LIVESTREAM CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders @ BC Lions, Sept. 26, 04:30 CET (4:30 am, 10:30 pm Sept. 25 ET)

VANCOUVER — Two well-rested teams meet in a critical West Division showdown as the Saskatchewan Roughriders visit the BC Lions in the back half of a Friday Night Football doubleheader.

Both teams last played in Week 15, with Saskatchewan falling to Winnipeg 19-6 and BC bouncing the league-leading Montreal Alouettes 48-29.

Just two points separate the rivals in the standings.

Saskatchewan can clinch a playoff spot if Winnipeg and Calgary both lose their respective games against Toronto and Ottawa.

Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Friday’s 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN in Canada, as well as on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

RELATED

» Depth Charts: SSK | BC » Game Notes: Roughriders at Lions

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

1. HELP IS ON THE WAY

Decimated by injuries over the past several weeks, Saskatchewan will get some help with the return of running back AJ Ouellette and receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker. Ouellette, who’s played in only four games this season, took 15 handoffs against the Lions back in Week 2 and put up 69 yards in a 31-27 victory. Schaffer-Baker exploded for 11 catches and 165 yards in the first meeting. Regardless of whether they match those performances, their presence alone provides options for head coach Corey Mace’s offence.

2. FEAR JAMEER THURMAN

On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jameer Thurman will be counted on to set the tone. Thurman has done a little bit of everything with 74 defensive tackles, two sacks, two pass knockdowns and a forced fumble, and will now be needed to help shut down a Lions offence that leads the league in average net yards with 427.7 per game.

3. SEAL THE POCKET

Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts can run down quarterbacks like few others, and it’s up to offensive linemen Jermarcus Hardrick and Jacob Brammer to make sure he doesn’t get the opportunity. The line has done a good job so far, allowing the second fewest sacks in the league with 19.

BC LIONS

1. THE SECONDARY

Injuries and suspensions have taken a toll on the Lions’ pass defence. Defensive back TJ Lee will anchor the unit this week, and BC hopes to get production out of the recently re-acquired Robert Carter Jr. as they go up against a deep Riders receiving corps.

2. THE POSSESSION GAME

BC ranks first in both time of possession (31:44) and opposing time of possession (28:16). The team sitting second in those categories? The Saskatchewan Roughriders. With the amount of talent each offence has, it only makes sense that whoever has the ball longer will be in a better position to win the game.

3. KEON HATCHER SR. AND JUSTIN MCINNIS CHASE 1,000

This is less about the milestone and more about receivers Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis being the stars they’re capable of being as their team enters the stretch run. Hatcher is 51 yards shy of 1,000, and McInnis is 129, putting both within reach this week. If it happens, it should give the Lions an upper hand.

NEED TO KNOW:

• The winner claims the season series and the tie-breaker.
• Saskatchewan receiver KeeSean Johnson (86) needs one reception to set a new career-high.
• With 19 touchdowns, Lions’ running back Zander Horvath (16 rushing and three receiving) is on pace for a CFL-record 26.
• Riders’ receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby has 17 catches for 228 yards in his past two games.
• Kickoff is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN in Canada, as well as on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.

Watch live. Saskatchewan Roughriders @ BC Lions, Sept. 26, 04:30 CET (4:30 am, 10:30 pm Sept. 25 ET)