• Maki: Going all out for offence
• The Globe’s predictions
• CFL team previews with odds to win the Grey Cup (Toronto Star)
• CFL panel makes their Grey Cup picks (TSN)
• CFL Week 1 Picks (Sun Media)

Other CFL News I have missed posting about

• Houston: CBC intends to go out with a bang
• McManus: 18-year CFL vet a rookie again
• Coming out of the Commissioner’s State of the League Address
  • Players Front and Centre of the CFL
  • CFL boss isn’t scared of NHL
  • Cohon reaches out to WADA’s Pound
• Renaming Grey Cup a tough sale
• Brunt: Cohon sitting pretty, but will it last?
  

Look for the return of OT Jottings (formerly Recent Links) soon.

Our Record Last Week: 0-3 (0%)
Our Final Record Overall: 38-34 (52.8%)

In review of our pre-season standings predictions and subsequent mid-season check-up we have some things to gloat about and some things to answer for.

What We Got Correct

Our pre-season predictions selected the correct three teams in the West to make the playoffs. In the East, we picked Montreal for first place correctly. At the mid-way point, we adjusted our East predictions to nail the final finishing order of Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg. We made no adjustments at the mid-way point in the West, so again correctly picked the teams but not their finishing order.

Our major accomplishment was picking the Edmonton Eskimos to miss the playoffs from the start of the season. We also correctly predicted that there would be no crossover for playoff positions this year.

What We Got Wrong

Our pre-season predictions incorrectly picked Calgary for first in the West, Saskatchewan for second, and B.C. for third. This was never in danger of happening all year, although Calgary did have a chance at first until late in the year. In the East, we mistakenly picked Hamilton for second place, ahead of Toronto. At the halfway point, we stuck with our West predictions, despite the standings, and again misplaced B.C. from first to third.

A major oversight was stating the rewritten No Yards rules would have the most affect on the league this year. In fact, the new return blocking rules affected the game the most, reducing kick return touchdowns and yardage, resulting directly in a huge scoring drop from previous years.

Conclusion

Our experiment in publishing our predictions this year is now over. We are reviewing the experience and weekly previews may return in the future in an adjusted form.

Our Record Last Week: 2-2 (50%)
Our Record Overall: 38-31 (55.1%)

Byes: Hamilton, Calgary

Saskatchewan at Edmonton (TSN)

Eskimos: 6-11-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Roughriders: 9-8-0 Last 6 3-3-0

Saskatchewan finally beats the Eskimos, even though it is a mean-nothing game.

Prediction: Saskatchewan 25 Edmonton 20

Montreal at Toronto (CBC/RDS)

Alouettes: 9-8-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Argonauts: 10-7-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Apparently, the Alouettes took a week off to get to this game. The plan does not work when the Argonauts put in the best lacklustre performance of two teams to take first in the East.

Prediction: Toronto 27 Montreal 24

Winnipeg at B.C. (TSN)

Blue Bombers: 9-8-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Lions: 12-5-0 Last 6 4-2-0

B.C. fits in another scrimmage before a week’s rest and the Western final. Unfortunately, against the stronger-than-last-week’s competition, the second place orientated Blue Bombers it will not be enough.

Prediction: Winnipeg 29 B.C. 28

Our Record Last Week: 1-3 (25%)
Our Record Overall: 36-29 (55.4%)

Saskatchewan at Toronto(TSN)

Argonauts: 10-6-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Roughriders: 8-8-0 Last 6 3-3-0

This is an important game for Toronto, but a mean-nothing game for Saskatchewan who can finish nowhere else but third in the West. Toronto at home, winners in eight of their last nine, should take this one to lock up first in the East, making next week’s match up in Montreal pointless.

