Ottawa @ BC preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 26, 2017 ) BC 24, Ottawa 31

The BC Lions look to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot when they host the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday. The slumping Lions, who were off last week, have dropped five of their last six games, including a disappointing 24-23 setback to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 14, and are in danger of missing the postseason for the first time in 21 years.

BC has been held to fewer than 24 points in each of its last five losses and hopes the offence can get back on track as it aims to avenge a 31-24 defeat to the Redblacks on Aug. 26. Ottawa hopes to bounce back from a demoralizing 18-17 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders after the defending Grey Cup champions led by 17 late in the third quarter before their offence sputtered in the final period. The Redblacks no longer control their own destiny in the race for first place in the East as they could concede the division title if they fall to BC and the Toronto Argonauts beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday. There is some good news for Ottawa as starting quarterback Trevor Harris practiced for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury Sept. 9 and is likely to start Saturday.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE REDBLACKS (5-9-1): William Powell set a single-game franchise record with 187 rushing yards against Saskatchewan, eclipsing the old mark of 180 set by Jonathan Williams. Brad Sinopoli caught five passes for 68 yards and needs 11 more to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the third consecutive season while Ryan Lindley looked more comfortable running the offence, but Ottawa was unable to pick up first downs in the fourth quarter. "We need to keep pressing forward because there's a lot to play for," Ottawa coach Rick Campbell told reporters. "We obviously have the ability to play with people but we need to find a way to close out games."

ABOUT THE LIONS (6-7): BC added five players to practice roster, most notably former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Keavon Milton and slotback Dontre Wilson, who won a national championship with Ohio State in 2014. Solomon Elimimian made five tackles against Hamilton and needs four more to reach 100 for the third time in four years while Jeremiah Johnson accounted for 178 total yards. "I know we've got a great group of guys on offence and defence and it's about putting it together and making a great story," Johnson told reporters. "I think if we just stay the course, win all five games and have the mindset that it's not over yet."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Lions QB Jonathon Jennings has failed to throw a touchdown pass in two straight games.

2. Ottawa has lost seven games by four points or fewer in 2017.

3. Powell has rushed for more than 100 yards in three consecutive contests.

PREDICTION: Lions 24, Redblacks 23