Hamilton Tiger Cats (1-2) vs. Montreal Alouettes (2-1)
Montreal played a much better game on defence in Vancouver and the struggling offence should get back on tracks at home. Anthony Calvillo is second in passing with 902 yards and 6 touchdown passes in three games.
The Alouettes swept their three games series last season against the Tiger Cats and Hamilton has not won in Montreal since 2002. In those three games, the Als outscored the TiCats 104-54. With an offence that won’t be deafened by a hostile crowd, and a defence that will benefit from the return of linebacker Diamond Ferri, it should be more of the same in this one.
But these Tiger Cats can’t be taken lightly. Kevin Glenn was named offensive player of the week after his stellar performance against Winnipeg and veteran slotback Dave Stala, a former Alouette, was the Canadian player of the week. This team can prove explosive and if their defence manages to unsettle Calvillo, then we could have a much closer game on our hands.
However a Hamilton win is still a long shot. Don’t bet on it.
Pick: Montreal
B.C. Lions (1-2) vs. Toronto Argonauts (2-1)
Is new Coach Jim Barker a real genius or was Bart Andrus really that bad of a coach? Seeing these Argos winning their last two games against Winnipeg and Calgary, one is tempted to answer both. QB Cleo Lemons is proving to be a quick learner although his numbers are still not that convincing, RB Cory Boyd is giving these Argos a solid ground game and a rejuvenated OL is helping both to shine.
Toronto was the most penalized team in the CFL in both 2008 and 2009. So far this season they have drawn fewer penalties than any other team in the league. The Lions are the most penalized team. And they may have to play the Boatmen without starting QB Casey Printers who is suffering from a sore knee. It will be a last minute decision, but if Travis Lulay starts the game behind centre, the Argonauts could have problems.
Jarious Jackson, who had shoulder surgery in February, could also be called upon to play against Toronto. On the bright side for B.C., defensive lineman Keron Williams, who sat out the last two games, has been deemed fit enough to play against the Argos. That may not be enough though.
Pick: Toronto
Edmonton Eskimos (0-3) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2)
The Eskimos had their chances since the start of this season and should at least show a winning record entering week 4. But they keep blowing it with turnovers and missed opportunities. They have turned the ball over 11 times in three games and are now the only winless team in the CFL. Still, despite its poor record, Edmonton showed once again that it is a competitive team in Saturday’s 24-20 defeat at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Two players from the Eskimos were amongst the CFL players of the Week: LB Maurice Lloyd on defence and kicker Noel Préfontaine on special teams. Despite coming back from a groin injury, Préfontaine . Lloyd had six tackles and two sacks in that game.
Winnipeg will be without starting QB Buck Pierce (sprained knee) and will need to rely on Steven Jyles who was somewhat effective in Friday’s loss to Hamilton (9 for 13 for 95 yards and a touchdown). This being said, the loss of Pierce will undoubtedly hurt their chances, even at home.
Once again, the Eskimos just can’t afford to leave Winnipeg with another loss and with the return of DT Dario Romero they shouldn’t.
Pick: Edmonton
Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-0) vs. Calgary Stampeders (2-1)
After three weeks, the Saskatchewan Roughriders lead the CFL with a perfect 3-0 record. But none of those wins were pretty, starting with the opening day shootout against the Alouettes to this ugly 24-20 win against the Eskimos last week.
Tailback Wes Cates as been one of the key players for these Riders, earning 317 yards on 41 carries and 2 touchdowns. Saskatchewan scored five of its 12 touchdowns so far this season on running plays. Cates is averaging 7.7 yard per carry. Although they run the ball, the Roughriders are also passing a lot. Darian Durant leads the CFL in passing with 971 yards with 7 touchdowns and only one interception.
The Stampeders look to rebound from their first loss of the season at the hands of the Argonauts in Toronto. With a win, the Stamps would join the Riders in first place of the West Division. They have all the tools to win this one at home and should take advantage of a Riders defensive squad that has been far too generous this season.
These two teams met twice in Calgary last season and each time these contests went down to the wire. The Roughriders won 24-23 on August 1 and the teams played to a 44-44 overtime draw on October 17.
Pick: Calgary