Prediction: Toronto 30 Saskatchewan 22

Edmonton at Montreal (CBC/RDS)

Eskimos: 5-11-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Alouettes: 9-7-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Edmonton will be playing all the third-stringers now that their playoff hopes are gone. Montreal is still fighting for positioning in the East. Do the math. Unless the Alouettes are surprised by the play of the Eskimo rookies, take Montreal.

Prediction: Montreal 33 Edmonton 18

Calgary at Winnipeg (TSN)

Stampeders: 10-7-0 Last 6 3-3-0
Blue Bombers: 8-8-0 Last 6 3-3-0

Calgary is secure in a second place finish in the West, while Winnipeg still can fight for a home playoff game. Expect a less than motivated Calgary squad to be upset on the road.

Prediction: Winnipeg 29 Calgary 25

Hamilton at B.C. (TSN)

Tiger-Cats: 4-13-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Lions: 11-5-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Hamilton giving starts to backups for evaluation and a strong B.C. club who will not let up under Wally Buono spells a 14th and final loss for the Ti-Cats this season. I cannot see any other outcome to this game than a Lions win.

Prediction: B.C. 38 Hamilton 22

Our Record Last Week: 3-0 (100%)
Our Record Overall: 35-26 (57.4%)

Montreal at Saskatchewan (TSN/RDS)

Alouettes: 9-6-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Roughriders: 7-8-0 Last 6 3-3-0

Notable injuries:
Montreal – WR Sylvain Girard, WR Ezra Landry, DB Matthieu Proulx, LB Ryan Folk, OL Dave Mudge, CB Darryl Crutchfield, RB Mike Vilimek, DB Clint Kent, SB Ben Cahoon
Saskatchewan – DB Scott Gordon, FB Cory Hathaway, LB Mike McCullough, DL Marcus Adams, WR Jamal Richardson, WR Ibrahim Tounkara

In this rematch, many factors have to be considered. First, the conditions will be much colder in Regina than last Monday in Montreal. Advantage Saskatchewan. Fan support may be weak at Taylor Field after two losses and a game on a cold Friday night. Advantage Montreal. Alouettes receiver Ben Cahoon is not likely to play. Advantage Saskatchewan. Cahoon was the least of the ‘Riders problems last week. Advantage Montreal. Montreal dominated last week’s blow out. Advantage Montreal. The ‘Riders, blown out last week, have pride and a familiar foe to get back on track. Advantage Saskatachewan. In the end, take Montreal in a much closer game, with the ‘Riders unable to regain the lead in a critical home game.

Prediction: Montreal 21 Saskatchewan 20

Toronto at Edmonton (CBC)

Argonauts: 8-6-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Eskimos: 5-10-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable Injuries:
Toronto – QB Eric Crouch, WR Shockmain Davis, WR David Azzi
Edmonton – DB Reggie Durden, LB Steven Marsh, DB William Loftus, DB Jason Nugent, DB Kelly Wiltshire, WR Richard Alston, DB Roosevelt Williams

In the next rematch, Edmonton will know the night before whether Saskatchewan put another nail in their playoff-hopes coffin. Either way they will be playing for their lives on home turf. After last week’s loss, the Eskimos will need to find another way to stay close as it is likely that the Argonaut defence will be able to shut down their running game after reviewing last week’s film. The Argos could take another week off as they did on their trip to Calgary, but with a tight position race in the East, do not expect that to happen. Running the ball with Williams and Avery, the Argos will provide an offence suitable for the weather. Take the Argos in a similar score to last week.

Prediction: Toronto 28 Edmonton 24

Winnipeg at Hamilton (TSN)

Blue Bombers: 7-8-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Tiger-Cats: 4-12-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable injuries:
Winnipeg – OL Dan Goodspeed, WR Kwame Cavil, OL Matthew Sheridan, OL Mike Abou-Mechrek
Hamilton – OL Pascal Cheron, RB Josh Ranek, DB Sandy Beveridge, DE Tim Cheatwood, OL George Hudson, DB Airabin Justin

Both teams are coming off bye weeks, with the Ti-Cats just playing out the string. Hamilton should have RB Corey Holmes back in the lineup and their break would be a perfect opportunity to set their goals for their final games. If QB Jason Maas plays solid, mistake-free football they should be in the game. It will be Winnipeg’s to lose if the Bombers do not come out in form. Take the Ti-Cats likely and they will bite you. The Bomber motivation comes from trying to secure a home playoff game, but I think a long rest and being unprepared for Hamilton’s intensity will leave them short.

