Toronto @ BC preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 18, 2018 ) BC 23, Toronto 24

The BC Lions look to stay in the hunt for a postseason berth when they host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. The Lions were routed 40-10 by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 16 to fall into last place in the competitive West Division, two points behind the Edmonton Eskimos in the race for the crossover playoff spot, and hope to bounce back by avenging a 24-23 loss to the Argonauts on Aug. 18.

"Just because we got our tail whooped the world's not going to stop," BC defensive end Odell Willis told reporters. "Instead of sitting around a pouting and being sad or mad about the situation we have to figure out what we can do to make it right." Toronto's playoff hopes were dealt a crippling blow following a 38-16 setback to the Calgary Stampeders. The Argonauts were competitive in the first half but crumbled down the stretch, leaving the defending Grey Cup champions eight points behind the pack in the race for a playoff spot with five games remaining and could be officially eliminated if they lose to the Lions, and Edmonton and Winnipeg emerge victorious in Week 17. "This team knows they are loved and respected for the work they do each and every day," Toronto coach Marc Trestman told reporters. "We are trying to stop the bleeding but we haven't been able to do it collectively for a number of reasons."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (3-10): McLeod Bethel-Thompson completed 31-of-45 passes for 273 yards against Calgary, but failed to throw a touchdown for the second consecutive week. S.J. Green caught four passes for 68 yards versus the Stampeders to move past Ray Alexander (8,842) for 29th place on the CFL's all-time receiving yards list (8,872). Running back James Wilder Jr. could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a leg injury against the Stampeders while defensive back Robert Woodson will likely miss Saturday's clash after sustaining a lower-body injury.

ABOUT THE LIONS (6-7): Jonathon Jennings was limited to 146 yards on 17-of-25 passing and finished with three interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns, before he was benched in favour of Cody Fajardo. Running back Tyrell Sutton, who was acquired in a trade with the Montreal Alouettes last week, looks poised to make his BC debut after missing the loss to the Tiger-Cats with a quad injury. Linebacker Solomon Elimimian is nearing a return as he's set to be medically cleared to play next week after missing the last nine games with a wrist injury while quarterback Travis Lulay could be available in the next 7-10 days after separating his shoulder Sept. 14.

EXTRA POINTS

1. BC has won five of its six home games this season.

2. Toronto is 0-6 on the road in 2018.

3. Argonauts short-yardage QB James Franklin is tied for the league lead with 12 rushing touchdowns.

PREDICTION: Lions 30, Argonauts 20