The playoffs are here. And this Saturday, following a season where the football has been played closer than it has in years, really anything could happen.
We could easily have an 8-10 team move onto the Division Finals. In fact, the Bombers are listed as two-and-a-half-point favourites over the Eskimos. And while the Lions face going into the madhouse that is Mosaic Stadium, they've gone there before and won. The last three times to be exact.
A look at our semi-final selections reiterates that Saturday's games are there for anyone's taking:
BACK'EM UP
Each week we ask someone to back up their picks. Following a 4-0 finish to the season I'll do the honours for the opening round.
Winnipeg over Edmonton - Winnipeg won six of its last eight games, while Edmonton has lost two of three. Looking at the inconsistent trend of Edmonton's season, they're due for a win here. But the Esks are on the road where they've been brutal. Game-time conditions are expected to be cold and windy. That's not good for Edmonton's aerial attack and plays into what Doug Berry will want to do with Joe Smith and Fred Reid.
Bombers win 25-18.
Saskatchewan over B.C. - What a war this will be. Two teams that hate each other and play smashmouth defence. Throwing four interceptions last week in Toronto was the best thing Michael Bishop could have done. Turnovers are what will decide this game and the 'Riders coaching staff will be extra careful with Bishop in order to avoid them.
Riders win 30-23.
WEEK 19 RECORDS:
Andy 3-1
Jack 2-2
D.J. 3-1
Bob 4-0
Derek 3-1
Jann 3-1