Prediction: Hamilton 25 Winnipeg 22

B.C. at Calgary (TSN)

Lions: 11-4-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Stampeders: 9-7-0 Last 6 3-3-0

Notable injuries:
B.C. – WR Tony Simmons, QB Dave Dickenson, LB Jamall Johnson
Calgary – OL Riley Clayton, WR Ron Johnson

After a drubbing in a first place showdown last week in B.C., the Stampeders did a lot less talking this week. On their side this week is home field advantage and another chance at their West division rivals. Expect some intensity from the Stamps from all players on the field as coach Tom Higgins will not let this team be unfocused again. While a win will not get them first place or even closer to it, it will send a message to B.C. who they expect to meet in the playoffs. The Lions will start QB Buck Pierce again and do not expect them to miss a beat. Their true test will be meeting the intensity of the Stampeders that they did not see last week. Based on their confidence and talent, I expect the Lions to take another against the Stamps.

Prediction: B.C. 27 Calgary 25

Our Record Last Week: 1-3 (25%)
Our Record Overall: 32-26 (55.1%)

Byes: Hamilton, Winnipeg

Calgary at B.C. (TSN)

Stampeders: 9-6-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Lions: 10-4-0 Last 6 5-1-0

Notable injuries:
Calgary – OL Riley Clayton, WR Ron Johnson
B.C. – WR Tony Simmons, QB Dave Dickenson, QB Buck Pierce

The Battle for the West sees these two teams collide in back-to-back matchups, with the one that prevails in the series taking the driver seat for first place in the West Division. Calgary faces a tough B.C. team at home while their own road record is lacking. The Lions have quarterback problems with both Dave Dickenson and Buck Pierce not likely to play banged up. However, Jarious Jackson has proven his ability in running the Lion offence. Calgary, two points behind B.C., needs both wins so will want a strong game out of their defence and QB Henry Burris to get back on track. Under the dome, I expect a high scoring affair, but I expect B.C. to prevail.

Prediction: B.C. 38 Calgary 37

Saskatchewan at Montreal (CBC/RDS)

Roughriders: 7-7-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Alouettes: 8-6-0 Last 6 1-5-0

Notable injuries:
Saskatchewan – QB Marcus Crandell, DB Scott Gordon, FB Cory Hathaway, LB Mike McCullough, DL Marcus Adams, WR Jamal Richardson
Montreal – WR Sylvain Girard, WR Ezra Landry, DB Matthieu Proulx, LB Ryan Folk, OL Dave Mudge, CB Darryl Crutchfield, FB Mike Vilimek, CB Clint Kent, DE R-Kal Truluck

Alouettes’ coach Don Matthews stepped down this week with GM Jim Popp taking over the coaching duties. This Thanksgiving Day matchup is followed immediately by a return match in Regina on Friday. After breaking their losing streak last week, the Alouettes will be looking to use this emotional departure as motivation the rest of the season. Saskatchewan has a poor record in Montreal, winning there only twice in the last 10 years. The ‘Riders do need to get on track and there is a sense of urgency as the number of games remaining dwindles. Losing games they should not, the ‘Riders want to start a winning streak going into the playoffs and defeat teams they feel they are better than. Montreal’s close win last week may have been more of a fluke against a struggling Winnipeg who were caught off-guard with some trick plays and turned the ball over. Based on Montreal’s dominance at home against the prairie squad, take the Alouettes.

