The 5-4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers will take on the 7-3 Edmonton Elks on Friday night and everyone is picking the Elks...except me!
Why?
What on earth would make me choose the Winnipeg Blue Bombers over the Edmonton Elks?
After beating Toronto 42-12 last week the Elks' roster will be exactly the same against the Bombers.
And as for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, there roster will remain mostly the same as it was when they beat Ottawa last week. But we know for sure that Oliveira is banged up as he did not practice this week.
Yet I was critical of the Bombers, even after they did beat Ottawa. So what in the world am I doing picking Winnipeg this week? Let me explain.
Why I Am Picking The Bombers
The very simple reason is this; I believe that this will be the game where it all comes together for the Bombers. If this were any other season, I would wait to say that until the Bombers played at home. But the Bombers have not been great at home this year. With a home record of 2-4 for whatever reason the Bombers have not played will in Winnipeg in 2026.
One of those home losses did come against Edmonton with the Bombers losing 23-18.
Yet I believe that this upcoming game is where it all clicks for the Bombers. Last week we saw Wilson drop a wide open touchdown pass. That is not going to happen again.
The Offense Will Improve
Actually, the Bombers' offense was not that bad last week.
The real problem with the Bombers' offense is three-fold.
First, they get themselves into trouble by throwing interceptions. They stayed away from those last week, and I think that trend of protecting the ball will continue.
Second, and it is the other side of the coin to not throwing interceptions, is that Collaros has been holding on to the ball too long. I also think that trend will end...especially after he got absolutely walloped from the blind side vs Ottawa.
And then the final issue with the Bombers' offense is that is is not sustained. It comes in fits and starts. It looks good in one series, and then bad for a couple of series. They run the ball...and then they abandon the run. They throw screen plays that they have not been good at executing for years (other teams do screen plays very well, the bombers not so much).
But I think that all changes, or at very least vastly improves. It would be hard to believe that the Bombers have played to their potential. I know, on paper is one thing and on the field is another. However, I believe that they are too good to keep making the same mistakes.
The Defence Must Improve
Depending on what metrics you use, Winnipeg's defence is ranked 6th in the league while the Elks are ranked 4th. But if Winnipeg cleans up a few areas have been haunting them, then their defence is right there. Winnipeg has continued to leave opponents wide open down the field. It is mindboggling to watch! Deep shots, down the middle or on the sideline with opponents wide open have happened a lot this year. There has to be conversation around the Bombers that something has to change (either plays, players, or coaches).
The other issue the Bombers have suffered this season is sloppy tackling. I have to believe that they can and will tackle better for the remainder of this season.
But when the Bombers defence is playing well they are a force to be reckoned with. They have Ceresna and Jefferson who can make like very difficult for the opposing quarterback. They have been rushing and blitzing more which has been good to see and effective at times.
Special Teams
The Bombers' special teams has been good this year. Often when we say "special teams" we just think about returning or kick coverage. But it is so much more. It is kicking, field goals, punt coverage, etc.
While most of it has been good, I expect the Bombers to 'gamble' more. They have been cautious and taking field goals for much of the season when field goals would have helped more.
I would not be surprised to see Winnipeg push all their chips into the middle of the table and take some big gambles this game. Partially, because they might have to. But also this is the time of year that CFL teams start to sprinkle in some wrinkles, gadget plays, or trick plays (whatever term you prefer).
Final Thoughts
I expect this to be a close game, but one where the Bombers come out on top - for all the reasons listed above.
Of course I could be completely wrong and have to eat my words from the opening snap. We will find out together!
What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.