TORONTO — For the CFL.ca writers, the dream of a perfect season in Total CFL Pick ‘Em was shattered quickly.
Our scribes weren’t the only ones thrown off in Week 1, as the REDBLACKS were 91 per cent underdogs before winning their Grey Cup rematch, while Blue Bombers were also a slight dog against Mike Reillyand the Lions.
This week three teams are on the bye, while the Argos will play their first game of 2019 as they host the Ticats on Saturday.
Total CFL Pick ‘Em is back in 2019 with weekly and season-long prizes for those who can pick ’em best (View rules and regulations, including prizing).
There’s no consensus, only slight underdogs as the writers make their picks for Week 2.
SSK at OTT
The Riders’ ground game was true to form in Week 1, but William Powell may need to do even more against his former team when they reacquaint on Thursday night. An early-season injury to Zach Collaros won’t take any pressure off the defence, which was projected to be the best in the CFL in 2019.
The REDBLACKS are feeling good coming off an upset of the Stamps in the annual Grey Cup rematch. Barely anyone picked them in Week 1, but Dominique Davis overcame a four-interception performance to score the game-winning touchdown with just over a minute left. Can Davis keep it rolling in Week 2?
PICK
Writers: 67% Ottawa
Fans: 52% Saskatchewan
BC at EDM
Friday will be an emotional night as Mike Reilly returns to Edmonton for the first time. Despite his 200-plus passing yards in the first half, the Lions’ offence was a work in progress in Week 1, falling to the Bombers 33-23 in the opener. They may look to run more after carrying the rock just four times vs. Winnipeg.
Reilly’s return may be a little less painful for Eskimos fans after watching his replacement last week. Trevor Harris had one of the best performances of his career, throwing for 447 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Montreal. Plenty of points are in the forecast in this bout of offensive juggernauts.
PICK
Writers: 67% BC
Fans: 51% BC
HAM at TOR
After two toss-ups, fans are fairly confident the Ticats will move to 2-0 after visiting the Argos in their season-opener on Saturday. But don’t expect it to be easy, as Corey Chamblin brings a revamped defence for the Boatmen while James Franklin and Derel Walker could inflict plenty of damage on offence.
Though he threw for just 169 yards in Week 1, Jeremiah Masoli didn’t turn the ball over against the vaunted Rider defence, leading the Ticats and new head coach Orlondo Steinauer to a season-opening win. The Tabbies have a chance to become the first East Division powerhouse since the Calvillo-led Alouettes in 2012.
PICK
Writers: 67% Hamilton
Fans: 83% Hamilton