Week 15: The Playoff Push

Alright guys (and gal) it's do or die. It's time to push for the playoffs or there won't be a post-season for some teams. Right now, it doesn't look very promising for Toronto. Their last 5 games go like this: BC, WPG, Mon, BC, Sask. Notice: not a single game against Hamilton. It's an uphill battle and I don't think that BC is going to let their 4th place crossover-playoff dreams fade away. Neither will the Riders. Nor will Winnipeg go easy on 'em.

Hamilton's situation is worse. Their last 5 go: Mon, Mon, Sask, CGY, WPG. Are there any wins in those final 5?

I'm starting to sweat over the Rider's last 5, with back-to-back games against Calgary followed by Hamilton, Edmonton then Toronto. I can see winning 3 out of those 5, with 1 loss to Calgary and another to Edmonton. Anything less than a 10-8 season will be a disappointment - even with all the injuries.

Winnipeg's road to the playoffs has some interesting twists and turns as well. For the next five games, the Bombers will face: Edmonton, then Toronto, followed by two road games against Calgary then Montreal ,and ending at home against Hamilton. What can we expect out of the Blue and Gold? 2-3 out of their final 5?

Without the Argo's going 5 for 5 in their last push to reach the playoffs, it looks highly unlikely that they'll be there and that, well - anyone from the West - won't take their spot and meet the Bombers at home in the first round of playoffs in the East; effectively making every game count for every team in the West.

Week 14 saw repeat success for the winners of Week 13: the Bombers, Stampeders, Lions and Als all extended their winning streaks. And for the second week out of the past three, Jamie and KDS were perfect in their picks.

Week 15 has back-to-back games tonight and on Saturday.

Game 1: BC at Toronto, Friday 7pm ET. With the Lions on a roll and the Argos struggling to find success at quarterback, I don't know if there's anything that will keep Toronto in the playoff race. One thing is for certain, Joseph is back in the saddle for Toronto. Will his return to the top of the depth chart inspire the Argo offense? Can anything stop Cam Wake and the BC defensive line? I don't think there's much Toronto can do to get a win tomorrow night. BC picks up 2 points.

Game 2: Calgary at Saskatchewan, Friday 10pm ET. I'm not very hopeful for a Roughrider win. With Wes Cates probably not returning to the lineup tomorrow and QB questions of their own - I think Calgary will win a low-scoring game. The Rider D is the stingiest in the league and neither Reynolds nor the long-ball game will have their way at Mosaic Stadium. Bishop will start for Saskatchewan for the third game in a row and the deep-pass remains a big threat with Dressler and Bagg coming off of big games. Burris will be his old consistent self if the Rider defensive line doesn't step up and rush his throws and limit his time in the pocket. Rattle Burris and you'll rattle the whole Stampeder system. While the Riders winning would be an upset, it's something that needs to be done if they're going to play at home in the post-season. Riders win a close one.

Game 3: Montreal at Hamilton, Saturday 4pm ET. There's not much to predict here. Montreal, even on the road, will continue to dominate the East - cutting through everything in their path. Hamilton is due for a win sometime, but I cannot foresee Calvillo being pressured into making bad plays by the Hamilton defensive line. Speaking of quarterbacks, Porter didn't play well. Passing for under 200 yards against the last-place team in the West won't convince anyone a week later that Porter can compete against the best team in their division. Montreal handily wins (although, I'd like to be proven wrong.)

Game 4: Winnipeg at Edmonton, Saturday 8pm ET. If there was a time for Winnipeg to keep winning, it would be right now. Keeping Edmonton at bay is just the insurance the Riders need from Winnipeg and I like their chances. However, Edmonton hasn't played their best ball over the last two games and losing at home is a rarity for the Eskimos. It's a risk to pick Winnipeg seeing as how the Esks are due to come out of their slump. But, if Winnipeg is going to keep Toronto out of reach - then they need to win on the road. Winnipeg wins a big road game.

TSN Power Rankings for Week 15 show the Riders falling even further and Calgary staying atop the league.

1. Montreal (Last Week: 2)
2. Calgary (Last Week: 1)
3. B.C. (Last Week: 3)
4. *Saskatchewan (Last Week: 4)
5. *Winnipeg (Last Week: 6)
6. Edmonton (Last Week: 4)
7. Hamilton (Last Week: 7)
8. Toronto (Last Week: 8)

* Tied for fourth place

Chris Schultz likes: Calgary, Saskatchewan, Montreal, Edmonton.

Good Luck. God Speed.