I’m waiting on some NFL injury information before I complete the Sunday/Monday NFL picks.
So this week I’m going to give you the Thursday NFL pick and the CFL full-scale in this column.
Then, I will put out a separate piece with the rest of the NFL “Weekly 5” prior to Sunday.
Thursday Night NFL
I said last week that the Browns were explosive enough to cover on the “over” with the Jets and they did. Not even close.
That same explosiveness should be on display Thursday against the Steelers. Cleveland is only giving 4-points at home.
Am I nervous about picking against Mike Tomlin? Always. Am I concerned that the Pittsburgh team that beat Cincinnati in the opener could show up? Yes.
So, what to do? I’m going to go with the “over” once again. Simply, there is no sure bet, so I’m sticking with what I am comfortable with.
That makes this pick an “over” and a Tier-1 play for this week.
CFL
We are on the final short slate of the season with three games featuring two East Division matchups and a rematch between the Stamps and Lions.
Hamilton at Montreal
The Ticats’ whipping of the Bombers has a lot of folks talking about them coming into top form at the right time.
Maybe.
Personally, I’m not convinced just yet. This week is a big test and may be the key indicator about who will be a playoff club from the East.
I’m going to be careful about this one and look at the over/under.
These are two offences that have faced some inconsistency, with defences that have risen to the occasion from time-to-time, so I’m playing the “under” in this one.
Toronto at Ottawa
The Argos have had a hard time getting their due respect this year. They have improved and look like a lock for homefield in the East.
This is the proverbial “rubber match” between two teams that have each won the head-to-heads on the road.
I admit, I still can’t figure Ottawa out. They could rise up knowing this is the last chance to make a late season charge, but I think the Double Blue passing game will be a difference.
Brandon Banks has returned to form, but even if the Redblacks shut him down the other weapons may rise up in this one.
I’m going to take Toronto, against the spread, giving the points. I’m making this my CFL Play of the Week.
Calgary at BC
If you read between the lines of last week’s picks you probably got the feeling that I was thinking these squads would split the back-to-back.
I just figured that BC and Vernon Adams, Jr. would take an extra week to get, and that home- cooking would help determine the outcome.
With the Lions squeaking it out in OT last week, I have to agree with the odds makers, this game is a coin flip.
The Stamps are getting one point. I’m going to try sprinkling a little extra profit and go with Calgary on the moneyline.
Please check back in the next day or so to get the rest of this week’s NFL picks.
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