CFL Week 17 Preview and Predictions

Week 16 saw a couple of blowouts and a couple of really fun, close games. I went 3-1 straight up and 3-1 against the spread last week to bring my season records to 45-16 straight up and 39-22 against the spread. This week there are some playoff scenarios and some home field scenarios that could fall into place with some different combinations of wins and losses. Let’s see how I see week 17 going down. 

(7-7) Edmonton Eskimos @ (11-3) Hamilton Tiger-Cats Friday 7:00pm ET

For Edmonton, they have really struggled lately. They did pick up a win last week over Ottawa but it wasn’t a performance that makes me think they have turned their struggles around. They were sloppy on offence again but Logan Kilgore did look the best he has as a starter. He will have to be even five times better than that if he wants to beat this stingy Ti-Cat defence this week. For Hamilton, they just have to keep on truckin’. This team looks really good on all sides of the ball and I’m finally 100% sold on Dane Evans. It took him a few games but he looks like a future star in this league. I think Hamilton takes care of business and stops Edmonton from clinching a playoff spot. 

Prediction: Tiger-Cats win 31-22

(9-4) Calgary Stampeders @ (7-6) Montreal Alouettes Saturday 4:00pm ET 

Calgary has looked really good since Bo Levi Mitchell has come back. They have yet to lose since his return and, even though they continue to have major injuries on both sides of the ball, they continue to win. This team is so well-coached and so deep everywhere. It is going to be tough to take first place in the West away from them down the stretch. For Montreal, they have suffered a few close losses out west but have also pulled a couple of close games out. This team has a flair for the dramatics and is maybe the most fun team to watch week in, and week out. I like Montreal a lot this year but I don’t see them taking such an important game away from Calgary. 

Prediction: Stampeders win 29-26 

(9-5) Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ (9-4) Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday 7:00pm ET 

Winnipeg has run into some struggles lately. Chris Streveler has been someone inconsistent but the defence has shown some signs of struggle as well. I really like this Bombers team but I don’t think they are going to do much without Matt Nichols under centre. The road to a home playoff game isn’t easy for Winnipeg and it doesn’t get much harder than playing Saskatchewan on the road. The Riders are 6-1 at home this year, just like the Bombers. The Riders love playing at home and this team seems to be destined for a home playoff game. All sides of the ball are working in near flawless unison right now and I don’t see Winnipeg disrupting that this week. 

Prediction: Roughriders win 33-24 

(2-11) Toronto Argonauts @ (4-10) B.C. Lions Saturday 10:00pm ET 

Toronto certainly isn’t as bad in the player department as their record shows, but they may be being held back by their head coach. I took Toronto on my podcast this week but that was before I found out Chamblin decided to start James Franklin again this week. I don’t understand the decision at all. McLeod Bethel-Thompson has proven he is twice the QB Franklin is and it is mind-blowing that after one bad game (in which he came into the game third in the CFL in yards passing) he was benched by the HC for an inferior QB. Then, Franklin is terrible against the Riders but still gets the start this week, it’s embarrassing. Anyway, B.C. has looked better the past couple of games and will win this one based on the fact that they are playing a QB that isn’t good enough to start in the CFL. 

Prediction: Lions win 35-18 

Week 17 Betting odds: 

(3-1 against the spread last week , 39-22 against the spread this season)

• HAM vs EDM: Take HAM -6.5
• MTL vs CGY: Take CGY +2
• SSK vs WPG: Take SSK -6
• TOR vs BC: Take BC -9.5 

There are some big games this week, a win for Edmonton and they are in the playoffs and knock out B.C. A win or tie for Hamilton mixed with a Montreal loss means Hamilton clinches first in the East. Also, a win for Montreal means they lock up at least second place in the East. There should be some good games and I can’t wait to sit down and watch! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out the Squib Kick Radio podcast for more in-depth football talk!