Troy Fleece/CFL.ca
TORONTO — It’s not just a game for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa REDBLACKS on Friday night – it’s the beginning of the battle for the East crown and the rematch of last year’s Division Final.
The REDBLACKS travel to Southern Ontario in the first game of a home-and-home with its Division rival. Ottawa sits just one point ahead of the Tiger-Cats in the East. A win for Hamilton catapults them to the top spot. A win for Ottawa widens the gap.
Hamilton is coming off a much-needed bye last week, after being plagued with injuries over the last month. With their star pivot, Zach Collaros, out of the lineup as he recovers from a concussion, it will be Jeremiah Masoli who will anchor the Tabbies’ offence. CJ Gable returns to the backfield this week, after being sidelined with a knee injury since Week 13, hoping to help snap his team’s two game losing skid.
The REDBLACKS are looking for a strong finish in its first meeting this season with its provincial rival after two late-game losses in Week 15 and 16. Henry Burris will lead the charge this week for Ottawa, as the REDBLACKS also hope to snap a two game losing streak.
With everything on the line, something has to give for one team.
Can the REDBLACKS hold on to first place? Or will Hamilton take over the top of the East? All these questions and more in this week’s CFL Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup.
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It’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top in the first meeting between the REDBLACKS and Tiger-Cats with both teams boasting similar records in the East Division.
The fans are leaning slightly towards the home team at 58 per cent. If the Ticats want to make sure those fans are right, they’ll have to get to quarterback Burris early and often to keep the REDBLACKS’ offence on the sidelines. It shouldn’t be too difficult for Hamilton to do so, as its defence is tied for the league-lead in sacks (41).
The REDBLACKS, who boast the league’s third-best pass attack, will keep Hamilton’s defence on their toes on Friday night.
CFL.CA WRITER PICKS
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| Nye (9-6) | Cauz (10-5) | Morris (10-5) |
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| Steinberg (11-4) | Ferguson (6-1) | Landry (12-3) |
Just like the fans, the CFL.ca writers aren’t convinced there is a clear winner as they’re split right down the middle with who they think will come out on top of the East matchup.
Pat Steinberg, Marshall Ferguson and Don Landry all picking the home team, while Jamie Nye, Matthew Cauz and Jim Morris are siding with the visiting REDBLACKS.
Keep an eye on the pick trend and if you haven’t already, log in and make your pick! Kickoff arrives Friday night at 7:00 p.m. ET.
