The CFL.ca writers' predictions for Week 7 are in, and it's a heated race at the top. Kristina Costabile leads the pack, but only by a single game, with Jamie Nye hot on her heels. Matt Cauz has improved to a .500 record, and Pat Steinberg and Vicki Hall are just two games back. Will the standings shift this week? Let's dive into the writers' picks and explore the intriguing storylines that unfold across the league.
BC at Edmonton: The Elks vs. the Lions
The Edmonton Elks are on a roll, having secured their fourth win of the season. However, they'll face a rested BC Lions team returning from a Week 6 bye. Justin Rankin, the star player for the Elks, will be looking to bounce back against the same team that held him to just 19 yards on the ground two weeks ago. The Lions' defense, which held Rankin to 100 yards through the air, will be a formidable challenge. In my opinion, the Elks' momentum and home-field advantage will be too much for the Lions to overcome. The writers' pick leans towards Edmonton, with a 60% chance of victory.
Montreal at Calgary: The Philpot Bowl, Round 2
The second edition of the Philpot Bowl will take place at McMahon Stadium, with the Stampeders aiming to avenge their Week 6 loss to the Alouettes. Jalen Philpot and the Stampeders' offense will be up against Vernon Adams Jr., who has thrown 14 touchdowns this season, tied for the league lead. The Stampeders' defense, led by Davis Alexander, will need to step up to prevent Adams from throwing interceptions. The writers' pick favors Calgary, with an 80% chance of a win, as they believe the Stampeders will split the series.
Toronto at Hamilton: Battle of the QEW
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' defense will be put to the test against the Toronto Argonauts' offense. Chad Kelly's risky playing style has yielded 14 touchdowns for Toronto, but also a league-leading eight interceptions. The Tiger-Cats' defense, which had two interceptions last week, will aim to keep Kelly off the stats sheet. From my perspective, the Tiger-Cats' defense will rise to the occasion, and Hamilton will take the first Battle of the QEW of 2026, with an 80% chance of victory.
Winnipeg at Ottawa: The REDBLACKS' Struggles
Dru Brown's trade to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers has created an intriguing storyline as he faces the team that traded him away. Winnipeg, led by Brown, secured a victory over the Argonauts in his debut. Ottawa, on the other hand, is still searching for its first win of the season, having dropped to 0-5 last week. The writers' pick is a unanimous 100% in favor of Winnipeg, as they believe the Bombers will continue their winning streak.
As the CFL season unfolds, these predictions offer a glimpse into the writers' thoughts on the upcoming games. However, the league is known for its surprises and upsets, so let's see how the teams perform and whether the writers' picks hold up. The CFL.ca writers' predictions provide an exciting insight into the league's dynamics, and I, as an expert commentator, find it fascinating to analyze and interpret these picks while reflecting on the broader implications for the season ahead.