Smitty's Selections: Week 15

I have to think that it was intentional, but in another scheduling quirk, every game this week is a rematch from last week. When teams play back-to-back games, I tend to lean towards the team that lost the previous week, especially if the second game is in the loser's stadium.

Edmonton (4-9) at Hamilton (6-7)

Last week, the Eskimos stormed back from an early 21-7 deficit to defeat the Cats 37-35. Hamilton's porous Secondary allowed Ricky Ray to shred them almost at will, with Fred Stamps being the main beneficiary. Hamilton was able to move the ball rather effectively, but once again it was turnovers that cost them this game, once again they came at the hands of DeAndra' Cobb. In the last three games, Cobb has turned his season around, but his butterfingers have cost the team the last two games. Instead of sitting at 6-7, the Cats could be 8-5. If Cobb can keep the ball from hitting the ground, the Cats will win this one.

Winner: Hamilton, 34-24

Toronto (6-7) at Saskatchewan (9-4)

Toronto is swooning and Saskatchewan is peaking at just the right time. Even the return of Cory Boyd couldn't stop the bleeding for the Argos. As long as Toronto does not have a capable QB, it will be tough to side with them. The upcoming schedule is brutal for the Boatmen, and it is entirely possible that Toronto doesn't win another game all season. Last week, the Riders won in Toronto; this week the Riders win in Regina.

Winner: Saskatchewan, 37-21

Calgary (10-3) at Montreal (9-4)

In what many were calling a Grey Cup preview, the Stampeders crushed Montreal a week ago at McMahon Stadium. Henry Burris, who has to be the frontrunner for the Most Outstanding Player award, lit up the Als. With this game being played at Percival Molson Stadium, I don't see a repeat performance by the Als. They will not stink the joint out two weeks in a row. Also, it is likely that Ben Cahoon will break the CFL's all-time receptions record in this game. Cahoon needs four receptions to break Terry Vaughn's record of 1,006. Cahoon will get to 1,007 and the Als will get to 10 wins.

Winner: Montreal, 33-28

British Columbia (5-8) at Winnipeg (3-10)

My pick on this game changed when Alex Brink was announced as the starting QB for the Blue Bombers earlier this week. Anyone who has followed this site knows that I am very high on Steven Jyles. The problems in Winnipeg are not on Jyles. He, Terrence Edwards and Fred Reid have been doing everything they can to win football games. Once thought to be dead in the water, the Lions have won four of five since starting 1-7, and look to keep to the momentum going. Last week, the Lions eked out the victory, but with Brink making his first career start, it's hard to go against the Lions.

Winner: BC, 24-14

Recap
Hamilton, Saskatchewan, Montreal, BC

Season Record: 28-24