WEEK 16 IN THE CFL

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/10/2012 (4774 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LIONS (10-4)

at TIGER-CATS (5-9)

Today, 6:30 p.m; TV: TSN

Ticats line: The Ticats are a mirror image of their quarterback Henry Burris. When he’s bad like last week (one TD and three picks), they lose. When he’s good they win. The Tiger-Cats are a surprising 5-2 against the Lions in their last seven meetings.

Lions line: The CFL’s best team and a good bet to win the Grey Cup, but this is a road game and a three-hour time difference for the Leos. The Lions flexed their muscles last week in a win over the Stampeders but this could be a trap game.

Bottom line: Hamilton needs this win, B.C. does not.

STAMPEDERS (8-6)

at BLUE BOMBERS (4-10)

Saturday, noon; TV: TSN; Radio: CJOB

Bombers line: Winnipeg hasn’t strung two wins together all season but did look their best last week in a road win over the Alouettes under backup QB Joey Elliott. Are the Bombers on the verge of a late-season surge? A win keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Stampeders line: The Stamps have weapons and QB Kevin Glenn is having a solid season. Nik Lewis is a fun player to watch and Jon Cornish might be the league’s most dominant offensive player.

Bottom line: It’s Week 16 in the CFL and this game is unpredictable. Only in the CFL.

ROUGHRIDERS (8-6)

at ESKIMOS (6-8)

Saturday, 3 p.m. TV: TSN

Roughriders line: The Riders have had runs of 3-0, 0-5 and now 5-1 in a very up-and-down season. They appear to have figured things out at the right time, however, and will be dangerous heading into the post-season.

Eskimos line: Quarterback Kerry Joseph has had some big moments this season and last week’s 359-yard, three- TD performance broke a five-game losing streak for the Esks. They still have a chance at challenging for the last spot in the West and need to keep winning if they want the crossover spot in the East.

Bottom line: Two teams heading the right direction at the right time.

ALOUETTES (8-6) at ARGONAUTS (7-7)

Monday, 3:30 p.m. TV: TSN

Alouettes line: Montreal had their worst game of the season last week and its defence was exposed. Anthony Calvillo is still the master but the Als need to figure out what they’re doing on defence or they will be prime for the picking the rest of the season.

Argos line: If QB Ricky Ray is ready to return the Argos are the team to watch. Backup Jarious Jackson came back to earth last week and it’s clear the Argos need their starter to threaten in the East.

Bottom line: The Battle of the East and there is no beast in this one.

THE PICKS (straight up)

The Free Press has assembled a panel to offer their fearless predictions every week. Joining us this year are CJOB’s Bob Irving, and from the Free Press, sports editor Steve Lyons, columnists Gary Lawless and Doug Brown and football writer Paul Wiecek:

Irving: Hamilton, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto

Lyons: Hamilton, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto

Brown: Hamilton, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal

Lawless: Hamilton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, Toronto

Wiecek: B.C. Calgary, Saskatchewan, Montreal

Last week (overall): Lyons 2-2 (36-20); Irving 1-3 (35-21); Brown 3-1 (32-24); Lawless 2-2 (29-27); Wiecek 2-2 (25-31)