TORONTO — This week’s Marquee Matchup may be a playoff preview.
Currently, the Edmonton Eskimos sit in the crossover playoff spot into the East Division but things, of course, could change in the next two final weeks of the regular season.
Even with the uncertantity of where each team will finish the season in the standings, when the Esks head to Hamilton to take on the Tiger-Cats this week, it will likely have a playoff atmosphere.
With two teams led by stellar quarterbacks – Hamilton will have Zach Collaros back in the mix, while Edmonton has the league’s second leading passer Mike Reilly under centre – it should be an offensive showcase on Friday night.
While the Ticats’ defence has had some inconsistencies this season, their defensive line has not. Led by all-star John Chick, Hamilton’s D-line has helped the Tabbies stay near the top of the league in sacks all season long. It’ll be up to the Eskimos’ offensive line to protect Reilly if they want to have any success against Hamilton’s front four.
The Eskimos are coming off a 32-25 loss to the Lions last week, while the Ticats are carrying the momentum of a 39-36 overtime win against the REDBLACKS. A win for Hamilton keeps them in the race for the East crown. A win for Edmonton keeps them in the hunt for third place in the West.
Can the Tiger-Cats keep their fight for first in the East alive? Or will the Esks spoil their chances? All these questions and more in this week’s CFL Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup.
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Almost three quarters of the fans are siding with the Eskimos to take down the Tiger-Cats on Friday night.
The Tabbies defence, that has struggled with consistency this season, will have to put together one of their best games against the air attack coming in from Edmonton if they want to prove the fans wrong.
Edmonton, meanwhile, will look to use their league leading receivers, along with their ground game that has been firing up over the past few weeks, if they want to silence the home crowd and defeat the Tiger-Cats.
CFL.CA WRITER PICKS
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| Cauz (12-5) | Morris (12-5) |
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| Steinberg (11-6) | Ferguson (6-3) | Landry (12-5) | Nye (10-7) |
While the fans are siding with the visitors, the writers aren’t at convinced.
The CFL.ca writers – four out of the six of them to be exact – are leaning towards Collaros leading his team to victory in his first game back since being sidelined with an injury.
The other two writers, Matthew Cauz and Jim Morris, are picking the Eskimos to get the win in enemy territory.
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.
