For my CFL Week 7 expert picks, I've a prediction for each of the four games, including the first doubleheader of the season on Friday. Of my picks, I'm going out on a limb and backing the winless Elks to cover the +2.5 at Ottawa while a red-hot OVER trend that is 15-1 since last season has caught my eye in the Winnipeg vs Saskatchewan Friday night game.
In Week 7, I look to rebound from last week's picks which went 1-3 bringing my 2024 CFL expert picks to 9-12 on the season (-3.90 Units).
Current Record: 9-12 (-3.90 Units)
CFL Picks for week 7
Over a month into the CFL season and we've still got two winless teams desperate to get into the win column. As mentioned above, my Week 7 CFL picks feature a brand new Elks group, fresh off the firing of their GM and head coach, Chris Jones, earlier this week.
edmonton elks vs ottawa Redblacks Pick: elks +1.0 (-110)
Would you believe me if I told you that Elks last three games have ended with walk-off field goal losses?
Despite a duo of touchdowns in the final quarter last week vs Ottawa, including one in the dwindling eight seconds, Edmonton (0-5 SU, 3-2 ATS) still couldn't pocket its first win. A rouge attempt gone wrong let Ottawa get in field goal territory, where no extra time was needed.
The Elks won't have to wait long for a rematch as they head to TD Place after a short week. But, things will look a little different on Edmonton's sidelines.
As I point out in the Grey Cup odds, head coach and GM Chris Jones has been fired (it's about dang time) and offensive coordinator, Jarious Jackson, will be filling in.
Elks President & CEO Rick LeLacheur discusses today's decision to relieve Chris Jones of his duties.
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) July 15, 2024
FULL AVAIL | https://t.co/R5br3TCr7m#GoElks pic.twitter.com/7GiK1I6n9O
Clearly the Elks tend to lose by the skin of their teeth and by that I mean literally three-points. And hey, maybe under new leadership, Edmonton pulls off the upset to begin their era and celebrations with Jones.
winnipeg blue bombers vs saskatchewan roughriders Pick: OVER 49 (-110)
Blue Bombers vs Roughriders Odds Week 7
Saskatchewan (4-1 SU, 4-1 ATS) saw its spotless record snapped last week in a 35-20 defeat at the hands of BC. Despite the lack of offense for the Riders, those 55 point continued their OVER streak which is now 15-1 dating back to last season -- a streak that will continue in Week 7.
After an unusually brutal offensive start to the season, Winnipeg (2-4 SU, 1-5 ATS) finally demolished the scoreboard, throwing up 41 points in Week 6. Not only was the blowout much-needed for the Bombers, but Zach Collaros finally jumped off the scoresheet. The 35-year-old eclipsed the 300 passing yard mark and earned his first two passing touchdowns of the season. But, pairing that success with two interceptions shows me he's still not at the top of his game.
With the Blue Bombers eager to continue earning back their dynamic reputation and the Riders, who carry a middling defense, just having a heck of a season, I'm calling an offensive showdown.
Toronto argonauts vs hamilton tiger-cats Pick: OVER 53 (-108)
Argonauts vs Tiger-Cats Odds Week 7
Not only is Hamilton (0-5 SU, 0-5 ATS) having a wretched start to its season, but its bad luck at Tim Horton's Field, 3-7 SU dating back to last July, is clearly carrying over from last year.
Of the last five times Toronto (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS) has taken a quick trip up to visit Hamilton, the Argos are 4-1 SU and ATS. On the season, Cameron Dukes' group is now averaging a league high 30.8 PPG, while his opponents this week are coughing up 33.8 PPG.
According to our CFL database, both teams are 4-1 in favor of the OVER this year. A bye week should have given the refreshed Ticats, who manage the second-best 391 YPG, plenty of extra practice time.
bC Lions vs calgary stampeders Pick : Lions -4.5 (-115)
Lions vs Stampeders Odds Week 7
The Lions (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS), your West Division leaders, are roaring through their five-game win streak, pocketing 79 points in their last two outings. The offense isn't the only aspect carrying the team as BC sits second in defense, allowing just 24.2 PPG.
Those defensive efforts will be able to slow the ground attack that Calgary (2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS) leans on, which gains the second-most rushing yards at 108.8 YPG. From there, the ripple effect will play. Yes, Jake Maier owns a league-high seven redzone touchdowns. But, if guys like RB Dedrick Mills struggle to get the Stamps down the field, Maier's redzone opportunities will be few and far between.
I brag enough about Vernon Adams Jr. in my Most Outstanding Player picks. He's been the passing leader in four of the six weeks since the season began and will decimate the Calgary defensive line that lets 306.4 YPG through the air.
⭐️ It's a star-studded locker room at BC Place!
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) July 15, 2024
For Vernon Adams Jr., it was a season-high in passing yards & a big 4th Quarter TD scamper to help win it 💪🏾
💫 Star Stats powered by @carstarcanada | #BCLions @bigplay_va pic.twitter.com/HpXIpLXFTg
