Patrick Doyle/CFL.ca
TORONTO — There were a trio of squads that were able to clinch their respective spots in the playoffs a week ago, and with four games on the docket for Week 16, there are two more teams that could punch their tickets.
This #TotalPickEm column is intended to give you some insight into the matchups, but for full breakdowns be sure to visit the main page of CFL.ca for comprehensive resources.
Friday | Hamilton at Winnipeg
Both the Ticats (10-3) and Bombers (9-4) clinched playoff berths in Week 15. We’ll be in for another battle of the backups in this game, as
Hamilton jumped out to a big lead in their last game against the Esks, but after a comeback by Edmonton, they just managed to squeak out with the win following a walk-off field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu.
Chris Streveler had three rushing scores and another through the air for the Bombers in Week 15. However, Winnipeg dropped the game to Montreal. They still clinched, but Mike O’Shea will have his team ready to get back in the win column.
Dane Evans relieved Jeremiah Masoli following his ACL injury when these two teams last met up. He’ll try and help the Tabbies sweep the Bombers in the season series.
Saturday | Edmonton at Ottawa
Two teams coming off losses will meet up in the nation’s capital to open Saturday’s triple-header.
The Eskimos (6-7) had Logan Kilgore under centre, and the backup led a passioned comeback against the Ticats. But Edmonton came up just short in their effort to win at home. It’s still unclear who will be under centre for this game, but they’ll be in good hands regardless.
In the case of the REDBLACKS (3-10), they need something to go their way. They’ve dropped 10 of their last 11 contests and were blown out by BC in their last two games. Domonique Davis and Jonathon Jennings will split snaps for them in this game to try and help Ottawa to its first win since Week 8.
Saturday | Saskatchewan at Toronto
It’s James Franklin’s time to shine (again) in Toronto.
Franklin was named the Argos’ (2-10) starter when they welcome the Riders (8-4) to BMO Field on Saturday.
Toronto did their best to claw back against Calgary in their last game but it was too little, too late for the double blue. Franklin outperformed McLeod Bethel-Thompson and was rewarded for his performance with another shot in Week 16.
Saskatchewan has won seven of its last eight games and just need to beat the Argos in order to seal their spot in the postseason.
The Argos will try to avoid the series sweep at the hands of the Riders, who won by 25 points in the last head-to-head between these two teams.
Saturday | Montreal at BC
It’ll be Matt Shiltz’s ship to steer when the Als (7-5) travel to BC Place on Saturday.
With Vernon Adams Jr. sitting this game out due to suspension, Shiltz will be the man in charge of trying to help Montreal to its fifth win in six games.
The Lions (3-10) have won their last two games, but those came against Ottawa. Montreal is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth so they’ll be coming in at top form.
