Edmonton Eskimos T.J. Hill, left, and Greg Peach, right, sack Hamilton Tiger Cats quarterback, Kevin Glenn, during second half CFL action in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday, October 3, 2010John Ulan
Edmonton Eskimos (4-9) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-7)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Don't laugh, but the Edmonton Eskimos are back in the playoff hunt, one game behind the B.C. Lions and two back of both Hamilton and the Toronto Argonauts in a possible crossover scenario (which would require the Eskimos to finish ahead of Toronto or Hamilton). In other words, the Esks, seemingly dead in the water three weeks ago, have something to play for this weekend as they try to make it three wins in a row. With the return of wide receiver Fred Stamps, defensive end Greg Peach, and a culture of accountability under their new general manager, Eric Tillman, the Esks might just accomplish that, especially if the Ticats keep beating themselves with missed opportunities, bad penalties and inopportune fumbles by DeAndra' Cobb. The running back enters this game riding two streaks - three consecutive 100-yard rushing games; two consecutive games in which his fumbles have cost his team victories. Receiver Kamau Peterson returns to the lineup for the Esks.
The Pick Hamilton
Toronto Argonauts (6-7) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-4)
Saturday, 5 p.m.
Cory Boyd might be the best running back in the CFL, but the Argos don't accomplish much on offence when he's not carrying the ball. Despite missing two full games with a concussion, Boyd leads the CFL in rushing with 1,048 yards. Yet the Argos still rank last in the league in offensive yards a game and points scored. That won't get it done at Mosaic Stadium, where the Roughriders average 37 points each outing. That is unless Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant can't go. He has been on the sidelines for most of this week after suffering a bruise on his lower leg during practice, but he is expected to play. Durant has passed for more than 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in Saskatchewan's past three games. The Riders need this one to ensure they keep pace with the Calgary Stampeders before a big showdown with the Stamps at Mosaic next week.
The Pick Saskatchewan
Calgary Stampeders (10-3) at Montreal Alouettes (9-4)
Monday, 1 p.m.
The Stamps had a perfect storm of motivation to get themselves into gear before their win last week over Montreal: a two-game losing string, a challenging matchup and an annoying off-field controversy involving quarterback Henry Burris and his birthday-party photos. It all spelled doom for Montreal, which was handed a rare thrashing. Most of the Als' problems were on defence, where they didn't match up physically with Calgary. The Stampeders struck early and often, led by Ken-Yon Rambo and Romby Bryant, who each had more than 100 yards receiving a week ago. The Als' battle with injuries continues, with centre Paul Lambert, out for the season, and kicker/punter Damon Duval, who is out for the game this week. The Stamps need this game more than the Als, who are virtually assured of first place in the East. But Montreal is a tough matchup at home.
The Pick Montreal.
B.C. Lions (5-8) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-10)
Monday, 4:30 p.m.
It's shakeup time in Winnipeg, with the Bombers going to Alex Brink at quarterback in place of Steven Jyles. Jyles hasn't played badly this season, and only two games ago, threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns in a game. But the Bombers have lost eight of nine, and with their playoff hopes slipping out of sight, they're going to roll the dice with the rookie Brink, a former draft pick of the Houston Texans who has a big-time arm (third in passing in the PAC-10 Conference) but little CFL experience. The Bombers' best hope for the playoffs remains a Western crossover berth, but that would require finishing ahead of both the Lions and Edmonton Eskimos, which won't be easy. The Bombers spoiled a fine defensive effort last week by giving up the lead during the final few seconds as the Lions rallied from a 10-0 disadvantage at halftime. Former backup Travis Lulay will make his second consecutive start at quarterback for the Lions.
The Pick Winnipeg
Last Week 2-2
Season Record 24-28