Picture yourself on an NBA court about 25 years ago. Allen Iverson is in his prime, and he has the ball. You’re scrambling to defend the top of the key as he slows his approach. The ball bounces in his left hand. When it reaches the apex of its arc, he nods to the gods, and the ball hangs in the air for a split second longer than gravity should allow. It’s coming but there’s nothing you can do to stop it now. Just like the Argos and Redblacks, you’re left spinning, victimized by THE CROSSOVER.

The crossover rule was established in 1996, and this will be the 13th time it has come into play. It was a regular occurrence not that long ago. There was a crossover six times in eight years between 2012 and 2019. But whether it’s Winnipeg, Calgary, or even Edmonton this time, it will be an uphill climb. A crossover entry has yet to reach the Grey Cup Game.

We know a Western team will be travelling East in a couple of weeks, and it won’t be to Toronto or Ottawa. Beyond that, there is still a lot to be decided entering week 19. At first glance, the Thanksgiving Day Game on Monday isn’t great. I’ll be staying away from the massive 13.5-point spread. But I’ll be watching, and so will the rest of the league. Not only is the crossover likely to start in Montreal, but Davis Alexander doesn’t lose. In the league’s rich history, he’s the only quarterback to start his career with 9 straight wins. The odds suggest he’ll make it a perfect ten. I’m tempted to eat the points, but I’ll save my appetite for the harvest spread. Gobble Gobble. Happy Thanksgiving.

Toronto Argonauts at Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Argos made a valiant effort for much of the season. Their Grey Cup-winning squad from a year ago was picked apart in free agency and then decimated by injuries. Despite all the adversity, the Argos showed to be a better football team than their record suggests. But unlike the Redblacks, the core pieces and the coaching staff are secure going into next season. Whereas the Redblacks’ effort might reflect a group that has something to prove and is auditioning for next season, I expect the Argos to be pulling together at a gentler pace. Riders head coach Corey Mace was the defensive coordinator for the Argos for two years prior to joining the Riders, winning a Grey Cup in 2023. I don’t expect Ryan Dinwiddie to do too much to derail his former DC’s efforts to win a division title. The Riders offence underperformed in Ottawa last week. It’s a good ‘get right’ spot for the offence to run it up in front of their home fans.

THE PICK: ROUGHRIDERS -11.5

Calgary Stampeders at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The wheels have fallen off the chuckwagon. The stamps have lost four in a row, allowing almost 40 points per game since the start of September. Vernon Adams Jr is publicly questioning his own confidence. The defensive front hasn’t been able to get pressure since Flo Orimolade’s injury, and now the secondary has been bitten by the injury bug. They’re still very much in the playoff mix, but must get it fixed, and fast. Unfortunately for the Stamps, Hamilton is next on the schedule. The Ti-Cats can clinch first in the East with a win and Bo Levi Mitchell’s case for MOP isn’t going to end quietly.

THE PICK: TIGER-CATS -2.5

PLAYER PROP: GREG BELL OVER 68.5 RUSHING YARDS

Ring the Bell. Greg Bell is 87 yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season. The second year back has gone over this number in five straight games and he’s going up against what is now the worst run defence in the league. The Stamps’ losing streak started when they allowed over 200 yards to Justin Rankin, they then gave up 156 to BC’s Zander Horvath, who was starting in place of James Butler. With Hamilton’s arsenal of receiving weapons, the Stamps can’t sell out to stop the run. There should be lanes, and I expect the Ti-Cats to be playing with the lead.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Edmonton Elks

It was thought the Elks would be long gone by the time the hunt started. Instead, it’s peak season and they’re still very much alive. Edmonton is 5-5 since Cody Fajardo took over at quarterback after starting the year 1-4. But against the spread, nobody’s been better at 8-2 with Fajardo under centre. Of their five losses straight up since week 8, only one of them was by more than four points, and a combined five points have decided their last three games. The Elks have shown a strong survival instinct. Meanwhile, the Bombers answered a lot of questions in Zach Collaros’ return to the lineup before last week’s bye, putting up a forty burger at home to Hamilton. This week, Collaros will be without his leading receiver in Nic Demski and Edmonton is expecting weather. It won’t come as easily in the elements. I’m tempted to take the under 53.5 points, but in any weather condition, and regardless of game script, the Elks can keep it close.

THE PICK: ELKS +3.5

RecordLast Week SeasonGame Picks2-132-23Player Props0-19-8Total2-241-31