Prediction: Montreal 27 Saskatchewan 24

Edmonton at Toronto (CBC)

Eskimos: 5-9-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Argonauts: 7-6-0 Last 6 5-1-0

Notable Injuries:
Edmonton – DB Reggie Durden, LB Steven Marsh, DB William Loftus, DB Jason Nugent, DB Kelly Wiltshire, WR Richard Alston, DB Roosevelt Williams
Toronto – QB Eric Crouch, WR Shockmain Davis, WR David Azzi

Both teams are coming off uplifting wins last week. Edmonton keeping their playoff hopes alive with a victory in Regina and Toronto defeating the Stampeders at home to keep pace in the East. Toronto is at home again this week and may possibly experiment with RB‘s John Avery and Ricky Williams in the same backfield. This may provide some interest for fans, but Toronto’s keys will be a strong defensive performance against Ricky Ray and their receivers hanging onto the ball. Edmonton has been in many tight games this year, and the key to coming out on top is clock management. Do not give Ricky Ray the opportunity for a game winning drive late in the game. The Argos ball control type offence should be able to accomplish this.

Prediction: Toronto 28 Edmonton 24

Our Record Last Week: 4-0 (100%)
Our Record Overall: 31-23 (57.4%)

Montreal at Winnipeg (TSN/RDS)

Alouettes: 7-6-0 Last 6 0-6-0
Blue Bombers: 7-7-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable injuries:
Montreal – WR Sylvain Girard, WR Ezra Landry, DB Matthieu Proulx, LB Ryan Folk, OL Dave Mudge, DL Dario Romero
Winnipeg – OL Dan Goodspeed, WR Kwame Cavil, OL Matthew Sheridan, WR Quentin McCord, OL Val St. Germain, OL Mike Abou-Mechrek, WR Chris Brazzell

A tough game to predict, the return match-up in Winnipeg is a prime opportunity for Montreal to turn their losing streak around against a familiar foe. Montreal however shows no signs of life. Anthony Calvillo has been left to the wolves with o-line changes. Without a shakeup I see no reason why the Alouette players will snap out of their lethargy. Winnipeg playing at home and back on track with RB Charles Roberts and WR Milt Stegall will put away another in an important game for playoff positioning.

Prediction: Winnipeg 28 Montreal 19

B.C. at Hamilton (TSN)

Lions: 9-4-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Tiger-Cats: 4-11-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable injuries:
B.C. – WR Tony Simmons, WB Dave Dickenson
Hamilton – OL Pascal Cheron, RB Josh Ranek, DB Sandy Beveridge, RB Corey Holmes, DE Tim Cheatwood, OL George Hudson

This appears to be an immediate gimme to the Lions, for no one could believe the Ti-Cats could knock off B.C. in their third upset in a row. The Lions, coming off a loss that snapped their seven game winning streak, will be hungry for a win. On the other side, Hamilton’s two game winning streak is a fluke of circumstance in meeting the Eskimos. Don’t be so quick to discount the Cats. Jason Maas had his first 300+ yard game since things went bad on them earlier in the season. Coach Lancaster has made some promising changes in the Hamilton defence and RB Jesse Lumsden adds a dimension to the Ti-Cats teams have not seen before. At home I can see Hamilton giving B.C. a rough time, and if Lions coach Wally Buono keeps Dave Dickenson in for the whole game while he struggles, the Tiger-Cats will have a chance. If you want to gamble on an upset of the week, take Hamilton, otherwise take the Lions.

Prediction: B.C. 32 Hamilton 27

Calgary at Toronto (CBC)

Stampeders: 9-5-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Argonauts: 7-6-0 Last 6 5-1-0

Notable Injuries:
Calgary – OL Jeff Pilon
Toronto – QB Eric Crouch, WR Shockmain Davis, RB John Avery

In another rematch from last week, Toronto looks to rebound from an awful offensive showing in Calgary. Normally return visits favour the previous losing team, but in this case Calgary may have exposed serious problems with the Argo defence. Calgary seems to have lost their up-and-down pattern and may be too hot to beat. Toronto may keep it close if they can score some points with their weapons and that may mean Damon Allen making way for Michael Bishop. I don’t expect as lopsided a game as last week, but Calgary will still come out on top.

