they are dangerously close to missing out. The Riders need just one more win to clinch a playoff spot and Edmonton needs a combination of three wins and or three Redblack losses to clinch at least the cross over. If there is any spark in that Ottawa locker room it has to come out against B.C. on Saturday. I just don’t know if it is in the cards.
Prediction: Lions win 24-15
Point Spread Betting Odds (Bodog)
(2-1 against the spread last week 34-19 against the spread this season)
- CGY @ TOR: Take CGY -7
- HAM @ EDM: Take HAM straight up, I would take on anything in the + side. They will win this game. (No odds out yet)
- WPG @ MTL: Take WPG -2.5
- BC @ OTT: Take BC -3
A few playoff scenarios and a couple teams playing for their playoff lives this week. It should be some great football. Thanks for reading and remember to check out the latest Squib Kick Radio Podcast for more in depth football talk.
Riley's Ramblings 