Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca
OTTAWA — This week’s Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup features the first of a home-and-home between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa REDBLACKS with major implications in the standings.
Hamilton and Ottawa are currently tied in points and both sit at 8-7, meaning a win for both teams is imperative as they eye the first round bye and hosting the Eastern Final.
The last time these two teams played each other was back in Week 7 when, thanks to seven field goals from Lewis Ward, Ottawa defeated the Ticats 21-15 at Tim Hortons Field.
This season the REDBLACKS offence has been inconsistent and have struggled to finish drives with touchdowns, helping earn Ward the league’s most consecutive field goal record this year. Finishing off drives with six points will be key for Trevor Harris and his squad, either through the air or on the ground with the CFL’s leading rusher, William Powell.
Hamilton’s starting running back Alex Green makes his return to the lineup this week. The 30-year-old was placed on the six-game injured list after hurting his shoulder against the Stampeders in Week 16 and the Tabbies will hope the tailback will continue his touchdown scoring ways, as Green has eight majors in just six games.
Marquay McDaniel will make his Ticats debut at TD Place this week, giving Jeremiah Masoli a veteran target to go along with Brandon Banks and Luke Tasker.
Who comes out on top in the first of the back-to-back between these East Division foes? Find out on Friday night.
» PLAY CFL PICK ‘EM
Pick Trend
The fans are almost split down the middle for this matchup, with 51 per cent picking the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats to come out with a win.
CFL.ca Writer Picks
Who will win this week’s CFL.ca Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup? Weigh in below before Friday night’s 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
