Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
There are just three weeks remaining in the CFL regular season, and after the playoff picture got a little clearer in Week 18, we’ve got four games on tap in Week 19, with doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday night.
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 | Toronto at Montreal
The Argos and Als will run back their thrilling clash from Week 11 at Touchdown Atlantic, where the outcome came down to the final seconds of the contest.
Vernon Adams Jr. will be trying to add to an already MOP-worthy campaign when he goes up against the Toronto defence. He looks to have a full supporting cast, as running back William Stanback returned to practice this week.
The Als won’t be able to catch the Tiger-Cats for top spot in the East, but they’re gaining momentum with every week heading into their first playoff game since 2014.
Friday | Saskatchewan at BC
The Riders invade BC Place on Friday night looking to get back on track after a loss in Week 18.
BC was eliminated from the playoffs and, to add literal injury to insult, they lost quarterback Mike Reilly for the year with a fractured left wrist.
Despite the Lions being out of the playoffs, the Riders aren’t taking this game lightly. They know that BC has nothing to lose and could put a damper on the Riders’ plans to win the West.
Saturday | Ottawa at Hamilton
The Saturday doubleheader opens with the REDBLACKS heading West to finish off their season series with the Ticats.
Ottawa just can’t seem to catch a break down the stretch, and it doesn’t get any easier, as they head into Tim Hortons Field to play the top team in the CFL. Will Arndt will be given another chance to prove himself against the stingy defence of the Ticats.
Hamilton will be looking to keep their home record spotless in this one. A win would also give the Tabbies the most wins in a single season in franchise history. It could be a big night for the black and gold.
Saturday | Winnipeg at Calgary
We cap off the week with the first half of a back-to-back that could have massive implications on the final standings in the West Division.
Calgary is currently holding down the top spot in the West. Winnipeg is sitting in third. Both teams are at 10 wins and could change their luck by coming out victorious on Saturday.
Bo Levi Mitchell continues to get better with every week since coming back from injury. He’ll go head-to-head with Chris Streveler, who will cause fits for the Stamps’ defence with his dual-threat ability.
These teams will meet once again in Week 20 following this game. Winnipeg would win the season series with just one victory over the next two weeks, which would be massive for their efforts to host a playoff game.
