WEEK 13 IN THE CFL

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2009 (5850 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES (9-2) at HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (6-5)

When: Friday, 6 p.m.. TV: TSN.

Streaks: Mtl.: 2W; Ham.: 1W.

Vegas line: The Alouettes are favoured by 51/2 points.

The storyline: The Tiger-Cats will no doubt use this game as a measuring stick for later in the season, as both these clubs appear headed for the post-season. The Als have a headlock on first in the East, although a Tiger-Cats win would make things a little more interesting down the stretch. Montreal is famous for late-season swoons but have been able to avoid such a pitfall to date. The Tiger-Cats won’t get much help from other teams in the East, as both Toronto and Winnipeg offer little resistance at this point.

B.C. LIONS (5-6) at CALGARY STAMPEDERS (6-5)

When: Friday, 9 p.m. TV: TSN.

Streaks: B.C.: 1L; Calgary 1L.

Vegas line: The Stampeders are favoured by 71/2 points.

The storyline: Winnipeggers will want to watch this game to see if Romby Bryant can get open and catch the ball in a modern offence. Bryant had more than 1,000 yards receiving last season before absolutely disappearing in the offence instituted by Bombers coach Mike Kelly. Bryant was sent to the Stamps along with Canadian receiver Arjei Franklin earlier this week. The Lions have added quarterback Casey Printers as insurance behind the injured Buck Pierce (rib) and Jarious Jackson (shoulder). The Lions hold their breath every time Pierce gets hit due to a history of concussion problems, and Jackson is wildly erratic. Printers could end up being the man.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (6-5) at EDMONTON ESKIMOS (6-5)

When: Saturday, 5 p.m. TV: TSN.

Streaks: Sask.: 1L; Edm.: 1W.

Vegas line: The Eskimos are favoured by 41/2 points.

The storyline: Monster battle in the West as these clubs begin the backstretch jockeying for playoff position. First place is still up for grabs and second spot is very valuable, as the owner of that position will get to host the West semi. The Esks were very impressive offensively in last week’s win over the Riders, giving up no sacks and no turnovers and scoring majors on three possessions. The Riders need to prove they can win a big game on the road.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS (3-8) at WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (3-8)

When: Saturday, 8 p.m. TV: TSN, Radio: CJOB.

Streaks: Tor.: 1L; Win.: 3L

Vegas line: The Blue Bombers are favoured by 11/2 points.

The storyline: Is this the end of the line for one of these teams? The club that slips to 3-9 will be even closer to mathematical elimination. The Bombers have a slew of new faces at receiver and have dropped three games in a row. The Argos have shown some sparks on offence of late and their defence continues to keep them in games. This battle will go to the club that limits its mistakes.

THE PICKS

Bob Irving, CJOB: Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg.

Gary Lawless, Free Press: Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto.

Ed Tait, Free Press: Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto.

Randy Turner, Free Press: Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto.

Mitch Zalnasky, CJOB: Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto.

Last week/overall: Bob Irving: 2-2/27-17; Gary Lawless: 2-2/24-20; Mitch Zalnasky: 4-0/24-20; Ed Tait: 2-2/23-21; Randy Turner: 3-1/23-21.