The Ticats playoff push comes up against a major hurdle Friday night when Hamilton visits Winnipeg.
The 10-3 Blue Bombers have the second-best record in the CFL after winning eight of their last nine games.
The 3-10 Cats have won three of five since replacing Kent Austin with June Jones as head coach and will have defensive tackle Ted Laurent back from a long stint on the injured list.
Ticats depth chart
Entering Week 16, Hamilton is five points behind Ottawa for second place in the East Division and has two games in hand on the Redblacks.
Blue Bombers depth chart
Winnipeg has beaten the Tiger-Cats in their last three meetings by an average of 19 points.
The Blue Bombers can clinch a playoff spot with a win this week, and losses by Saskatchewan and Edmonton.