Hamilton Tiger Cats DeAndra Cobb (left) tries to get away from Toronto Argonauts Ron Flemons (centre) and Jason Pottinger during second half CFL action in Hamilton Ontario on Monday September 6, 2010.Chris Young
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7-7) at Toronto Argonauts (7-7)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto's surprise win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina last weekend included two faked punts, Jeremaine Copeland's dramatic touchdown catch and Cory Boyd's 131 yards rushing. That's a lot that went the Argonauts way. They won't be so fortunate against Hamilton. The Ticats have already beaten the Argos twice this season and they accomplished that without a powerhouse performance from either receiver Arland Bruce or running back DeAndra' Cobb. Both players scored last week in their romp over the Edmonton Eskimos and Bruce, especially, was at his coverage-breaking best, hauling in six passes for 142 yards. While Toronto will be in tough against Hamilton's offence, the Ticats' defence has begun to play with more ferocity thanks to the arrival of lineman Stevie Baggs. In his three games since returning from the NFL, Baggs has recorded two sacks, recovered two fumbles and scored a touchdown. No offensive lineman, to this point, has been able to handle his speed and spin move to the quarterback. Baggs' Toronto foes will be tackles Rob Murphy and Chris Van Zeyl.
The Pick: Hamilton
Edmonton Eskimos (4-10) at B.C. Lions (5-9)
Saturday, 10 p.m.
Do either of these two teams really want to make the playoffs? You had to wonder watching them last weekend. Edmonton was blown up in Hamilton while B.C. blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter before losing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in overtime. The Lions took too many penalties in Winnipeg and their lack of discipline has been addressed this week by head coach Wally Buono. We'll see if that - and the release of quarterback Casey Printers - makes a difference. Lions quarterback Travis Lulay is the definitive starter now. He's recovered from a sore hand and will have Jarious Jackson as a backup. The Eskimos will be without slotback Jason Barnes, who remains in a Hamilton hospital with a damaged spleen, and kicker Noel Prefontaine, who was traded to Toronto. Rookie Derek Schiavone gets the chance to show his stuff as both place kicker and punter while receiver Kelly Campbell is being counted on to take Barnes' place on the roster. For insurance, the Eskimos signed veteran receiver Derick Armstrong, who had played for B.C. this season. The Eskimos have been without a running game since Arkee Whitlock was put on the nine-game injured list and that's made life difficult for quarterback Ricky Ray. That won't change in Week 16.
The Pick: B.C.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-10) at Montreal Alouettes (10-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
Once again, this time by popular demand, the starting quarterback for the Blue Bombers is … Steven Jyles. The same Steven Jyles who was demoted last week only to come off the bench (to replace the now forgotten Alex Brink) and stage a comeback for the ages against the B.C. Lions. Jyles did more in less than four quarters than he had during much of the season: He finished drives with touchdowns and looked completely in charge. He also unleashed the player within Greg Carr, who caught five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. The Alouettes, as usual, are comfortably atop the East Division biding time until the playoffs begin. Anthony Calvillo threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns in a public spanking of the Stampeders last Monday. Ben Cahoon has his career receiving record and there really isn't anything for Montreal to play for. That said, the mighty Als are at home where they've lost just once all season. Good enough for us.
The Pick: Montreal
Calgary Stampeders (10-4) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-5)
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Both teams are coming off losses, embarrassing losses. Saskatchewan was beaten at home by the Toronto Argonauts; Calgary was cheek-slapped in Montreal by the Alouettes. The two teams have split their first two meetings and, should the Riders win this one, they'll take over first place in the West. Just last month it appeared the Stampeders had put a lock on top spot. They've now lost three of their past four, and in those losses they've been plain rotten. Quarterback Henry Burris needs another bounce-back game and he's capable of it. So too are his receivers. Defensively, the Stampeders go as their front four go - the better the pressure, the more aggressive their secondary becomes. Middle linebacker Juwan Simpson is on the limp and the team will wait to see if he plays or sits. Saskatchewan pivot Darian Durant has had a mixed season but usually offers his best against Calgary. The one player who has made a habit of tormenting the Stampeders is receiver Andy Fantuz, who has 13 catches for 323 yards and a touchdown in the two previous games against Calgary.
The Pick: Calgary
Last week: 3-1
Season record: 27-29
All times Eastern