Tiger-Cats, Argonauts prepare for 'must-win' divisional clash

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st August, 18:23 2026

Nov 9, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly (12) passes the ball against the Montreal Alouettes during the first quarter at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Second place in the CFL East Division is up for grabs Saturday night when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats visit the Toronto Argonauts.

The Tiger-Cats (4-6) are coming off a 26-19 win against defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan last weekend, while the Argonauts (4-5) are reeling from a lopsided 42-12 loss at Edmonton.

Hamilton edged visiting Toronto 24-23 in their first meeting on July 18.

"We beat them last time so they're going to have a chip on their shoulder and be ready," Tiger-Cats defensive tackle Miles Fox said. "I can only speak for the D-line, but as long as we keep rushing and playing well, I think we're going to be fine."

Both Ontario rivals are trying not to fall farther behind the Montreal Alouettes (9-1) in the division standings.

"I think everyone in the organization knows this is a must-win game, the way the standings are," Toronto defensive back DaShaun Amos said. "On top of that, an East divisional game, on top of that being a rivalry game. We have every reason to get our minds set on the must-win."

Hamilton led 24-10 entering the fourth quarter and held on to secure last month's victory over Toronto. The Argos outgained the Ticats 395-367 but also missed two field-goal attempts.

Tre Ford was the star of that game for Hamilton, passing for 218 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 109 yards on 10 carries. Toronto counterpart Chad Kelly passed for 322 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Ford came off the bench to spark last week's win against the Roughriders, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Hamilton scored 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, including Ford's 41-yard TD pass to Keric Wheatfall.

Ford is set to reclaim his QB1 role from Harrison Frost, who is listed as available on the injury report but dealing with a back injury. Veteran Bo Levi Mitchell, who began the year as Hamilton's starter, is recovering from ankle surgery.

Toronto was locked in a close contest last weekend in Edmonton -- until it wasn't. The Elks scored the last 28 points of the game to run away.

Kelly threw for 265 yards but was held without a touchdown pass for the first time this season. The two-time Grey Cup champion needs 63 passing yards to reach 3,000 for the first time since 2023, when he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player.

--Field Level Media