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3DownNation CFL picks: can Ticats notch fifth upset victory over soaring Bombers?

by
3Down Staff
October 4, 2024

It’s another week, which means it’s time for another round of picks from our contributors for the Week 18 slate.

It’s a shortened three-game slate this time around, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t high stakes. Three teams can clinch a playoff spot this week under the right circumstances, including two active parties in the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions. Plus the Winnipeg Blue Bombers may wind up with a home West Final when all is said and done.

In our picks competition, Santino Filoso has finally stumbled, allowing Ben Grant to tie him straight up with identical 40-25-2 records. Grant has stolen away the lead against the spread as well, jumping to 40-27 for the year.

Here are our picks for Week 18 in the CFL.

Friday, Oct. 4: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 7:00 p.m. EDT

The two hottest teams in the CFL meet in Steeltown this week, as the Blue Bombers have notched seven consecutive victories and the Ticats are riding a four-game winning streak. Winnipeg is mostly healthy and finally saw their passing game wake up last week, with Zach Collaros hoping to clinch first place in the West Division after his six-touchdown outing. No quarterback has been better than Bo Levi Mitchell as of late though and he’ll look to inch closer to a crossover berth without his top receiver Shemar Bridges.

ABBOTT: Both teams are red hot, but Steeltown has been an extremely difficult place for the Bombers to play lately.

Straight-up: Hamilton. Against the spread: Hamilton.

BALLANTINE: Winnipeg is on a heater. Always ride a heater.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Winnipeg.

DURRELL: Ticats have been much improved over the last month, but Winnipeg continues to roll.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Winnipeg.

FILOSO: The Ticats’ sprint to playoff contention takes a stumble.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Hamilton.

GASSON: This is often a tough trip for Winnipeg. Hamilton’s defence won’t leave guys wide open.

Straight-up: Hamilton. Against the spread: Hamilton.

GRANT: What a game! Winnipeg hasn’t lost since July, and the Ti-Cats haven’t lost in well over a month. A field goal wins this for the Bombers on the final play.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Hamilton.

HERRERA-VERGARA: Winnipeg is rolling, and so are the Tiger-Cats. In the end, the Winnipeg defence should be the difference

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Hamilton.

HODGE: The Blue Bombers never seem to play well in Hamilton but the Tiger-Cats are suddenly banged up.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Hamilton.

HOSKINS: Winnipeg is rolling now, as they do this time of year. Hamilton is far better but not quite there yet.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Hamilton.

KLEIN: Hamilton’s turnaround has been fun, but Winnipeg is on a different level right now.

Straight-up: Winnipeg. Against the spread: Winnipeg.

TOTALS STRAIGHT-UP: Winnipeg 8, Hamilton 2

TOTALS AGAINST THE SPREAD: Hamilton 7, Winnipeg 3

Photo courtesy: David Friederich/B.C. Lions

Friday, Oct. 4: Calgary Stampeders at B.C. Lions — 10:00 p.m. EDT

After seemingly figuring things out early last month, the B.C. Lions are back on the schneid and still don’t feel unified behind Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke. Fortunately for them, they face a Stampeders team missing key pieces and in apparent disarray. Head Dave Dickenson is shooting down hot seat questions while his butt cheeks burn but can salve the blisters with a second upset at BC Place this season.

ABBOTT: B.C. is in freefall but Calgary is a trainwreck.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: B.C.

BALLANTINE: Something has always kept Calgary alive late in the season over the last 20 years — whether for first or third place.

Straight-up: Calgary. Against the spread: Calgary.

DURRELL: This would’ve been a gimme early in the year for B.C., but this spread is way too much for my liking.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

FILOSO: The Lions should win this game, but nothing about their recent plays suggests they should be eight-point favourites

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

GASSON: While things are weird in B.C., surely they’re not lose to Calgary weird?

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: B.C.

GRANT: B.C. is a better team, but not without problems. Things are getting tense in Calgary. I expect them to show up, but fall just short.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

HERRERA-VERGARA: B.C. is struggling, but I don’t see them losing to Calgary.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

HODGE: The Stampeders are in a big ol’ rut but the Lions can’t be trusted with a line this wide.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

HOSKINS: Nothing cures a losing skid like playing Calgary.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: B.C.

KLEIN: Nothing would be more fitting for this year than the Stamps beating the Lions. I don’t see that happening but Calgary probably keeps it close.

Straight-up: B.C. Against the spread: Calgary.

TOTALS STRAIGHT-UP: B.C. 9, Calgary 1

TOTALS AGAINST THE SPREAD: Calgary 7, B.C. 3

Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saturday, Oct. 5: Saskatchewan Roughriders at Edmonton Elks — 7:00 p.m. EDT

The Riders are suddenly on a post-Labour Day roll, courtesy of their quarterback Trevor Harris being named the CFL’s top player for a second straight month. The Elks are trending in the opposite direction after two horrific losses to Winnipeg and will stick with McLeod Bethel-Thompson despite last week’s blowout. They’ll look to exploit Saskatchewan’s key absences, with running back Ryquell Armstead and receiver Shawn Bane Jr. injured and defensive back Deontai Williams suspended.

ABBOTT: The Elks have lost their magic but just won’t admit it.