CFL Picks, Week 10
After eight weeks in the CFL picks game:
Ted Clarke: 2-2 last week; 17-11 overall
Peter James: 3-1 last week; 24-8 overall
Sheri Lamb: 4-0 last week; 21-11 overall
Mark Nielsen: 3-1 last week; 21-7 overall
Stampeders (7-2) at Eskimos (1-8)
Tonight, 6 p.m. TSN
Clarke: This rematch promises to be another thriller and will answer the question -- how long can Esk QB Mike Reilly keep picking himself up off the turf. Their near-miracle last week gave Esks some hope but the Stamps will prevail again. Look for Jon Cornish to bust out. Pick: Calgary by seven.
James: Eskimos general manager Ed Hervey won't be able to blame this one on Simeon Rottier. Pick: Stampeders by 12.
Lamb: After back-to-back heartbreaking losses the Eskimos will finally secure a win in the back half of their annual Labour Day clash against their southern foe. Pick: Eskimos by three.
Nielsen: If there was one thing to learn from Calgary's near loss last week, it's you don't want to go into a prevent defence too early against the Eskimos. This time, the Stampeders will keep up the blitz until the three-minute warning and Edmonton will lose by more than just a field goal. Pick: Calgary by 15.
Lions (6-3) at Tiger-Cats (4-5)
Saturday, 1 p.m. TSN
Clarke: The Ticats need to get off to a quick start or they're doomed. Henry Burris feeding passes to Andy Fantuz should be enough to make the difference. Pick: Hamilton by three.
James: The Lions have been a different team away from BC Place this season. Pick: Tiger-Cats by six.
Lamb: The Lions road woes continue as the Ticats avenge last week's loss and pull into a first-place tie in the east division. Pick: Tiger-Cats by six.
Nielsen: Take away the late-game dramatics and B.C. pretty much kept Hamilton under control last week, despite losing Solomon Elimimian, "arguably the best defensive player in the CFL through the first half of the season," according to Province sportswriter Lowell Ulrich, in the first quarter. The trend will continue for the rubber match in Guelph. Pick: Lions by 11.
Argonauts (5-4) at Alouettes (4-5)
Sunday, 10 a.m. TSN
Clarke: Two wounded teams without their pivots. The Als have the edge playing at home and they know the Argos are vulnerable. Pick: Montreal by six.
James: The Argonauts kick off a four-game road trip that could either solidify a first-round bye or drop them to third in the East. Pick: Argos by five.
Lamb: The Alouettes squeak by the Argonauts to sweep the doubleheader and pull into a three-way tie for first in the east. Pick: Alouettes by three.
Nielsen: Als backup QB Tanner Marsh, otherwise known as Arland Bruce's "favourite white boy," threw for 309 yards and limited himself to just one interception last week. The Argos Zach Collaros will need to match that performance this week to give his team any kind of chance. Pick: Montreal by 10.
Roughriders (8-1) at Blue Bombers (1-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. TSN
Clarke: The Riders are too strong, or maybe the Bombers are just really bad. Pick: Saskatchewan by 10.
James: The Blue Bombers will win a game in their new stadium this season, but it won't be this week. Pick: Roughriders by six.
Lamb: Traditionally the Roughriders lay an egg in the Banjo Bowl after a dominating victory at home. The tradition may continue, but the Bombers are so bad it will not matter. Pick: Roughriders by 12.
Nielsen: Don't be surprised if there is more green than blue and gold in Winnipeg's shiny new stadium on Sunday. Rider Nation is on a roll and the Bombers remain a work very much in progress. Pick: Roughriders by 17.
