The 9-4 Saskatchewan Roughriders visit the 7-6 Hamilton Tiger-Cats ahead of their semi-final playoff games. With second in the West and a home playoff game clinched, Saskatchewan is giving the week off to several key veterans. Head coach Craig Dickenson has confirmed quarterback Cody Fajardo, receiver Duke Williams, defensive tackle Micah Johnson and centre Dan Clark will not play on Saturday at Hamilton.

The Ti-Cats will likely rest some starters as well. They officially clinched second place in the East division with the Alouettes loss on Friday night.

Kickoff at Tim Hortons Field is set for 4 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

Isaac Harker will start at quarterback for the Roughriders which appropriately makes them a home underdog. The second-year pivot has thrown 74 career passes, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He last appeared at Winnipeg in Week 6 going 10 of 13 for 89 yards — his only passing statistics of 2021.

The Roughriders defeated the Tabbies way back in Week 2 at Regina, but circumstances are different this go around. Hamilton is a climbing favourite as a result, opening as one-point favourites on the CFL odds and now laying almost a full touchdown.

The total for this bout is at 42, and both clubs are 9-4 to the under in 2021.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Resting Williams at receiver is understandable but will create a large absence. Williams had a game-high eight grabs for 146 yards and a score last Saturday and has come as advertised since returning from the NFL a month ago. Instead, expect rookie Canadian Kian Schaffer-Baker to get a heavy dosage of targets. Schaffer-Baker is second on Saskatchewan with 45 catches and 550 receiving yards and was just named the teams’ Most Outstanding Rookie.

The sack king could be crowned in this game too, as Riders defensive ends A.C. Leonard and Jonathan Woodard are both tied for the league lead with 10 sacks apiece.

🏈#CFL Weekly🏈

Last regular season weekend of the CFL year

Redblacks vs Alouettes

Elks vs. Lions

Saturday🏈

Roughriders vs. TiCats

Blue Bombers vs. Stampeders#RiseWithUs #Week16 pic.twitter.com/ErHWDFJrn6

— Sports Interaction (@SIASport) November 18, 2021

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

At just above .500 this Ti-Cats team has been a letdown from the jump, most recently getting blown out in Toronto last week in a battle for first in the East.  Jeremiah Masoli’s primed to be under centre for Hamilton, which should be enough to both win and cover this game. Even if second place is clinched for the Ti-Cats by kickoff, Dane Evans could slide right in at quarterback and this offence probably wouldn’t miss a beat.

On the bright side, Brandon Banks is getting in a groove. The 2019 M.O.P. has had at least 60 receiving yards in his last three starts which is a good sign heading into the playoffs.

Who Will Win Roughriders vs. Tiger-Cats?