CFL Picks, Week 16: Redblacks and Stampeders both in dire need of a win

CFL Picks, Week 16: Redblacks and Stampeders both in dire need of a win DAN RALPH THE CANADIAN PRESS PUBLISHED 20 MINUTES AGO Open this photo in gallery: Ottawa Redblacks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (3) is sacked by Toronto Argos defensive tackle Ralph Holley (99) during their game in Toronto on Saturday. JON BLACKER/THE CANADIAN PRESS COMMENTS SHARE SAVE FOR LATER Listen to this article Learn more about audio Log in or create a free account to listen to this article. McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Ottawa Redblacks won’t be the only ones in dire need of a win this week. Bethel-Thompson will make his first start of the season when Ottawa (0-12) visits the Calgary Stampeders (5-8) on Saturday night. The Redblacks have dropped 18 straight games dating back to 2025, a CFL modern-era record for consecutive defeats. But Calgary also desperately needs a victory. The Stampeders are coming off consecutive losses to the Edmonton Elks and stand fifth in the West Division, four points behind the third-place Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) and B.C. Lions (7-6). Right now, Winnipeg, B.C. and Calgary have more wins than the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9), who are third in the East Division. The Stamps can make the playoffs by finishing third in the West or by finishing fourth with more points than the East’s third-place team. This game starts an important stretch for Calgary. After completing a home-and-home with Ottawa on Sept. 26, the Stampeders will finish their regular season visiting Saskatchewan (Oct. 2) and Winnipeg (Oct. 10) before hosting B.C. (Oct. 17). Calgary lost its first meeting this season with Saskatchewan in overtime and is 1-1 against both Winnipeg and B.C. Bethel-Thompson replaced starter Jake Maier in the second quarter of Ottawa’s 26-23 road loss to Toronto last week. Bethel-Thompson provided a definite spark, completing 16-of-23 passes for 192 yards and a TD, but the Redblacks couldn’t take full advantage of two late opportunities that allowed the Argonauts to earn their second win in five days. Ottawa had to settle for a Brett Lauther field goal following Kalil Pimpleton’s 88-yard punt return to the Argos’ 17-yard line that made it 23-23 at 10:09 of the fourth quarter. After a Toronto two-and-out, the Redblacks took over at the home team’s 53-yard line, but Ralph Holley’s second-down sack of Bethel-Thompson knocked the visitors out of field-goal range. Lirim Hajrullahu’s game-ending 29-yard field goal capped a stellar 12-play,…