The CFL regular season is entering the stretch run. And the West Division is far from settled. Edmonton sits on top at 10-3. The Elks have already secured a playoff spot and have put themselves in a strong position to finish first.
After that, things get interesting
Saskatchewan is 8-5. BC and Winnipeg are right behind at 7-6. Meanwhile, Calgary sits at 5-8. That leaves several teams fighting for playoff spots, home-field advantage and position in the standings. More importantly, many of them still have to play each other.
BC Has Entered the Race
Few teams have changed their outlook more than the BC Lions. Early injuries hurt the Lions. Quarterback injuries were especially costly. However, BC stayed alive. Now, the Lions are getting healthy and playing their best football at the right time. That was clear last week.
BC defeated Montreal 48-29. It was a statement win against one of the CFL's top teams.
The victory moved BC to 7-6. Suddenly, the Lions are just one game behind Saskatchewan for second place. And they will get a chance to do something about it. Saskatchewan travels to BC on September 25. That game could have major playoff implications.
Saskatchewan Has Work to Do
The Roughriders remain in second place at 8-5. Still, their position is far from safe. Winnipeg defeated Saskatchewan 19-6 in the Banjo Bowl. As a result, the Bombers moved to 7-6 and tightened the race.
BC is also 7-6. That means one bad stretch could quickly change Saskatchewan's playoff position. The Riders also have several important West games remaining. First comes the trip to BC. Later, Calgary visits Saskatchewan. Then, Saskatchewan closes the regular season at home against Edmonton. If the Elks remain within reach, that final game could have even bigger implications.
Don't Count Out Winnipeg
Winnipeg is back in the middle of the race. The Bombers improved to 7-6 with their win over Saskatchewan. Now, they are tied with BC and only one game behind the Riders. Winnipeg also has some huge games left. The Bombers travel to Calgary on October 10. They visit Edmonton on October 16.
Then comes perhaps their biggest game. Winnipeg finishes the regular season at BC on October 23. Depending on what happens over the next several weeks, that game could decide second or third place in the West. It could also determine who gets a home playoff game.
Calgary Still Has a Chance
Calgary has much less room for error. The Stampeders are 5-8 after a 53-16 loss to Edmonton. Still, their season isn't over. Calgary has games remaining against Saskatchewan, Winnipeg and BC. That gives the Stampeders opportunities to gain ground directly against the teams ahead of them. However, the losses are becoming harder to overcome. Calgary needs wins. And it needs them soon.
The Final Weekend Could Decide Everything
The CFL schedule saved two of the biggest West matchups for the final weekend. Winnipeg travels to BC on October 23. One day later, Edmonton visits Saskatchewan. Those games could decide much more than playoff qualification.
First place could be at stake. Second place could be at stake. A home playoff game could be at stake. Even the crossover picture could come down to the final weekend. Edmonton has created some separation at the top.
Everyone else is still fighting. Saskatchewan wants to hold second place. BC is surging. Winnipeg is right there. Calgary is trying to stay alive. And several of those teams still have to go through each other. The West Division playoff race isn't slowing down. It's just getting started.