Skip to main content
preview

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Drew Tate passes the ball during the first half of their CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Calgary, Alberta, October 21, 2011. REUTERS/Todd KorolTodd Korol/Reuters

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8-9) at Toronto Argonauts (5-12)

Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

This is the only Week 19 game without playoff implications. The Argos' disappointing season is closing, while the Ticats try to hit 9-9 for a third consecutive year, and wait to see who their opponent in next week's East Division semi-final will be. With Steven Jyles out after a blow to the head last week, backup quarterback Dalton Bell will start for Toronto. Hamilton, which had five turnovers and no touchdowns last week in a concerning 19-3 loss to lowly Saskatchewan, will play all three of its quarterbacks. Some key Ticats – running back Avon Cobourne, linebackers Rey Williams and Jamall Johnson – are expected to rest.

The Pick Toronto

Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-12) at Edmonton Eskimos (10-7)

Friday, 9 p.m.

The Riders are coming off a rare victory and are keen to win their season finale for head coach Ken Miller, who is bound for retirement. The Green and White will have to do so without starting quarterback Darian Durant (and slotback Andy Fantuz). That means another start for backup Ryan Dinwiddie. The Eskimos have a chance at finishing atop the West Division if they win and B.C. loses. Edmonton running back Jerome Messam needs 19 yards to become the first Canadian in 11 years to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

The Pick Edmonton

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-7) at Calgary Stampeders (10-7)

Saturday, 4 p.m.

Drew Tate remains the Stampeders' No. 1 quarterback after last week's showing in Montreal, where he threw two interceptions, yet battled back for the win. Non-imports Johnny Forzani and Jon Cornish have established themselves as clutch players in the Calgary offence. Winnipeg will be without its No. 1 quarterback, the injured Buck Pierce, and will go with Alex Brink. Also sitting out will be defensive back Johnny Sears, who was suspended by the CFL for his head shot on Jyles.

The Pick Calgary

Montreal Alouettes (10-7) at B.C. Lions (10-7)

Saturday, 10 p.m.

The Als need to win and have the Stamps beat the Bombers in order to claim top spot in the East. Otherwise, Winnipeg takes it and earns the first-round bye, while Montreal would meet Hamilton in the semi-final. B.C. is tied atop the West with Calgary and Edmonton. Expect a battle through the air this week. Montreal QB Anthony Calvillo will look for receiver Jamel Richardson, who needs three receptions to set a new club record for catches in a season. B.C. counterpart Travis Lulay will take aim at Geroy Simon, who is 173 receiving yards shy of matching the CFL career record (15,153), held by Milt Stegall.

The Pick Montreal

LAST WEEK 1-3; SEASON 38-30

All times Eastern

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe