Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Jared Zabransky throws a pass during second half CFL football action against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Monday, Sept. 6, 2010. The Calgary Stampeders beat the Edmonton Eskimos 52-5.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
Calgary Stampeders (8-1) at Edmonton Eskimos (2-7)
Friday, 9 p.m.
What can you say about a rematch between the CFL's best and worst teams, respectively, coming off a 52-5 thrashing just four days earlier? The Eskimos have begun to shuffle the deck chairs on the Titanic, but it will take a remarkable effort to bounce back from what looked like a quit job on Labour Day. Calgary, meanwhile, keeps rolling, leading the league in most defensive categories and sitting first in a good chunk of the offensive ones, as well. The Esks are without receiver Fred Stamps, kick-returner Tristan Jackson and defensive lineman Greg Peach. Amazingly, the Esks are in a three-way tie for the CFL's final playoff berth. There will be a new general manager in Edmonton before season's end, and change can't come soon enough.
The Pick Calgary
Montreal Alouettes (6-3) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5-4)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Now, here's something you don't hear often: The Alouettes will start their third quarterback in as many weeks. Yet, that is the reality as future Hall of Famer Anthony Calvillo will miss another week with a bruised sternum, opening the door for Adrian McPherson to have his turn. McPherson takes over from Chris Leak, who had a rough ride in his debut as a CFL starter last week against B.C. and wound up with a hip flexor injury. The Ticats have won four in a row, and quarterback Kevin Glenn is playing perhaps the best football of his career. The Hamilton pass rush will test Montreal's offensive line, which has struggled uncharacteristically of late.
The Pick Hamilton
Toronto Argonauts (5-4) at B.C. Lions (2-7)
Saturday, 4 p.m.
The Argos are coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season, and now battle a team coming off a big win last week at Montreal. Toronto is 2-8 in its last 10 visits to Vancouver - but it won't have to battle time-zone issues as kick off is at 1 p.m. local time. An interesting stat: The Lions, despite their sad-sack record, have scored four more points than the Argos, and have given up just one more. Casey Printers remains at quarterback for B.C., while fullback Rolly Lumbala back in the lineup, fresh off being cut by the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Argos pivot Cleo Lemon is coming off season-highs in passing yards (350) and interceptions (three) in a Labour Day loss to Hamilton.
The Pick B.C.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-3) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m.
The Roughriders haven't been the well-oiled machine fans witnessed during the first few weeks of the season, and they needed some good fortune and opportunism to escape last Sunday with a 27-23 win at home over the Bombers. Winnipeg has lost five in a row, but was only blown-out of one of those games (against Montreal). The Bombers front four are as good as any in the league and were very nearly the difference last week. Winnipeg quarterback Buck Pierce (elbow) is gone for the foreseeable future, leaving the offence in the hands of Steven Jyles, who has performed admirably in a support role thus far. The Bombers need to improve in the red zone to win this one.
The Pick Winnipeg
Last Week 2-2; Season 17-19
All times Eastern