Here we are, the final week of the CFL regular season! With the playoff match-ups set in the West Division and all three spots clinched in the East, only one game this week has playoff implications. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will be travelling to Ottawa to take on the Redblacks in a winner-take-all game to decide first place in the division. The Lions will host the Stampeders in a preview of the West semi-final to be held at McMahon Stadium the following week, so this game is a practice for both clubs.
After a long and exciting season in the CFL, it comes down to this one final week of the regular season before the important games start. Here we are, CFL fans, one week away from the playoffs! Before you get too excited, the wonderful LWOS staff gives you the week 20 CFL predictions.
Week 20 CFL Predictions
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Toronto Argonauts
Lance’s thoughts: Ricky Ray gets his second start of the 2015 campaign, however I’d expect to see Harris get some reps in the second half of this game as the Argos are locked in the third spot in the East. For Winnipeg, this game means nothing as well, with another disappointing end to season that started with hype. The Bombers will have to figure out who they want to keep and who will get the ugly axe- I’m looking at you O’Shea. I take the Argos in this one.
Lance Keiser: Winnipeg 14-20 Toronto
Gina Schiltz: Winnipeg 23-27 Toronto
Kelly Bale: Winnipeg 16-30 Toronto
Nicholas Di Giovanni: Winnipeg 20-28 Toronto
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Ottawa Redblacks
Nicholas’ thoughts: One final game to decide the Kings of the East! After a surprise win by the Redblacks at Tim Hortons Field last week, Ottawa becomes the de-facto favourites for this game at TD Place Stadium. With Jeff Mathews out, the Tiger-Cats will have a massive hill to climb in order to leave Ottawa with the Eastern crown. After a monster game by Ottawa kicker Chris Milo, this game might be decided by special teams in cold weather. Henry Burris will have years of experience over Jeremiah Mesoli and Jacory Harris and will give his team a huge advantage. Do not count the Ti-Cats out, however, as their defence is as powerful as ever. They might not be able to hold the Ottawa attack and their offence will not be able to provide the run support. The Redblacks will be getting the next week off.
Lance Keiser: Hamilton 19-24 Ottawa
Gina Schiltz: Hamilton 29-30 Ottawa
Kelly Bale: Hamilton 26-28 Ottawa
Nicholas Di Giovanni: Hamilton 15-18 Ottawa
Calgary Stampeders vs. B.C. Lions
Gina’s thoughts: In a game that supposedly means very little since both teams have their West playoff spot, a lot of speculative eyes will be on this game between B.C. and Calgary. But most of them will be focused on who is not playing. With little on the line, I would expect not to see a lot of Bo Levi Mitchell, Eric Rogers and many other starters for Calgary in an effort to keep them healthy for playoffs. In fact, Calgary Head Coach and GM, John Hufnagel has already said that Drew Tate will start on Saturday. The same, I suspect, would go for B.C., although there’s no word on whether Jonathan Jennings will play, who will be playing in his first playoffs in the league. Do you play him to give him the reps? Or keep him safe and healthy on the sidelines? I think both teams will play it safe by making it a battle of the running game – an interesting one at that – Andrew Harris vs. Jerome Messam. Both teams will want to finish strong, but I think Calgary will come out with the win.
Lance Keiser: Calgary 31-25 B.C.
Gina Schiltz: Calgary 34-27 B.C.
Kelly Bale: Calgary 23-29 B.C.
Nicholas Di Giovanni: Calgary 37-25 B.C.
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Montreal Alouettes
Kelly’s thoughts: Two teams, and two fanbases, that feel left out are the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montréal Alouettes. I’m calling this, “the Suck Bowl”, because it’s true. The current Alouette franchise, established in 1996, will miss the playoffs for the first time ever. What a black mark for this organization and its fans. Saskatchewan is by far the CFL’s worst team whose only real win this season was in the attendance category where they edged the Eskimos. Since both teams should be using their entire depth chart, give this one to the Riders by less than a field goal.
Lance Keiser: Saskatchewan 17-23 Montreal
Gina Schiltz: Saskatchewan 25-28 Montreal
Kelly Bale: Saskatchewan 19-17 Montreal
Nicholas Di Giovanni: Saskatchewan 31-17 Montreal
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