CFL PICKS: WEEK 16
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Friday, 8:30 p.m. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have to do something no other East Division team has this season to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Hamilton (3-10) visits Winnipeg (10-3) on Friday night still with an outside chance at catching the Ottawa Redblacks (5-9-1) for second in the East Division. But not only have the Bombers won three straight overall and their last five home games, they’re 6-0 this season versus Eastern clubs. Hamilton is just 1-7 against West Division competition. Winnipeg would need a win and loss by Saskatchewan and Edmonton to clinch a playoff berth. The Bombers would secure a home post-season date with a victory and losses by the Riders, Eskimos and B.C. Prediction: Winnipeg
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Toronto Argonauts
Saturday, 4 p.m. Running back Trent Richardson makes his CFL debut for Saskatchewan (7-6), which ranks last in rushing. The Riders rallied to beat Ottawa 18-17 last weekend. Their defence stands second overall in fewest TDs allowed (32) and third in interceptions (14). The Argos (7-7) are 1-5 versus West Division teams but a 34-26 decision over Edmonton started their current three-game win streak. Toronto is also 5-2 at BMO Field and DeVier Posey gives Argos solid 1-2 receiving punch with veteran S.J. Green. Prediction: Toronto
Ottawa Redblacks at B.C. Lions
Saturday, 7 p.m. Trevor Harris is expected back under centre for Ottawa after missing nearly a month with a shoulder injury. The Redblacks have dropped two straight and three of their last four but running back William Powell has three consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts (438 yards combined, 6.7-yard average). Quarterback Jonathon Jennings has twice as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns (six) for B.C. (6-7), which has lost six-of-eight games. If the Lions feel they’re a playoff team, this is one contest they must win. Prediction: B.C.
Edmonton Eskimos at Montreal Alouettes
Monday, 2 p.m. Something has to give as Edmonton (7-6) has lost six straight and Montreal (3-11) is on a seven-game losing streak. The Eskimos are 5-1 against East teams whereas the Alouettes are 2-6 facing West squads. The Esks hope Gable can provide balance to an offence anchored by CFL passing leader Mike Reilly. Drew Willy could make second straight start for the Als with Darian Durant (hamstring) still ailing. Prediction: Edmonton Last week: 4-0. Overall: 44-16-1. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press All Games on TSN