Prediction: Calgary 30 Toronto 24

Edmonton at Saskatchewan (TSN)

Eskimos: 4-9-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Roughriders: 7-6-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Notable Injuries:
Edmonton – WR Andrew Nowacki, DB Reggie Durden, RB Mathieu Bertrand, LB Steven Marsh, LB Kelly Wiltshire, DB William Loftus, RB Mathieu Bertrand, LB Michael Botterill, WR Richard Alston
Saskatchewan – QB Marcus Crandell, WR Jamal Richardson, LB Mike McCullough, OL Fred Childress, DL Marcus Adams

The Eskimos are not a team to be taken lightly and are not a team you want to leave in the game too long lest they pull up an upset. Saskatchewan needs a victory to reduce the Eskimo magic number from 3 to 1 and drive another stake in Edmonton’s coffin. More player meetings in Edmonton will have them treating this as their most important game of their careers, for Eskimo pride. The ‘Riders better be prepared for another tooth-and-nail battle. Saskatchewan has the advantage with some good luck carrying over from their last contest, home field and a big crowd. All sides of the ball should be able to excel over Edmonton after their performance in last week’s battle with B.C.

Prediction: Saskatchewan 28 Edmonton 18

Our Record Last Week: 2-1 (66.7%)
Our Record Overall: 27-23 (54.0%)

Hamilton at Edmonton (TSN)

Tiger-Cats: 3-11-0 Last 6 1-5-0
Eskimos: 4-8-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable injuries:
Hamilton – OL Pascal Cheron, RB Josh Ranek, DB Sandy Beveridge, RB Corey Holmes, DE Tim Cheatwood, OL George Hudson
Edmonton – WR Andrew Nowacki, DB Reggie Durden, RB Mathieu Bertrand, LB Steven Marsh, LB Kelly Wiltshire

Hamilton pulled off the upset of the year last week, which should put the Eskimos in a bad mood coming home in the rematch. The Esks have been finding excuses all year though, and seem to overlook the fact they gave up three touchdowns to a Hamilton team that hadn’t scored one in a month. It wasn’t a Ricky Ray fumble which cost them the game – any other team had the Ti-Cats declawed by the final minute so it didn’t come down to a drive to win the game. I really see no positive qualities to the Edmonton team besides the will of Ricky Ray to win some games on his own. If the whole Edmonton team puts in a performance then the Esks could win. I normally cannot pick a team like Hamilton twice in back-to-back games but the Jason Maas factor and a gut feeling (and hope for another upset) have me going out on a limb and making this my upset of the week.

Prediction: Hamilton 24 Edmonton 17

Toronto at Calgary (CBC)

Argonauts: 7-5-0 Last 6 5-1-0
Stampeders: 8-5-0 Last 6 5-1-0

Notable injuries:
Toronto – WR Andre Talbot, QB Eric Crouch, RB John Avery, WR Shockmain Davis
Calgary – OL Jeff Pilon

In the battle of the hottest teams of the league, Calgary has the advantage playing at home. However don’t underestimate Toronto, who’s smothering defence can limit even the most powerful offences. If Calgary takes this team lightly and comes out flat, they will soon be in a battle for the game. Adding to the Stamps problems is Toronto adding Ricky Williams back into their lineup and may have different looks for Calgary that feature Williams much more promimently out of the backfield. On paper it looks like Calgary but if you want to go with your gut, Toronto wouldn’t be a bad pick.

