Emory Hunt has made his picks for Week 18 of the 2026 CFL season, and the B.C. Lions-Toronto Argonauts showdown is the marquee matchup. The SportsLine expert, who built his reputation on NFL betting, now turns his attention to the Canadian league, where he has posted a 34-30 record on CFL spread picks this season.
Among Hunt’s picks are upsets in Hamilton and Calgary, plus a selection against Toronto at home and a heavy favorite in Montreal. His CFL picks carry some weight beyond the usual betting bluster, given a record of 132-111-2 across three NFL seasons.
The Expert’s Background
Raised in New Orleans, Hunt grew up to play running back at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After coaching high school football, he founded Football Gameplan, a site devoted to detailed analysis. His NFL picks carry a strong record, and his CFL picks have kept pace with it.
Hamilton +1.5 vs. Ottawa
Ottawa’s window for securing its first win is narrowing with each week that passes, since there are fewer potential opponents left to play. The team will eventually put together a full game of four quarters played at a consistently high level.
Hunt believes this is a tight matchup between the two teams, with Hamilton holding the advantage of a more dependable offensive attack, even with all the changes at quarterback. The Ticats are just as scrappy as their opponents, which makes the game close, with Hamilton earning the extra half-point cushion.
Calgary +4.5 vs. Saskatchewan
A win for the Riders this weekend guarantees a spot in the postseason. The Stamps’ playoff hopes are still flickering, and they would love nothing more than to stay in the fight while also weakening a divisional opponent’, meanwhile, still have an opening.
Hunt sees this as a contest between two teams close enough to be decided by a kick, not one that fails to reach five points. He backs Calgary to cover the 4.5-point spread.
B.C. -1.5 vs. Toronto
The Argos have already secured their playoff position, whereas the Lions remain in pursuit of a postseason berth. In order to safeguard themselves for the stretch run, the Argos might choose to sit some players this week.
The Lions will push hard from start to finish, aiming both to take the win and to pile on as many points as they can. The selection rests with B.C., who sit at -1.5.
Montreal -6.5 vs. Winnipeg
The biggest question facing the Blue Bombers is whether they can produce enough offensive firepower to actually pressure the Alouettes when Montreal’s offense gets on one of its patented hot streaks. The Bombers are unlikely to mount a serious threat against the Alouettes’ takes the field.
Montreal has already locked up a spot in the postseason, and it is now chasing its best play heading into the playoffs. The selection stands with Montreal at -6.5.
Key Matchups
Hunt’s picks focus on the league’s current state. The Lions need a win, the Argos are rested, and the Alouettes want to peak before the playoffs.
The Picks
Hunt has four games on his slate: Hamilton versus Ottawa, Calgary against Saskatchewan, B.C. facing Toronto, and Montreal playing Winnipeg. Every one of those picks comes with the burden of his NFL record, even though the CFL operates as its own distinct league.
What the Picks Mean
A record of 132-111-2 across three NFL seasons suggests Hunt knows what he is talking about when it comes to betting on games, yet his picks remain predictions rather than certainties. The Canadian Football League moves to its own beat, and a selection against the spread can always end up losing.
The key matchups this week are straightforward:
- Hamilton +1.5 vs. Ottawa
- Calgary +4.5 vs. Saskatchewan
- B.C. -1.5 vs. Toronto
- Montreal -6.5 vs. Winnipeg
Every choice carries a distinct take on where the league stands and how its matchups line up.
Key Facts Box
- Emory Hunt: 132-111-2 over three NFL seasons
- CFL picks this season: 34-30
- B.C. Lions: two straight wins
- Toronto Argonauts: four straight wins
- Games: Hamilton +1.5 vs. Ottawa, Calgary +4.5 vs. Saskatchewan, B.C. -1.5 vs. Toronto, Montreal -6.5 vs. Winnipeg
Week 18 brings Hunt’s picks to the table, and regardless of whether you choose to follow them, the games themselves promise to be worth your time.
Source material: “CFL odds, picks, predictions: B.C. vs. Toronto part of expert's best bets for Week 18,” CBS Sports.
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