Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Whether you’re a CFL team, a Total CFL Pick ‘Em player or a CFL.ca writer, there’s a lot on the line, and all of it continues as Week 8 gets set in the Canadian Football League.
Johnny Football gets his first CFL start, yet all of our writers for CFL.ca are taking his former team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their Week 8 visit to Montreal.
Total CFL Pick ‘Em is back in 2018 with $5,000 to be awarded to the winner who’s able to Pick ‘Em better than all the rest.
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OTT at TOR
Lewis Ward has been taking the added attention following practices this week in stride after the REDBLACKS had to lean on him and his leg to escape out of Hamilton with a victory last week.
The rookie kicking sensation went a perfect seven for seven, scoring 21 points off of field goals, which would be all the REDBLACKS needed to win and create a cushion between themselves and the rest of the East Division.
Don’t expect a similar performance out of the Ottawa offence, however, when they take on the Argonauts this week. Emphasis on finishing drives in the end zone has been a focus for Trevor Harris and his offence.
Meanwhile, in Argoland, the decision to go with McLeod Bethel-Thompson has been one of many headlines driven by quarterbacks in the league this past week. Moving from James Franklin to the 30-year old pivot is hoping to be the spark needed for the Toronto offensive unit.
PICK
Writers: 100% Ottawa
Fans: 89% Ottawa
SSK at EDM
Nick Marshall is back for the Riders, which means Duron Carter gets shifted back onto offence to play at his usual receiver position, which means Zach Collaros has another sure-handed receiver to target on Thursday against the Eskimos. Enough storylines for you?
As for Edmonton, there really isn’t much that is new. Mike Reilly torched the Alouettes defence last week, throwing for four touchdowns and adding another on the ground.
The connection between him and Duke Williams continues to top the CFL leaderboard heading into Week 8.
PICK
Writers: 83% Edmonton
Fans: 76% Edmonton
HAM at MTL
Ah, yes, the matchup that was two weeks in the making.
Johnny Manziel gets his highly-anticipated first start in the CFL, and it comes with the Montreal Alouettes after being dealt to them a few weeks ago by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Alouettes are coming off a blowout loss to the Eskimos, and despite Vernon Adams Jr. having a fairly decent game, Manziel gets the nod behind centre after having a full week to finally practice and learn the playbook.
Hamilton is coming off of a disappointing loss to the REDBLACKS at home in what was a fairly slow-moving game until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Jeremiah Masoli will be looking to rectify his performance from a week ago while also welcoming back key receivers in Terrence Toliver and Luke Tasker.
PICK
Writers: 100% Hamilton
Fans: 83% Hamilton
BC at CGY
Travis Lulay will be perhaps needing to have the game of his career if he and the Lions have any hope of knocking the Stampeders off their pedestal.
Calgary continues to be the lone undefeated team in the Canadian Football League after a 6-0 start to the year.
Their defence remains as the top unit in the league, allowing only 68 points in their six games, which you could say is rather impressive. They’re also in a three-way tie for most sacks in the league with 17 AND have forced the most fumbles with 10.
PICK
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 95% Calgary