Prediction: Calgary 28 Toronto 22

Winnipeg at Montreal (TSN/RDS)

Blue Bombers: 6-7-0 Last 6 1-5-0
Alouettes: 7-5-0 Last 6 1-5-0

Notable Injuries:
Winnipeg – OL Dan Goodspeed, WR Kwame Cavil, OL Matthew Sheridan, WR Quentin McCord
Montreal – WR Sylvain Girard, WR Ezra Landry, DB Matthieu Proulx, LB Ryan Folk, OL Dave Mudge, OL Luke Fritz

In the injury bowl, two nemesis’ face off in a matchup that could decide second place in the East. Both teams have decimated offensive lines, with the Alouettes giving up 12 sacks last week. If both teams get pressure to make the quarterbacks ineffective, expect a lower scoring game. Picking the winner comes down to this: go with Montreal if they make some kind of shakeup, otherwise take the Bombers. I really think Montreal has quit playing for Coach Matthews and they require a message from him in a player shakeup or a coaching shakeup (not likely considering he signed a 3-year contract extension) to turn it around.

Prediction: Winnipeg 30 Montreal 20

B.C. at Saskatchewan (TSN)

Roughriders: 6-6-0 Last 6 3-3-0
Lions: 9-3-0 Last 6 6-0-0

Notable Injuries:
B.C. – WR Tony Simmons
Saskatchewan – QB Marcus Crandell, WR Jamal Richardson

To finish off a Sunday afternoon double-header, B.C. rides their juggernaut into Saskatchewan. The Lions, riding a seven game win streak, look hard to beat. A rested Saskatchewan team may be the ones to do it, the same club that handed the Lions their last loss. The key will be Saskatchewan’s defence and it’s ability to be all over the oft-injured Dave Dickenson. If Dickenson goes out the game, the ‘Rider defence will have to keep the pressure on the unsolved Buck Pierce and try to create turnovers. If the ‘Rider defence can keep B.C. under 30 points and their offence can put points on the board, the game should be theirs. B.C. will be looking to put the game out of reach by scoring from all over the field and from all sides of the ball. Let them and it could be a long afternoon. We think a rested and prepared ‘Rider defence will have a say in an important game for Saskatchewan.

Prediction: Saskatchewan 28 B.C. 24

Our Record Last Week: 1-2 (33.3%)
Our Record Overall: 25-22 (53.2%)

Byes: Roughriders, Argonauts

Winnipeg at Calgary (TSN)

Blue Bombers: 6-6-0 Last 6 2-4-0
Stampeders: 7-5-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Notable injuries:
Winnipeg – OL Dan Goodspeed, WR Kwame Cavil, OL Matthew Sheridan, WR Quentin McCord
Calgary – None

Both teams reversed their fortunes last week in rematches of Labour Day outcomes – the Stampeders losing on the road and the Bombers winning at home. Calgary will look to put in a better performance and at home is just the place to do it. Winnipeg willed themselves to win in an emotional game but expect them to not fair as well on the road. Calgary gets the nod with all the advantages in talent, coaching and intangibles in this game.

Prediction: Calgary 28 Winnipeg 21

Edmonton at Hamilton (TSN)

Tiger-Cats: 2-11-0 Last 6 1-5-0
Eskimos: 4-7-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable injuries:
Edmonton – DB William Loftus, WR Andrew Nowacki, DB Reggie Durden, RB Mathieu Bertrand
Hamilton – DB Scott Gordon, OL Pascal Cheron, RB Josh Ranek, WR Kahlil Hill, DB Sandy Beveridge, DB Justin Airabin

Edmonton picked up their first win in three games and are already counting two wins in back-to-back games against the Ti-Cats to get them back in the playoff race. That is the first bad sign. Jason Maas in his first game against his former team may be just what he needs to push him over the top. After last week’s exceptional defensive performance for the Ti-Cats, the offence only needs to pick it up a little to push them over the top. We feel their best chance is to do that at home against the Eskimos, who may be looking past these games. We think the Ti-Cats will take one of these games so are picking them this week.

