Week 19 Predictions

Since it's a few hours before week 19 Kickoff, Might as well throw some fearless Predictions out on MFG. It's the biggest week of 2009 for 6 of the leagues 8 teams, who's going to step up and who's going to fall down.

Edmonton in B.C. Friday 10:30pm: I like B.C. for two main reasons 1- Edmonton has trouble facing anyone but Toronto the last two months and 2- the Eskimos are battling the flu bug. The losing team can still jump over to the East in the cross-over but I don't think either Wally Buono or Richie Hall will be relying on a Winnipeg loss. Casey Printers may or may not be the answer but he'll give the Lions enough offense to pull out the win. BC 28, Edm 18.

Montreal in Toronto Saturday 1pm: Montreal is going with the B-Team, I agree with it, except for resting Avon Cobourne. I believe Brandon Whittaker will be very effective, so there won't be a lag on the field. But for Cobourne its a long time to rest. McPherson will be hounded by the Argos D but that'll lead to many big run plays. Toronto is still an awful team offensively and the Alouettes won't rest as many on defense as they will on offense. Mtl 25, Tor 20.

Calgary in Saskatchewan Saturday 7pm: A couple of weeks ago these two teams tied in an impressive 44 all draw. Calgary will be very happy with a similar result. Both teams would love the extra time off to rest some bumps and bruises. I'm going to give the edge to Calgary, why? Joffrey Reynolds has been hitting his stride the last three weeks, with two games over 100yards, and the week he didn't hit the century mark he scored two TDs. With the Grey Cup in Calgary it's added motivation for the Stamps not to travel in the playoffs. Cal 38, Sask 35.

Hamilton in Winnipeg Sunday 1pm: If Edmonton and BC tie, then Hamilton knows that they will play again next weekend. However, that shouldn't change any motivation the Ti-Cats would have to win the game and earn a home playoff date against a cross-over team. The Ti-Cats are coming off a win while the Bombers are coming off a tough loss in Montreal. Momentum helps in football. Kevin Glenn looks like a new man since he's been named starter. Ham 27, Win 23.

So I like B.C., Montreal, Calgary and Hamilton. But it is the CFL right so we'll probably see 2 ties and a Toronto win and maybe unfairly the Ti-Cats on the outside looking in with a loss. But that's why we'll all be watching week 19. Enjoy the games.

Playoffs? I'm Talking about Playoffs

It's time to breakdown playoff scenarios in the CFL. Kudos to the CFL schedule maker this year as week 19 should be a dandy with 3 of the 4 match-ups having playoff implications.

So with a quick look, three teams have made the playoffs, one team as been eliminated. Leaving four teams for three playoff spots. And since the cross-over is in play a tie-game may make the difference the best way to break this down is to tell you how the four teams that haven't clinched, could miss out on the playoffs.

Hamilton (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to Winnipeg AND Edmonton and BC Tie.

Winnipeg (7-10) misses the Playoffs if they lose or tie to Hamilton

Edmonton (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to BC AND Winnipeg wins

BC (8-9) misses the Playoffs if they lose to Edmonton AND Winnipeg wins

Good thing the game between Winnipeg and Hamilton is on Sunday after all of Friday and Saturday's action.

Now the interesting thing in all of this is if Edmonton and BC tie, they both make the Playoffs. With Edmonton making the jump to the East in the cross-over to face either Hamilton or Winnipeg on the road.

In the West Division title chase both Saskatchewan and Calgary have clinched a home playoff date. However they face off in Riderville Saturday night with a first round bye on the line. If Saskatchewan wins then Calgary will host the winner of Edmonton and BC in the Division Semi-final on November 15th. If Calgary wins or ties (don't rule it out) Saskatchewan they will have home field for their entire palyoff run.

Montreal, they know their date that's November 22nd at the Big O versus either or the remaining playoff hopefuls (Winnipeg, Hamilton, Edmonton or BC)

Toronto, we'll they can go catch the Leafs at the ACC on Saturday night against the Red Wings.