Week 16 Preview
The Ford twins will face off in a battle of number 1 and 2 in CFL.CA’s Power Ranking this past week.
This week is crucial for all 9 teams. This week starts Friday night in Toronto, and finishes with the battle of the Ford family in Edmonton.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) @ Toronto Argonauts (7-6)
Bo Levi Mitchell leads the CFL in passing yards with 3,682 yards, and also leads the league in passing TDs with 23. Hamilton has dominated Toronto so far this season, but with Chad Kelly being back for the Argos, everything changes. Chad Kelly led the Argos to a 16-2 season last year, but one of those losses was when he was resting and Cameron Dukes played. Hamilton has won both matchups, but a Toronto win would likely end the playoff hopes for Hamilton. I have a feeling that that will happen in a blowout.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-7-1) @ Calgary Stampeders (4-8-1)
Calgary is only 2 points (1 win) away from being tied with Saskatchewan for the 4th place spot in the West. Jake Maier is second in the CFL in yards with 1,157 yards and 3rd in TD passes with 16. Trevor Harris is right behind him with 15 TD passes. Neither team has been playing well lately, with Saskatchewan without a win in 7 games, and Calgary is winless in 5. Saskatchewan usually is one of the best teams in the league when Trevor Harris plays, but hasn’t played well recently. This is a home game for Calgary, and they showed strong signs last week, but I have to pick Saskatchewan to win this and get a game closer to a playoff berth.
Montreal Alouettes (10-2-1) @ Ottawa Redblacks (8-4-1)
The Montreal Alouettes have been the best team all year long, but now they are ranked third in CFL’s power rankings (2nd in my mental power rankings), with Ottawa right behind them. Montreal is no longer in contention to tie the best record in CFL history. Ottawa is only 2 games back from Montreal, and has two games against Montreal left in the season. Dru Brown is confirmed to start, but Ottawa has cooled off throughout the season, and Montreal needs a win after an embarrassing tie to Calgary, so they will have extra motivation. I think the Als will pull through for a huge win to extend their lead and take back #1 in the rankings.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6) @ Edmonton Elks (5-8)
With Tre Ford being announced as Endmonton’s starter, it will be a battle of the Ford twins. The only problem for Tre and the Elks is that he and his brother Tyrell have played together their whole life, and know how each other think and play. I think Tyrell Ford will have inside knowledge on what Tre is doing and what he’s thinking, costing the Elks some explosive plays. Tyrell Ford leads the CFL in interceptions and with Tre being young, he could throw an interception to his brother. Chris Strevler leads the CFL in rushing touchdowns with 10, and Elks’ short distance specialist Dakota Prukop has 8 rushing TDs in second place. Prukop scored 2 touchdowns in the Grey CUp last year with Winnipeg. Brady Oliveria is second in the CFL in rushing yards with 894, and could easily hit 1k and take first after this game. I’m a big fan of both teams, and Edmonton needs this win, but Winnipeg has been so hot lately. Also, Zach Collaros has never lost a game after a bye week with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Because of this, I think Sergio Castillo is kicking a game-winning 54-yard field goal as time expires. I would be ecstatic is they tied though.