Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant (4) runs under pressure from Montreal Alouettes defense during first half of CFL football action in Montreal, August 6, 2010.CHRISTINNE MUSCHI/Reuters
B.C. Lions (1-5) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-2)
Thursday, 9 p.m.
It's hard to believe a Wally Buono-coached team could begin a season 1-6 - and yet the Lions have their work cut out for them heading into sold-out Mosaic Stadium to face the Roughriders. Veteran receiver Derick Armstrong was let go this week, and there will certainly be others who pay the price if the stumbling continues. Travis Lulay's audition at quarterback is over after three starts, and the Lions now turn to Jarious Jackson, who is coming off off-season surgery. (Casey Printers remains in the wings due to injury.) Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant is apparently over the stomach illness that weakened him during the late stages of last week's loss to Montreal.
The Pick Saskatchewan
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-4) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-4)
Friday, 8:30 p.m.
In a strange schedule quirk, this is the fourth and final meeting of the 2010 season between the Blue Bombers and Tiger-Cats. Winnipeg dominated the first game, Hamilton the second and, last week, the Ticats held on in a squeaker. The Bombers cut kicker Alexis Serna this week - replacing him with ex-Rider Louie Sakoda - after he missed two of three field goals in Hamilton. More significantly, Winnipeg could welcome back quarterback Buck Pierce (knee) after Steven Jyles filled in admirably, despite going just 1-2 as the starter. The Ticats quarterback Kevin Glenn has been on fire the past two weeks, passing for a combined 796 yards and six touchdowns - 469 of which have gone to slotback Arland Bruce III.
The Pick Winnipeg
Montreal Alouettes (5-1) at Toronto Argonauts (4-2)
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
The Argonauts have been decent or better in five of their six games so far, the lone exception being their Week 5 encounter in Montreal. Toronto has lots of company in being humbled by the Als, whose only loss this season came in overtime in the season-opener at Saskatchewan. Montreal got a scare during last week's win over the Roughriders, when quarterback Anthony Calvillo went out with a dislocated finger on his throwing hand. Calvillo has declared himself ready to face Toronto. Two weeks ago, the Als shut down Toronto running back Cory Boyd in a way no other team has this season. Doing that again is the most critical element this time around.
The Pick Montreal
Edmonton Eskimos (1-5) at Calgary Stampeders (5-1)
Sunday, 8 p.m.
The Battle of Alberta shapes up like the Slaughter of Alberta based on the win-loss records through the first one-third of the season. Edmonton hasn't played as badly as its record suggests, consistently finding ways to lose games that are there for the taking (last week's loss to Toronto included another fourth-quarter collapse). Similarly, the Stamps haven't been quite as dominant as their record suggests, having to eke out wins over Toronto, Hamilton and Winnipeg. But the early season troubles of quarterback Henry Burris seem to be over (just one interception in the past two games, compared to eight in the first four), aided in part by the return of veteran receiver Ken-Yon Rambo from injury. The Esks offensive line should have its hands full with a defensive front that has been getting lots of pressure.
The Pick Calgary
Last Week 1-3; Season 10-14
All times Eastern