The week ends on a triple-header as Ottawa heads out west for a date with the BC Lions. Nik’s Picks is here for you to gain on edge on the lines throughout the 2021 CFL season.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Toronto Argonauts

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Hamilton -4, Over/under 45.5

Hamilton’s suddenly back in first thanks to two straight dubs with Dane Evans at quarterback, but Friday in Toronto is still a contest for the top spot in the East. The Tabbies cruised passed the Argos on Labour Day, defeating Toronto 32-19 after running away in the second half.

The key for Hamilton the last two weeks has been getting healthy on defence. Defensive backs Tunde Adeleke and Cariel Brooks; and defensive linemen Ted Laurent, Dylan Wynn, and Ja’Gared Davis are all back starting and it showed against Toronto. Toronto can still take advantage of Hamilton’s protection woes — three sacks isn’t enough with their talent up front.

Toronto proved against Winnipeg that they’re a tough out in the second half of a home-and-home. The same is true Friday with Toronto squeaking one out.

Hamilton 18 Toronto 21

Best bet: Under 45.5

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Winnipeg -3.5, Over/under 41.5

Winnipeg went into Regina feeling confident, and confident they were as they held Saskatchewan to zero touchdowns in a 23-8 win. Now, things get harder for the Riders as they visit Zach Collaros’ Bombers in a stadium Collaros is a perfect 4-0 at (with Winnipeg).

Fajardo’s going to be sharper in the Banjo Bowl, but what can beat Winnipeg’s front? In 2021 the answer’s been quick-hitter throws parlayed with a consistent run game, but Saskatchewan’s yet to get much on the ground from William Powell.

Saturday also looks like it’ll be Naaman Roosevelt’s debut with the blue and gold, who will surely be motivated against his former team. And speaking about motivated, Andrew Harris looked solid last Sunday — running with a chip on his shoulder. Ride with Winnipeg at home.

Saskatchewan 16 Winnipeg 25

Best bet: Winnipeg -3.5

Calgary Stampeders at Edmonton Elks

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: Pick’em, Over/under 42.5

A sweep of the Calgary Stampeders would put the Edmonton Elks’ ugly 0-2 start long in the past, and expect that outcome come Saturday night. Edmonton’s offence looked lights out at Calgary last week, dropping 480 yards and 32 points in their win over Calgary. Now, Edmonton’s looking for three-straight victories while the Stamps are trying to avoid 1-5.

And thing is, the absence of Bo Levi Mitchell isn’t hindering Calgary in the slightest bit. Mitchell should return under centre in Week 6, but Jake Maier did everything he could in his three starts. Now, Calgary’s on the road against a team leading the CFL in net offence and defence.

The talent is there in Edmonton, it was just a question of chemistry. Now that the Elks appear on the same page, they should be in for another big win against their in-provincial rival.

Calgary 18 Edmonton 28

Best bet: Edmonton ML

Ottawa Redblacks at BC Lions

CFL Odds and Point Spreads: BC -7.5, Over/under 43.5

The BC Lions will be seeing the Ottawa Redblacks for the second time in a row, as they beat Ottawa 24-12 back in Week 4 before having a bye last week. Except in Week 6 it’ll be Dom Davis under centre for the Redblacks in place of a benched Matt Nichols.

Davis had pretty numbers in relief last week versus Montreal as he tossed for 291 yards and two scores in a 51-29 loss. But as per usual with Davis, two interceptions lingered in — one of which a pick-six. Frankly put, the talent isn’t there on the Redblacks’ offence right now.

Saturday is a pivotal game for the Lions too. At 2-2, losing at home to Ottawa could be crushing as BC attempts to keep pace in the West. A win gives the Lions momentum and a seat at the playoff picture table. Michael Reilly’s club is the safer, smarter play. Lions cruise.

Ottawa 17 BC 32

Best bet: BC -7.5

2021 Nik’s Picks:

Best bet record: 8-11

Moneyline record: 7-12