Football: CFL
2009 CFL Predictions: Week 19
By GREG HARRIS, MOP Squad CFL Editor
Nov 4, 2009 - 7:42:35 PM

Last Week: 4-0
Season to Date: 40-28 (.588)

Last week I finally went undefeated, and now I'm hoping to hit 60 per cent on the season.  But it's tough pickin's this week, as the 2009 season goes right down to the wire.  I can't remember the last time Week 19 had so much on the line, but it almost feels like the playoffs started 10 days early this year.  Just like in the postseason, two teams will be clearing out their lockers at the end of the weekend.  Fittingly enough, the two elimination games bookend an exciting week of CFL action.

Things get off to a rather late start on Friday nite, as Edmonton travels to BC Place to face the Lions.  The winner of this game gets to stay in the Western Division for a first-round matchup next week, while the loser will need a little help from Hamilton in order to cross over.  This is a tough one to call, as both teams have been as inconsistent as their matching 8-9 records would suggest.  BC will likely call on Casey Printers to make his third straight start, after his first two ended in narrow losses on the road.  Fortunately, he's got the home crowd behind him in this one.  Edmonton has not been a very good road team this season, although two of their three away wins came in the unfriendly confines of Regina's Mosaic Stadium.  That being said, the Lions already beat the Eskies twice--at Commonwealth, no less--and have the season series in the bag, giving them the edge in the standings should this one somehow end in a tie.  But I wouldn't count on a draw. I think this is the week Casey Printers breaks through, and wins a big game for BC.  I like the Lions.

The only irrelevant matchup of the week comes Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre in Toronto, where the last-place Argos host the first-place Als.  Tickets for this one have been significantly marked down (70 dollar tickets going for 30), and I'll be sitting in the second row behind the Montreal bench, possibly sporting a large sign stating the final score of the '08 Grey Cup.  Just don't ask me what I'll do with my complimentary "This is My Team" Toronto Argonauts shirt.  I might put it up on EBay, or something.  In any case, Fan Appreciation Day in TO will serve as a good warmup for the big game later on.  I just hope they knock 57 per cent off the beer prices, while they're at it... 

The Argos have only won one home game all year, and frankly, their Kerry Joseph-led squad couldn't beat a buncha Alouette backups, who we'll probably see for the second half.  Speaking of backups, what are the chances of Casey Bramlett putting his mouthguard in his mouth this week, instead of leaving it on his facemask?  Methinks he mighta saved himself a concussion last week had he remembered to do so.  I suspect he'll be called on again in the late stages of a rather comfortable Als win.

Alas, the whole purpose of my attendance at the aforementioned snoozefest is to get good and liquored up prior the the showdown for home-field between the Stamps and the Riders.  The two teams couldn't be more even this season.  Their first meeting was decided by a single point, and they played to a freaking tie just a few weeks ago.  But the Riders are reeling after putting in the Most Pathetic Performance of Week 18, while the Stamps are coming off a big road win against a tough BC opponent.  It's much easier to pick on--not to mention pick off--Darian Durant, he of the 8-for-20, 66-yards-passing performance last week, than it is for me to pick his team to win.  I'm taking the Stamps in my Upset Pick of the Week.

And that brings us to the thrilling conclusion to the season, where the Bombers host the Tabbies with an Eastern Division home playoff game on the line.  Winnipeg has to win to get in, but Hamilton is still playoff-bound with a loss.  The only catch is they'd be heading right back to Winnipeg next week to start their postseason.  (In the unlikely event of an Edmonton-BC tie, Hamilton would actually be on the outside looking in should they fall to the Bombers.)  Clinching their first playoff birth in five years is already an accomplishment for the Ticats, but hosting their first postseason game at Ivor Wynne in eight years gives 'em something extra to play for.  They gave their fans a show in their regular-season finale, dominating Saskatchewan in a windswept 24-6 blowout. 

The Bombers, meanwhile, didn't show up in Montreal last week, which means their either content to play their way in--or too complacent to play in big games.  Factor in that Kevin Glenn is returning to face the team that unceremoniously cut him (in favour of Stefan LeFors, no less) and I think Hamilton will be chomping at the bit.  I'm not sure I can say the same thing about the Bombers.  That's why I've got a roadtrip to Steeltown for the Tabbies and Eskies on my calendar next week...  Oskeweewee!

CFL Editor Greg Harris is preemptively putting a large "This Is My Team" Toronto Argonauts T-Shirt up for sale.  Contact him at greg.harris@mopsquad.com if you're interested...


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