CFL Division Final Picks

After going 1-1 last week, I'll try to maintain my mediocrity this week.

West Final: Edmonton @ B.C.

The hottest team in the CFL going into the playoffs has home field advantage, while the Eskimos are coming off a big win against Calgary but will be without running back Jerome Messam.

I think this is the best no-doubter pick in these entire playoffs. The Eskimos beat a Stampeder team who literally dropped the ball, giving them the game. The B.C. Lions are red hot and their defence is phenomenal. Their defensive line is going to wreak havoc on the Eskimos offensive line and quarterback Ricky Ray.

Travis Lulay proved in last year's West Semi-Final overtime thriller in Saskatchewan that he can handle the pressure of the playoffs. Likely the league's Most Outstanding Player is able to spread the ball around and avoid any pressure that may come from Eskimos defensive end Marcus Howard.

And if this game does come down to the kicking game: Advantage B.C. with Paul McCallum.

I'm taking the home team. Final score: 32-20.

East Final: Hamilton @ Winnipeg

I agree with our very own Glen Suitor. The Blue Bombers had too much time off with the biggest game many of them have ever experienced coming up. The Tiger-Cats meanwhile are feeling confident after winning that shootout over the former CFL Champion Montreal Alouettes.

Winnipeg quarterback Buck Pierce is banged up and has a bad knee going into this game. That will hamper his mobility as Justin Hickman, Stevie Baggs and Jamall Johnson seek out the Bombers QB. The Bombers injuries in the backfield haven't helped them and I'd trust Hamilton's Avon Cobourne to bring his usual playoff best once again on Sunday.

The Tiger-Cats offense does have to battle the vaunted pass rush of the Bombers but I believe you'll see some early screens and other trickery from the Tiger-Cats to get Odell Willis and company on their heels.

And again, the kicking game. I'm taking Justin Medlock of the Tiger-Cats.

I don't want the Tiger-Cats to make a fool of me again, so I'm taking the Tabbies. Final score: 27-23