Peerless Week 15 picks

Okay, the Peerless One has learned his lesson.

Peerless thought he was home free but cooled out in Week 14 with Montreal leading 32-13 with 8:47 to go and the 6.5 point spread looking mighty comfortable.

And little by little the lead diminishes. At the end, Montreal won by six.

Can someone please explain what is happening this year in the Canadian Football League?

Playing the spread is becoming torturous.

But as always, there is always next week.

So Peerless is looking forward to the Week 15 games, eating turkey and watching Anthony Calvillo make history, becoming the all-time leading passing leader in pro football history, eclipsing the mark set by Damon Allen in 2007.

Friday

Winnipeg (8-5) at Hamilton (7-6)

The Blue Bombers are 1-4 in their last five and their lineup has taken a physical beating in the process. But quarterback Buck Pierce is back and we like his demeanour and passion, and he might be able to turn the team around. The Bombers benefitted from a bad call against Montreal to make it close and almost win, although they couldn't punch it in twice from the one-yard line. That's inexcusable. The receiving corps has been disappointing in the last two. What's up with Terrence Edwards and Cory Watson in the last two games? Yes, the Bombers turned the ball over too many times, but we wonder about the team's mental makeup.

The Ticats have been playing with some serious intensity the last two games, and they've also found some playmakers on offence, notably Terry Grant and Marcus Thigpen. What's that they say about speed kills? The defence is also coming around. Like the play of rush end Justin Hickman, who has been playing physically after finally overcoming a nagging injury. The back end will get tested because of a continuing issue at safety. The Cats have a chance to move into a tie for first with a win. They will have the fans on their side and have a 5-2 record at home. It's gimmick night at Ivor Wynne with the fans having a say in everything, including the opening play. I say do a flea-flicker. That said, the Ticats need to avoid making mistakes. They got away with it against Toronto, but the Bombers are tougher.

Ticats favoured by 3.5.

And the pick is: Ticats to cover.

Saturday

Calgary (8-5) at B.C. (7-6)

The Stamps -- the team that kills me each week -- finally wins and covers, beating a hapless Riders team. Not quite sure what to make of that win. The Stamps got their running game going, and they'll need to establish that to soften up the Lions' strong pass rush. Quarterback Henry Burris had his best game prior to Labour Day and he'll need to make some plays with his legs. This is a far bigger challenge. The Lions are on a roll and are playing at home. Yes, the Stamps play better on the road, but this will be their biggest challenge in several weeks given that they've scored recent wins over teams on the decline.

The Lions are poised to move into a first-place tie by winning their seventh in a row and second consecutive victory at B.C. Place. Is there a more dynamic quarterback in the game right now than Travis Lulay? He has taken his game to a new level, and the Lions showed last week they have some emerging new stars on offence. Andrew Harris gives the Lions an excitement in the running game that they really haven't had in some time. The Lions defence has been absolutely rock solid in recent games. B.C. easily beat Calgary a couple weeks ago in Calgary. They are deadly at the Dome.

Lions favoured by 3½.

And the pick is: Lions to cover.

Monday

Toronto (3-10) at Montreal (8-5)

The pitiful Argos are playing out the string and several players are griping about wanting the ball more. With a depleted offensive line, the Argos only chance to keep this close is by running the ball and hoping to get some plays on special teams. It is obvious the Argos have no chance and can only hope to keep this close. Calvillo should set a pro football record for career passing yards fairly quickly into the game. He recorded the CFL record for touchdown passes earlier this year in Montreal against Toronto. Still not sure whether it was legit, but that's ancient news. The Als have won two in a row. Their focus is on first and you just know they'll be salivating playing against a weak opponent.

Als favoured by 13.

And the pick is: Argos and the points.

Saskatchewan (4-9) at Edmonton (7-6)

The Ken Miller euphoria is over. Two stunning losses in a row by a total of 82-8 has the Riders reeling and in danger of falling out of the playoff picture. This is a time for the Riders to wake up. They looked absolutely lifeless against Calgary. Quarterback Darian Durant has been yanked in the losses. His production has fallen off precipitously. Aside from receiver Chris Getzlaf, the receiving corps has been dormant. The Eskimos came apart against B.C., losing their composure and failing to convert some opportunities. We believe that if you put the ball in the hands of Fred Stamps early and often good things will happen. They simply have gotten away from that.

Eskimos favoured by six.

And the pick is: Eskimos and the points.