Game Details

Date/Location: Friday, October 4, 2024 / Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, Ontario
Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM PT
Channel: TSN, RDS (Canada), CFL+ (Global)

Odds

Spread: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -4 (-110), Hamilton Tiger-Cats +4 (-110)
Moneyline: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -190, Hamilton Tiger-Cats +160
Over/Under: 50 (Over -110, Under -110)

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Overview

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-9) enter Week 18 riding a four-game winning streak, most recently notching a thrilling 32-29 come-from-behind victory over the BC Lions. However, their last loss came at the hands of this week’s opponent, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in a tight 26-23 contest on August 23. With playoff implications on the line, the Ticats will look to continue their hot streak and avenge their earlier defeat.

Key Players

Bo Levi Mitchell (QB)
Mitchell has been on fire recently, accumulating 1,323 passing yards and seven touchdowns with just two interceptions over his last four starts. He’ll aim to improve upon his Week 12 performance against Winnipeg, where he was held to 14 completions for 220 yards and no touchdowns.

Tim White (WR)
White is on the verge of his third consecutive 1,000-yard season, needing just 52 receiving yards to reach the milestone. He’s been a consistent threat, amassing 63 receptions for 948 yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season.

James Butler (RB)
With Greg Bell sidelined due to injury, Butler will take over the primary running back duties. In his last appearance in Week 16, Butler rushed for 58 yards on 11 carries and added 44 receiving yards on six catches against Toronto.

Kiondre Smith (WR)
Smith has emerged as a reliable target for Mitchell, recording 61 receptions for 755 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. His ability to stretch the field could be crucial against Winnipeg’s tough secondary.

Brandon Barlow (DE)
Barlow will be key in containing Winnipeg’s potent rushing attack, led by Brady Oliveira. The defensive end will need to set the edge and disrupt the Blue Bombers’ ground game.

Keys to the Game

Establish the run game
With James Butler stepping in for the injured Greg Bell, Hamilton needs to establish a consistent ground attack to keep Winnipeg’s defense honest and open up the passing game.

Pressure Zach Collaros
Coming off a six-touchdown performance, Collaros is riding high. The Ticats’ front seven, led by Brandon Barlow and Casey Sayles, must generate pressure to disrupt his rhythm.

Win the turnover battle
In a game that could come down to the wire, protecting the football and creating turnovers could be the difference. Hamilton’s secondary, featuring Richard Leonard and Jamal Peters, will need to be opportunistic.

Exploit mismatches in the passing game
With Shemar Bridges out due to a quadriceps injury, Mitchell will need to rely on Tim White, Steven Dunbar Jr., and Kiondre Smith to find openings against Winnipeg’s league-leading pass defense.

Injury Report

Depth Chart

Score Prediction

Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24

In a tightly contested battle between two of the CFL’s hottest teams, the Tiger-Cats’ home-field advantage and recent momentum will be just enough to edge out the Blue Bombers in a crucial late-season matchup.