Seems my critics are growing in numbers.

If they're angry because I pick against the Riders and Eskimos, they're upset because I count wins and don't factor in the spread.

What is Canada's best Canadian Football League public handicapper to do?

My record stands on its own merits. I'll leave it up to personal investment advisors such as Gordon Pape, Jim Cramer and Randall the Handle to provide you with wagering against the line. I am merely into winning.

So away we go with Perry's Peerless Predictions.

And if you're interested in hearing me talk CFL on the radio, tune in Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. ET on Hamilton's TALK 820. I'm sure my first pick below will generate some discussion.

Friday

Montreal (7-1) at B.C. (3-5): Don't know how I'll watch this game and still be alert for the radio show, but I'll try. The Lions presumably have recovered from the shellacking administered by the Bombers and the embarrassment of being fined for their inappropriate crotch-chop gesture before the opening kickoff. Then again, I'm a big fan of Triple H. and The Heartbreak Kid, collectively known as DeGeneration X, who have popularized the chop. But I digress.

The Lions need more consistency at the pivot position. Jarious (Michael) Jackson (think of the song Bad) is just too hard to peg as a guy who instills confidence from a handicapping standpoint. And the Lions really need to shore up their defence, which was extremely porous against the run in the loss to the Bombers. The addition of return specialist/running back Ian Smart may help on special teams and the run, particularly if a two-back set is used.

The Als look like overwhelming favourites. They have a high-scoring offence and a stingy defence. The Als have not won in B.C. since 2000, and Eastern teams generally do not fare well in the Dome because of the time change and the heat. It's unbearably hot. That said, the Als have had time to get ready coming off the bye week. They will have a change at one tackle spot with Skip Seagraves replacing the injured Josh Bourke. I keep trying to get the Als beat. They are the favourites, but only by six according to Randall the Handle.

And the winner is: B.C. (This is the Rolaids special because if B.C. wins, the Als will have an upset stomach. If the Als win, I'll be reaching for the antacid tablets.)

Sunday

Winnipeg (3-5) at Saskatchewan (4-4): What a week off the field for the Bombers, but this game is all about who's in the lineup, not who is on the neg list. If the Mad Bombers crank it up on offence like they did against B.C., this will be a team to watch. But consistency against quality teams matters. The Bombers have yet to prove that. We don't count the victory over the Stamps because Calgary is not a primetime team at this point.

Running the ball takes a great deal of pressure off quarterback Michael Bishop, who doesn't have to force throws. He played for Saskatchewan last year, so it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction he receives. I'm sure he'll want to play well to make a statement after the Roughriders cut him unceremoniously following the playoff loss.

Linebacker Siddeeq Shabazz returns to Bombers lineup. This is a chance for the Bombers' defence to step up, which it has done for most of the year. The Riders' defence can be deadly against the run and the pass. Defensive ends Stevie (Ray) Baggs and John (Good Looking) Chick are solid at shutting off plays to the outside. Jason Armstead rejoins the team as a returner -- an area the Riders wanted to address to keep Weston (Best) Dressler fresh for the offence -- and he did quite well at times last year for the Peg, so I'm sure he also has some personal reasons for wanting to show well.

I like the way the Riders are hanging tough this year, refusing to let injuries knock them down. Playing at home should be a key element. The Riders' rabid fans are the 13th-man difference in this one. The Green Machine is favoured by 8 1/2.

And the winner is: Saskatchewan. (I'm showing my Rider Pride -- for one game anyway.)

Monday

Toronto (2-6) at Hamilton (4-4): It's worth noting the Argos beat Hamilton in Steeltown in the opening game of the season. That seems like eons ago. The Argos are struggling. At least two losses could be chalked up to coaching mistakes. But there is no consistency in any area of the game now for the Argos. They need to be better all around. Much will be made of the fact ex-Argo Arland Bruce is facing his former team for the first time. The defence clearly needs to solidify itself for the fourth quarter, which has been a problem of late.

The Ticats are really a different team from that first game. They have improved in so many areas. Kevin Glenn should be starting at quarterback and he hooked up in the last game on two touchdowns passes to Bruce.

While in years past the Argos came to Steeltown on Labour Day and came home with two points, I can't see that happening this year. Ticats favoured by five. When was the last time that happened on a Labour Day game? I believe it was when Randall the Handle was still studying economics at some fancy finishing school.

And the winner is: Hamilton.

Edmonton (5-3) at Calgary (4-4): Eskies are first in the West. After a 1-2 start, did anyone expect that? They are the most improved team to date. But they are 1-2 on the road. They squeaked by Hamilton last time out, fashioning another comeback. All-purpose running back Calvin McCarty should be back to help on offence and special teams. Defensive back Jonte Buhl has been waived and likely Willie Amos will take his place. The Eskimos beat the Stamps 38-35 in a shootout on Aug. 1 in Edmonton. The offence is really coming into gear in both the running and passing games.

What can you say about Calgary? They were all-out to be the hapless Argos in the last game. Maybe they used up all of their quality efforts in the previous two games. They made some changes on defence last time out and I'm sure the new players will be in better shape in this one. But the defence is still giving up way too many big plays.

Calgary at home should be the favourite -- especially with the added stands to ramp up to the Grey Cup in Cowtown in November -- and they are in this case by 4 1/2. I'm just really unsure about the Stamps. I think they need a big-time effort. Maybe the Grey Cup champs will pick it up this week.

And the winner is: Calgary.

RECORD SO FAR: 21-11

LAST WEEK'S RECORD: 2-0.

RECORD SATISFYING MY CRITICS: Apparently not good.