Lionbackers.com

WestCoastJoe wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:41 pm

Bye week for the Lions. Time to heal and regroup. Self-scout successfully? We will see.

OTT @ MTL ... Go, Als.

WPG @ SSK ... Could be a tough game. The Riders seem to be much improved.

EDM @ CGY ... Beat each other up. I would have to bet Calgary.

TOR @ HAM ... Continued strife, chaos and controversy in Hamilton. Gotta be Toronto.



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OTT @ MTL

The Ottawa REDBLACKS are learning how to win close games. That was the case again in Week 10 after almost letting a 28-point lead slip against the BC Lions — but a clutch late turnover helped them hang on for their second straight victory.

On Thursday, against an Alouettes team that is particularly stingy at home, Trevor Harris and co. will be put to the test again in a fight for second in the East. The Als won’t make it easy. Remember the last time they played back in Week 5? The Als lost on a late third-down gamble by five points — despite losing the turnover battle 5-0. Expect another last-minute decision to kick off Week 11.

PICK
Writers: 86% Ottawa
Fans: 66% Ottawa

WPG @ SSK

The precursor to the Banjo Bowl may take top billing this Labour Day Weekend. Some of the names have changed over the past year but the rivalry between the Bombers and Riders is taking centre stage in the highly-competitive West Division. And on Sunday, heading into a home-and-home, both teams have a lot to prove.

The Bombers have won five straight games and are within an inch of first in the entire league. The Riders have outscored their opponents 95-39 over the last two games while eclipsing 40 points in both contests. Oh, and the first time these teams met in Week 2, the first game at the new Mosaic Stadium, they combined for 83 points in a 43-40 Bombers overtime win.

PICK:
Writers: 71% Saskatchewan
Fans: 57% Saskatchewan

EDM @ CGY

The Alberta rivals have been evenly-matched over the past few years. Except on Labour Day. The Stamps have won five consecutive fall classics over the Eskimos by a combined score of 157-108 — an average margin of nine points — while the last three decisions have come by two scores or more.

Mike Reilly, who has never won on Labour Day, looks to reverse a couple of trends on Monday against a Stampeders team that is lights out at home. Whoever wins in Week 11 could shift the balance of power in the West and really turn up the pressure heading into the second half of a key home-and-home.

PICK
Writers: 100% Calgary
Fans: 80% Calgary

TOR @ HAM

A lot has happened in Hamilton since the Ticats’ 37-18 loss to the REDBLACKS in Week 9, including a coaching change, some coaching controversy and a swap at quarterback. Monday’s Labour Day Classic presents a chance for the Tabbies to put all of that behind them and finally play some football.

The Ticats would like nothing more than to pick up win No. 1 of the season while, at the same time, knocking Ricky Ray and the Argos out of first in the East. Expect an emotional Monday in the Hammer.

PICK
Writers: 86% Toronto
Fans: 78% Toronto