Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game #15
Visiting Team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-5, 1st in the East division)
Home Team: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-7, Tied for 3rd in the West division)
Game Location: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27th at 3 pm EDT
Where to Watch: In Canada, TSN/CTV In the US/International, CFL+
DraftKings Betting Line: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+1.5), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-1.5), O/U 51.5 points
Week 17’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers matchup promises high drama, as Hamilton (9-5) looks to clinch its first playoff berth in two seasons while riding its second win streak of 2025. Meanwhile, Winnipeg (7-7) fights to keep third place in the West, currently tied with the BC Lions.
Two weeks ago, Hamilton and Winnipeg met on the day Hamilton GM Ted Goveia died of cancer. Goveia had spent years in Winnipeg’s front office, so both teams felt a strong connection to the late GM. Hamilton ran the ball well in that matchup, earning a 32-21 win.
Hamilton aims to repeat their Week 15 performance, but playing well on the road is historically tough for them. To win, they must play efficiently on offense and exploit Winnipeg’s weaknesses. When Hamilton runs the ball well, they win—this will again be key.
Winnipeg has struggled all season with injuries and turnovers. Last game, backup quarterback Chris Streveler led the Bombers’ offense, but this week, long-time starter Zach Collaros returns after recovering from another concussion—an issue he has faced multiple times. The Blue Bombers must focus on ball security to avoid falling behind the Tiger-Cats.
With playoff hopes at stake, both teams must deliver their best football in a game that will feel like a playoff matchup.
The Week 17 CFL Injury Report shows that the Tiger-Cats and Blue Bombers are both relatively healthy. Hamilton will miss fullback Daniel Bell (elbow). Linebackers Kyler Fisher (shoulder) and Devin Veresuk (ankle) are questionable. Winnipeg expects quarterback Zach Collaros to return this week. However, wide receiver Keric Wheatfall (head) and defensive backs Jamal Parker (leg), Michael Griffin (knee), and Nick Hallett (head/eye) are questionable.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Depth Chart
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Depth Chart
Key to Victory #1: Pressure Bombers QB Zach Collaros
Coming into this game, a big question that the Blue Bombers will need to answer before the game is, “Who will be their starting quarterback?” in Week 17. All reports show that Zach Collaros has recovered from his latest concussion and will likely start this game for Winnipeg. If that ends up being the case, the Tiger-Cats will need to have a defensive game plan based on playing tight coverage while putting pressure on Collaros. Collaros still has the ability to dissect a zone pass coverage despite his injuries. If Hamilton can man up on the Blue Bombers receivers, they will give themselves a great chance to shut down Collaros and apply pressure to the often-injured quarterback.
Key to Victory #2: Invite Bombers QB Chris Streveler to Run
On the other hand, even when Collaros has entered games healthy, he has turned the ball over on a regular basis. That could open the door for backup quarterback Chris Streveler to get another start for the Blue Bombers. Streveler is not as good a passer as Collaros, but he is a legitimate threat as a dual-threat quarterback. If Winnipeg decides to start Streveler, Hamilton will need to adjust their game plan. Unlike Collaros, Streveler struggles to make his reads against a zone defensive coverage, and he is prone to making mistakes when throwing the ball. However, Streveler is a big-time run threat for the Bombers, and Hamilton will need to have a plan in place to keep Streveler contained.
Key to Victory #3: Prevent Winnipeg’s Explosive Plays
No matter who the quarterback is for the Blue Bombers, Winnipeg’s offensive game plan will undoubtedly involve leaning hard on running back Brady Oliveira. On a week-to-week basis, Oliveira has established himself as one of the top running backs in the CFL. His ability to pick up hard yards on the ground consistently allows the Bombers to take shots downfield using play-action passing schemes. While Hamilton works to limit Oliveira’s impact, they must keep the Blue Bombers’ offensive threats in front of them and force Winnipeg to drive the field rather than rely on explosive chunk plays.
Key to Victory #4: Force the Bombers to Turn the Ball Over
The Blue Bomber’s offensive attack has struggled all season with ball security. Nearly every game, the Bombers have thrown multiple interceptions, which makes it difficult for Winnipeg to keep its offensive game plan on schedule. Hamilton has found much of their success due to their ability to force teams to turn the ball over on the defensive side of the ball. If Hamilton can get the Bombers’ offensive unit behind the chains, the Tiger-Cats will indirectly limit the Bombers’ ability to run the ball. When Winnipeg deviates from its game plan, it tends to turn the ball over. If the Tiger-Cats can capitalize on those turnovers, Hamilton should be in a great position to pick up their 10th win of the 2025 season.
Key to Victory #5: Lean on RB Greg Bell and the Run Game
Offensively, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ game plan should be pretty simple this week. Establish the run game with running back Greg Bell, protect quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, and get the ball to wide receiver Kenny Lawler to produce explosive plays. When Hamilton follows this recipe on the offensive side of the ball, they win games; when they lose, they tend to stray from this type of game plan. Hamilton needs to get a lead early in this game so that they can force the Bombers to pass the ball more than they prefer. Defensively, if the Tiger-Cats can limit the Blue Bomber’s playmakers, they should be able to build an early lead and force the Blue Bombers to play a great game on the offensive side of the ball.
Game Prediction:
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31, Winnipeg Blue Bombers 27
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