Prediction Time: CFL.ca writers’ Week 7 picks
Western Conference showdowns
Week 7 of the CFL season features several anticipated matchups, with teams vying for crucial wins. The action begins on Friday with the BC Lions visiting the Edmonton Elks. This marks the second encounter between these two teams this season. In their previous game, the Lions secured their only win of the year against the Elks, who suffered their sole loss of the season in that contest. The Lions’ run defence was a key factor, limiting Justin Rankin to 19 yards on seven carries, while James Butler of the Lions gained 135 yards and scored two touchdowns. The Elks, however, lead the league in turnovers forced, with 16 takeaways this season.
On Saturday, the Montreal Alouettes and Calgary Stampeders will play the second part of a home-and-home series at McMahon Stadium. The Alouettes won the previous matchup, halting a Stampeders’ comeback attempt. This game will also see twins Tyson Philpot and Jalen Philpot face each other for the fourth time. Tyson Philpot had a strong performance in the last game with nine catches for 132 yards and one touchdown. The Stampeders’ defence has been challenged by injuries in their secondary, while Vernon Adams Jr. has maintained a 14-0 touchdown to interception ratio.
Eastern Conference rivalries
Saturday’s doubleheader continues with the first Battle of the QEW in 2026, as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host the Toronto Argonauts. Both teams enter the game with a 2-3 record and are on two-game losing streaks. The Tiger-Cats are currently without Bo Levi Mitchell due to a broken ankle, with Jake Dolegala and Tre Ford sharing quarterback duties. In their recent games, Hamilton’s backup quarterbacks have combined for 181 passing yards, zero touchdowns, two interceptions, and seven points. The Argonauts’ defence has allowed the most passing yards per game at 375.0 and the second-most net offence at 434.4. Chad Kelly of the Argonauts has thrown 14 touchdowns this season, tied for the league lead, but also has eight interceptions.
The week concludes on Sunday with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers visiting the Ottawa Redblacks. The Redblacks are still seeking their first win of the season, holding an 0-5 record. There is a potential storyline involving Dru Brown, who started for the Blue Bombers last week in place of an injured Zach Collaros and led them to a victory over the Argonauts. Brown completed 25 of 31 passes for 339 yards and one touchdown in that game. He previously lost the starting job in Ottawa before being traded to Winnipeg. The Redblacks rank last in points for, net offence, and rushing yards per game offensively, and last in net offence allowed and rushing yards allowed.
Writer predictions for Week 7
The CFL.ca writers have made their picks for Week 7. For the Lions versus Elks game, 60% of writers picked Edmonton to win. In the matchup between the Alouettes and Stampeders, 80% of writers are banking on Calgary splitting the series. The majority of writers, 80%, believe Toronto will win the Battle of the QEW against Hamilton. For the final game of the week, 100% of the pick makers anticipate a win for Winnipeg against Ottawa.
Currently, Kristina Costabile is in first place among the writers, with Jamie Nye close behind. Matt Cauz has improved to .500 on the season, and Pat Steinberg and Vicki Hall are two games behind him. The outcomes of these games will influence the standings among the writers.
The Redblacks have struggled on both sides of the ball, sitting last in several offensive and defensive categories. Davis Alexander is one of only two quarterbacks in the league who has not thrown an interception this season.
Source: cfl.ca
