CFL Week 16 Preview

Calgary Stampeders (8-6) at Toronto Argonauts (3-11)

Friday, 7:30 p.m.

The Argos, eliminated from playoff contention last week, have no prize left for which to play, so this game has little appeal. But Toronto may be an unpredictable opponent for the Stamps, as they try out different players and schemes to prep for next season. The Stampeders have already clinched a playoff berth and want to make it a home playoff game, but they will attempt to do so this week without all-star rush end Charleston Hughes, out with an undisclosed injury. Calgary needs to avoid slip-ups this week and next to hang tight up top in the West with B.C. and Edmonton, before being faced with Montreal and Winnipeg.

The Pick: Calgary

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-5) at Edmonton Eskimos (8-6)

Saturday, 7:00 p.m.

Here is a battle of two teams trying to keep first-place footing in their respective divisions, a pair of teams finally in the playoffs after a couple of seasons missing out. The Bombers are coming off a very compete thumping of the Ticats last week, in which Buck Pierce showed a return to health, its defence dominated, and Chris Garrett eased concerns about a running game without Fred Reid. The Eskimos performed just well enough to top a snoozing Saskatchewan team last week and will have to be much finer-tuned -- particularly on offence -- to take down the Bombers this week.

The Pick: Winnipeg

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7-7) at Montreal Alouettes (9-5)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m.

The Ticats dominated the Alouettes' earlier this season, but Winnipeg thumped Hamilton last week, and Montreal is coming off a feel-good milestone day for Anthony Calvillo and a huge receiving day for Jamel Richardson. The struggling Ticats defensive backfield continues to shuffle the deck -- possibly starting Dee Webb, just traded in this week. So AC and Richardson may be in for another big day. Kevin Glenn will start at quarterback for Hamilton, but expect to see more of No. 2 Quinton Porter, who impressed in relief last week. The Als have a home playoff game to gain with a win, while the Ticats can earn a playoff berth.

The Pick: Montreal

B.C. Lions (8-6) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-10)

Sunday, 4:00 p.m.

There is a tiny shred of hope for the Roughriders to earn a crossover playoff spot if they win out and the Ticats lose their final four games. But that doesn't seem likely, considering Saskatchewan has scored just nine points in its last three games, all losses. The Riders, humiliated 42-5 on B.C.'s last visit, hope to avoid another whooping by an uprising Lions squad that has stretched its winning streak to a jaw-dropping seven in a row and now leads the West after an 0-5 start. The Lions, will however, need better special teams play than exhibited lately to avoid a letdown.

The Pick: B.C.

LAST WEEK 2-2; SEASON 33-23

All times Eastern