Prediction: Hamilton 19 Edmonton 15

Montreal at B.C. (CBC/RDS)

Alouettes: 7-4-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Lions: 8-3-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Notable Injuries:
Montreal – WR Sylvain Girard, RB Éric Lapointe, WR Ezra Landry, DB Matthieu Proulx, LB Timothy Strickland, OL Dave Mudge
B.C. – WR Tony Simmons, QB Dave Dickenson

In this rematch of the last meeting for these clubs with a bye week in between, the normally favoured Lions seem more vulnerable. Montreal, though faced with numerous injuries in their Canadian talent, have had an extra week to work on correcting the issues with their offence and getting back to the basics that made them successful earlier in the year. Last year the Alouettes came close to knocking B.C. off at home, so they have past experience to draw from. B.C. may not have QB Dave Dickenson at their disposal and replacement Buck Pierce may be affected by coach Wally Buono’s talk of bringing in additional QB‘s for looks this fall. After a bye week, I do not expect a Don Matthews coached team to continue a four game losing streak. Take the Alouettes.

Prediction: Montreal 28 B.C. 27

Our Record Last Week: 4-0 (100%)
Our Record Overall: 24-20 (54.5%)

Byes: Alouettes, Lions

Calgary at Edmonton (TSN)

Stampeders: 7-4-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Eskimos: 3-7-0 Last 6 1-5-0

Notable injuries:
Calgary – None
Edmonton – DB William Loftus, WR Andrew Nowacki, DB Reggie Durden, OL Dan Comiskey

The annual short week rematch between provincial rivals can be tough to pick. This year though, with Edmonton in a big slump and not making any changes it is hard to think last week’s result will change. Edmonton needs to establish a run game, protect their QB, establish a lead and not turn over the ball. Calgary will be working on correcting mistakes and if they are successful, watch out. Take Calgary despite the big crowd and home field.

Prediction: Calgary 36 Edmonton 24

Hamilton at Toronto (CBC)

Tiger-Cats: 2-10-0 Last 6 1-5-0
Argonauts: 6-5-0 Last 6 4-2-0

Notable injuries:
Hamilton – DB Scott Gordon, OL Pascal Cheron, RB Josh Ranek, WR Kahlil Hill, DB Sandy Beveridge, LB Renard Cox
Toronto – RB Ricky Williams, QB Eric Crouch, OL Jeff Yorga, WR Shockmain Davis

The only challenge for this game is to predict how few points Hamilton will score. After a Labour Day match up could not pump up the Hamilton offence, we do not expect anything from them this week. The Tiger-Cats only chance is to keep the score low, and perhaps a score by the defence will put them over the top. The Argonauts are on a roll and are a week past the distractions they faced last week. Expect the Argos to play strong at home. Perhaps many low scoring predictions for the Ti-Cats will bust their offence out of their drought.

Prediction: Toronto 29 Hamilton 9

Saskatchewan at Winnipeg (TSN)

Roughriders: 6-5-0 Last 6 4-2-0
Blue Bombers: 5-6-0 Last 6 2-4-0

Notable Injuries:
Saskatchewan – WR Jamal Richardson, QB Marcus Crandell, DE Dwan Epps
Winnipeg – OL Dan Goodspeed, WR Kwame Cavil

Saskatchewan has a poor record in Winnipeg with follow-up games to the Labour Day Sunday match up no better. On Sunday, Winnipeg failed to regain the lustre they had earlier in the season with Glenn and Stegall in the line-up. It could be a different story on different turf. If Winnipeg executes better and is able to implement a running attack into their game plan the whole dynamic will change. The ‘Riders were not very spectacular on offence save for some big plays. On the road, they will need some long drives to control the game. In the end the game will come down to defences and at this moment the ‘Rider defence is stronger.

Prediction: Saskatchewan 31 Winnipeg 20