Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-3) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-1)
Friday, 8 p.m.
The Ticats don't like Winnipeg's Swaggerville label and are doing a little pregame swaggering of their own – not that it's entirely well-founded. Defensively, Hamilton's statistics are nowhere near Winnipeg's. The Ticats have just 12 sacks and five interceptions this season and need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Winnipeg will have injured 6-foot-6 receiver Greg Carr back in the starting offence in place of Terence Jeffers-Harris. Doug Brown rejoins the Bombers' dominating defensive front, which has vandalized blockers all season.
The Pick: Winnipeg
Montreal Alouettes (5-2) at Calgary Stampeders (5-2)
Saturday, 4 p.m.
The Stamps will be altering their defensive group for what could be a Grey Cup preview. Middle linebacker Juwan Simpson returns from a knee injury but defensive halfback Brandon Isaac missed practice time this week and could be replaced by veteran Milt Collins. Calgary's defence will be severely tested by the CFL's leading rusher (Brandon Whitaker), two of the top receivers (S.J. Green, Jamel Richardson) and, of course, passer Anthony Calvillo. Former Alouette return man Larry Taylor is anxious to be a bolt of energy for the Stamps.
The Pick: Calgary
Last week 2-0, Season 20-10