Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2) vs Montreal Alouettes (1-1)
Friday, August 27th, 2021 7:30pm EST @ Percival Molson Memorial Stadium
Make or Break Time for Hamilton
After dropping their first two games, the Tiger-Cats need to win tonight. An 0-3 start would put the team in a hole that would be hard to climb out of. They hope that new starting quarterback Dane Evans will give the team a boost in terms of offensive production, something that they desperately need.Β
heading">Key Matchups
Dane Evans vs. Vernon Adams Jr.
Although Dane Evans has only attempted 10 passes in 2021, most CFL fans are aware of what he did in 2019. If he can perform at the same level he did two years ago, the Tiger-Cats should be better off than they have been in the past few weeks. As for the Alouettes, Vernon Adams has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his first two starts, and only has a single interception. Evans is certainly the underdog, but Adamsβ hot streak can end at any time.Β
Brandon Banks vs. Jake WienekeΒ
I included Banks
in my last game preview article, and heβll likely be featured in all the preview articles moving forward. Maybe that seems a bit boring, but Banks has a very large role in the Tiger-Cats offense which is hard to ignore. Heβs one of the CFLβs best receivers, and although he is yet to catch a touchdown this season, thereβs a good chance that could change tonight. Jake Wieneke has been the most productive pass-catcher for the Alouettes, with two touchdowns in the first two games of 2021. Heβll look to continue that streak against Hamilton.
Tyrice Beverette vs. Chris Ackie
Beverette recorded 4 tackles and a sack in the Tiger-Cats last game against the Roughriders. While Chris Ackie only had 3 tackles for the Alouettes in their last game, he has always been a solid and reliable option at the linebacker position. Now that Ackie is 29, though, he only has a few more productive years left in his career. Beverette is only 26, which is usually an age where players enter their prime. Look for Beverette to start playing a similar role as Ackie for the Tiger-Cats.Β
RB β Cameron Artis-Payne β OUT (healthy scratch)
OL β Chris
Schleuger β OUT (healthy scratch)
Fantasy Preview
Vernon Adams should be a safe start at quarterback in this matchup, but if youβve picked up Dane Evans, it would probably be smart to keep him on the bench for this game. If he plays well and starts again next week, then you can move forward with him. However, the idea of Masoli returning canβt be ignored. Brandon Banks and Jake Wieneke are both great options at receiver (if you have them), and Montrealβs BJ Cunningham could also have a productive night. Another Alouettes player, William Stanback, has been pretty reliable at running back, and I wouldnβt hesitate starting him against a mediocre Tiger-Cats defense. The Tiger-Cats running backs should still be avoided, as none of them have shown much promise from a fantasy perspective.
Summary
This game means more for Hamilton than it does for Montreal. While the Alouettes will look to get above .500, a loss for the Tiger-Cats could potentially mean the end of their playoff chances. Itβs still pretty early in the season, but an 0-3 start is never a good look.Β
