CFL Weekly Picks Starting October 16, 2026

The CFL heads into Week 20 with four games on the schedule and plenty still to settle in the Western Division. Edmonton can clinch first place with a victory over Winnipeg, while the Blue Bombers, Roughriders and Stampeders are still fighting for postseason positioning. The Eastern Division is already settled, although Toronto and Montreal both have an opportunity to build some momentum before the playoffs.

Friday brings Toronto at Ottawa and Winnipeg at Edmonton. Saturday features Montreal at Saskatchewan and BC at Calgary. We'll take one best bet from each matchup, with the strongest selection earning our CFL Best Bet of the Week. For more football predictions, check out our free CFL picks.

Toronto Argonauts vs. Ottawa Redblacks Best Bet

Toronto heads to Ottawa with a 9-7 record and second place in the East already secured. The Argonauts have averaged approximately 29 points per game, and their passing attack has been productive enough to move the football even when the defense hasn't been particularly dependable. Toronto is allowing around 28 points per contest, which explains why the Argonauts haven't been able to pull away from opponents consistently despite their winning record.

Ottawa is still searching for its first victory at 0-16. The Redblacks have allowed approximately 37 points per game and nearly 483 yards of offense, making them the league's most vulnerable defense. Toronto is favored by 10.5 points, with the total at 63.5. That's a big number, but Ottawa's defensive struggles make it difficult to trust the Redblacks to keep this close.

Best Bet: Toronto Argonauts -10.5 (-110)

I don't usually love laying double digits in the CFL, but Ottawa has given bettors very little reason to trust its defense. The Redblacks are allowing almost 350 passing yards per game, and Toronto averages approximately 351 through the air. That's a difficult matchup for a winless team that has struggled to get stops all season. Toronto has already clinched its playoff position, so motivation and possible lineup decisions are legitimate concerns. Still, the Argonauts should have enough offensive opportunities to create separation if they approach this game seriously.

CFL Best Bet: Toronto Argonauts -10.5 (-110)

Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Edmonton Elks Best Bet

Edmonton enters Friday at 12-4 after beating Hamilton 27-12 last week. The Elks have the CFL's best scoring defense, allowing fewer than 25 points per game, and have been especially difficult to beat at Commonwealth Stadium. They've won seven of eight home games, and another victory would clinch first place in the West. Winnipeg comes in at 8-8 after beating Calgary 33-28, a victory that kept the Blue Bombers in control of their playoff chances.

The Blue Bombers have struggled offensively compared with Edmonton. Winnipeg averages approximately 26 points and 361 yards per game, while the Elks produce around 31 points and 420 yards. Edmonton also has a significant defensive advantage, particularly against the run, where it allows only 84 yards per contest. The Elks are favored by 3.5 points, with the total set at 55.5.

Best Bet: Under 55.5 Points (-110)

Edmonton's defense is the main reason I'm looking at the under. The Elks have been excellent at limiting opponents' scoring opportunities, and Winnipeg hasn't consistently finished drives this season. The Blue Bombers also have some important offensive injury concerns, which could make sustaining possessions even more difficult. Edmonton is capable of putting up points, but the Elks don't need to turn this into a shootout to win. A physical game in the low-to-mid 20s for each team makes sense, particularly with so much at stake in the standings.

CFL Best Bet: Blue Bombers-Elks Under 55.5 (-110)

Montreal Alouettes vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Best Bet

Montreal has already clinched first place in the East and enters Saturday at 13-3. The Alouettes have been the league's most consistent offensive team, averaging approximately 36 points and 440 yards per game. They also beat Saskatchewan 44-24 on Thanksgiving Monday, a result that demonstrated how difficult Montreal can be to defend when its passing game gets rolling.

Saskatchewan is 8-8 and has lost four consecutive games. The Roughriders are still fighting for a playoff berth, but their defense has struggled against the pass, allowing approximately 317 yards per game. Saskatchewan is favored by 1.5 points despite Montreal's superior record, and the total is set at 59.5. The question is whether Montreal's secured playoff position changes how aggressively it approaches this matchup.

Best Bet: Montreal Alouettes +1.5 (-110)

Montreal just beat Saskatchewan by 20 points, and I don't see enough reason to suddenly make the Roughriders the better team. The Alouettes have been more reliable offensively, and Saskatchewan's secondary has struggled to contain productive passing attacks. The concern is Montreal's motivation and potential decisions about resting key contributors now that first place is secured. If the Alouettes use their regular lineup, though, getting points with a 13-3 team against an opponent on a four-game losing streak is difficult to pass up.

CFL Best Bet: Montreal Alouettes +1.5 (-110)

BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders Best Bet

BC enters Saturday at 10-6 after beating Ottawa 41-20 last week. The Lions have won four consecutive games and have been one of the CFL's strongest teams during the second half of the season. Their offense has been especially effective through the air, and they've demonstrated the ability to score quickly when opponents struggle to generate pressure.

Calgary is 8-9 after losing 33-28 to Winnipeg. The Stampeders are still fighting for their postseason lives, and this is a game they badly need. Calgary has been competitive offensively, but its defense has struggled to contain opponents during important stretches. BC is favored by 2.5 points, with the total set at 64.5.

Best Bet: BC Lions -2.5 (-105)

Calgary has plenty to play for, but BC has been the more dependable team over the last month. The Lions have won four straight and should be able to create scoring opportunities against a Stampeders defense that just allowed 33 points to Winnipeg. Calgary's urgency makes this dangerous, particularly at home, but BC has demonstrated enough offensive consistency to justify laying less than a field goal. I'll take the Lions at -2.5 rather than trust Calgary to suddenly fix its defensive problems.

CFL Best Bet: BC Lions -2.5 (-105)

CFL Best Bet of the Week

Of the four selections, BC Lions -2.5 against the Calgary Stampeders earns our CFL Best Bet of the Week. BC enters on a four-game winning streak, while Calgary has struggled to produce consistent defensive performances. The Lions have been particularly effective offensively, and laying less than a field goal is reasonable against a Stampeders team that just surrendered 33 points to Winnipeg.

Calgary's playoff situation makes the Stampeders dangerous, and they'll have every reason to produce their best performance. But motivation doesn't automatically fix defensive weaknesses. BC has been the better team recently, and the short spread makes the Lions our preferred wager.

CFL Best Bet of the Week: BC Lions -2.5 (-105)

Betting lines, injury reports and starting lineups may change before kickoff. These selections reflect the available information as of October 16, 2026. Confirm current prices and team availability before placing a wager.