CFL picks: Streaking Tiger-Cats facing a big test against steady Stampeders
Jeremiah Masoli and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats face a stiff test Saturday when they host the West Division-leading Calgary Stampeders at Tim Hortons Field (TSN, 4 p.m.). The 6-5 Ticats, fresh off a Labour Day sweep of the Toronto Argonauts, have won three straight to move into a first-place tie with Ottawa in the East.
In his first full campaign as the Ticats’ starter, Masoli has registered a club record-tying nine games of 300 or more yards passing. He was especially sharp in the two games against Toronto, completing 44 of 60 passes (73.3 per cent) for 692 yards, with seven TDs and one interception.
Brandon Banks was a favourite target, registering 15 catches for 288 yards and four TDs versus Toronto, but Hamilton’s receiving corps is hurting. Jalen Saunders, Shamawd Chambers and Chris Williams are all out with season-ending injuries., prompting the Ticats to add veterans Chad Owens and Marquay McDaniel to their practice roster.
Owens suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday’s practice but it wasn’t deemed serious. It’s unclear if either receiver will play Saturday. McDaniel also will continue in his role as a coach at McMaster University.
Both are former Ticats. Owens spent the 2016 season in Hamilton (58 catches, 808 yards in 12 games) while McDaniel played three years in Steeltown (200911), recording 137 catches for 1,736 yards in 37 games.
Calgary (9-2) comes off a wild 48-42 loss in Edmonton on Saturday night. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was intercepted three times but finished 25for-46 for 491 yards and four TDs. He very nearly capped a stirring comeback with two fourth-quarter TD passes.
Calgary and Hamilton boast the CFL’s stingiest defences, allowing 18.0 and 21.2 offensive points per game, respectively. But while the Stampeders have forced a league-best 33 turnovers, Hamilton is tied for last with 18. Hamilton is just 3-2 this season at Tim Hortons Field while Calgary sports a 5-0 road record. Pick: Calgary.
B.C. at Montreal Friday, 7:30 p.m. The Alouettes come off a bye looking for a third straight win under starter Antonio Pipkin. He threw for 242 yards with two interceptions in a 21-11 win over Ottawa on Aug. 31, but also ran for 75 yards and a touchdown. B.C. (4-6) beat the Redblacks last week and is in must-win mode. Receiver DeVier Posey, the 2017 Grey Cup MVP, should make his Lions debut. Pick: B.C.
Ottawa at Saskatchewan Saturday, 9:30 p.m. Saskatchewan (7-4) is the CFL’s hottest team with four straight wins, including a pair over Winnipeg. Quarterback Zach Collaros is expected to start for the Riders, who are 5-2 with him under centre. Ottawa (6-5) has lost two straight, scoring just 25 points over that span. Pick: Saskatchewan. Last week: 2-2 Overall: 31-19