Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Which game does Nye believe is the closest to being a toss up?
Last week, Nye had nearly full confidence in the Eskimos topping the Riders and came through in his prediction. This week, he is putting most of his support behind those same Eskimos as well as the Argonauts.
Let’s start with an explanation of the confidence percentage. The feature in CFL Pick ‘Em is an extra bonus to show just how confident you are a team will win. For instance, if you think the Tiger-Cats will win but think the Argos also have a good chance you may only want to put an extra 10 points, but if you think there is a slim chance the Argos can win, you likely want to slide that gauge into the 90s or all the way to 100.
Edmonton vs. BC
12.3 points per game, enough said. That is the amount of points the Edmonton Eskimos have given up to start the season as this defence is showing a limited amount of holes. A great push up front, solid linebackers and a ball-hawking secondary makes for an intimidating match-up for the opposition. The B.C. Lions, meanwhile, have been too inconsistent to think they can turn it around against a much more consistent team. Andrew Harris is going to have to have a huge night keeping the Eskimos off balance if the Lions are going to have a chance.
PICK: Edmonton with 80% confidence
Montreal vs. Ottawa
This has all the makings of a Game of the Week calibre match-up. Their offence doesn’t have much between them, but it’s the Montreal defence that may mean the difference in this game. Ottawa comes off its bye week refreshed, while the Alouettes are trying to brush aside a disappointing loss to the Stampeders after having a chance to win it with a big lead early. I’m having a hard time picking against this Montreal defence and the way Rakeem Cato has handled himself so far this season.
PICK: Montreal with 50% confidence
Saskatchewan vs. Toronto
The Toronto Argonauts have a short week to get ready for the Riders after Monday’s loss to Hamilton. They are going to be an annoyed team after playing possibly their worst game of the season against their rival. The Argonauts and Riders went to double overtime their last time out, so the Riders can at least lean on that experience. Problem is they had Kevin Glenn behind centre instead of this week’s expected starter of Brett Smith. Smith looked like he has some moxy at the quarterback spot but I think predicting him to outlast Trevor Harris is a little much.
PICK: Toronto with 90% confidence
Winnipeg vs. Hamilton
Injuries are a bit of a factor for the Tiger-Cats after C.J. Gable and Andy Fantuz got hurt against Toronto. The very good Ticats defence will have to go up against a new look Drew Willy, who was running almost as much as he was throwing last week, which was rare. Willy talked about being a double sport athlete going into university and admits he may have run a bit more to help the team. The Tiger-Cats should be very comfortable with Zach Collaros throwing the ball to a good receiving corps, even without Andy Fantuz. I’m going to pick the better defence again, with the Ticats getting the edge at home (a place they haven’t lost since it opened last year).
PICK: Hamilton with 25% confidence
