CFL Picks Week 19: All the Bombers Can Do is Watch

By The Coach and Dr. Football

Well, it was quite a week in Winnipeg. Seems the beautiful new Investors Group Field needs an upgrade so taxpayers are on the hook for another $35 million and change.

As we’ve seen — at least of us who are still going out there have seen – IGF is only three years old, but still faces some serious leaking and cracking difficulties.

The province has guaranteed another loan (?) of $35 million to rip up the concrete and replace all the concourses. Of course, the government has already loaned the Football Club $213 million to build it and then repair it a first time.

A lawsuit filed in Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench alleges errors in the design and con

Selinger’s Folly? It still ain’t right.

struction the stadium. The contractor and the architect deny the lawsuit’s charges and, instead, say the Bombers board was in such a hurry to get into the new stadium that they told the builders to cut corners. In the end it didn’t matter all that much. Last week the Bombers drew only 23,773 fans. The Bombers are the only team in the past 50 years of North American professional sports that has failed to see any bump in attendance with a new stadium.

IGF cost $209 million to build, nearly $20 million over budget, and was about a year overdue. It’s been a money pit, not just for the taxpayer, but also for the Football Club. The Bombers are 7-20 since moving into the new building. Of course, this team is 6-20 in its last 26 games under this current coaching staff and management group.

It’s painfully obvious the Bombers have to make changes at the top but there is one problem with that. As questionably managed as the club has been and as poorly as it’s played, this year’s team still has a chance to get to the Grey Cup.

The Bombers are 5-12 while B.C. and Montreal are 6-10. If B.C. and Montreal lose their final two games — and it’s certainly possible — then the Bombers need a win in Toronto in their final game to make the playoffs. It won’t be easy, but in a league like the CFL – a league where the back door to the playoffs might be bigger than the front door – it wouldn’t even be considered a miracle.

In the meantime, our fearless prognosticators are definitely ready for a couple of miracles this week.

Last week, The Doc went 3-1 straight up (44-30) and 4-0 against the spread (41-32) while The Coach went 1-3 (41-33) straight up and 1-3 (38-35) against the spread.

This week, The Doc again writes our erudite observations while The Coach just continues to whine about all the penalties.

Remember, all games are on TSN. And as we remind you each and every week, for your own personal mental health, always keep the mute button handy.

Let’s take a close look at Week 18:

Friday Night

Andrew Harris.

B.C. (6-10) vs. Toronto (9-7)

Line – Toronto by 3

B.C. has played well as of late while the Argos will start Ricky Ray who may or may not be 100 per cent Ricky Ray at 50 per cent is pretty darn good, but one team still has a shot at the playoffs and won’t be coasting. The Coach says: I’m still convinced that the Lions and Alouettes will lose out and Winnipeg will secure a win in Toronto next week and make the playoffs. Do I believe in Grey Cup fate or am I just crazy?

Dr. Football: Take the Lions in an upset.

The Coach: Take the Argos to win and cover.

Saturday Afternoon

Saskatchewan (2-14) vs. Calgary (12-4)

Line – Calgary by 14

What a quiet plane ride it will be from Regina to Calgary…similar to the walk to the electric chair I would imagine. Calgary will be giving them both barrels after a week off. Imagine the plane ride home. The Coach says: Saskatchewan fans deserve better.

Dr. Football: Take Calgary to win and cover.

The Coach: Take Calgary to win and cover.

Early Sunday Afternoon

Henry Burris (Photo by Jeff Miller)

Ottawa (10-6) vs. Hamilton (10-6)

Line – Hamilton by 4

One team is on a hot streak right now while the other got thumped in B.C. The taste of success is addictive and Ottawa will want more. The Coach says: Ottawa is a real Grey Cup contender.

Dr. Football: Take Ottawa in an upset.

The Coach: Take Ottawa.

Late Sunday Afternoon

Montreal (6-10) vs. Edmonton (13-4)

Line – Edmonton by 8

Edmonton basically took the first half off last week in Regina and still clobbered the Riders while Montreal destroyed Toronto. But the Eskimos have something to prove to their southern neighbours and won’t want to go into their bye week squandering their chance for first place. The Coach says: The Edmonton defense will destroy Kevin Glenn. Or whomever.

Dr. Football: Take the Eskimos to win and cover.

The Coach: Take Edmonton to win and cover.

Posted by: Scott Taylor for RiverCitySports.com