Nothing can ruin the end of the football season faster than meaningless games. Football is more fun when there is something on the line.
Thankfully, the West Division is shaping up to deliver just that. We will see plenty of meaningful games down the stretch as all five teams still have a lot to play for.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-3)
The one thing we can be certain of regarding the West is that Saskatchewan will be in the playoffs. Despite a tough loss last week, the Roughriders clinched a spot in the playoffs.
But will that spot include a bye week?
That’s yet to be determined.
They are only 1.5 games above Calgary at the moment, so with 5 games left, they can’t let off the gas yet.
Calgary Stampeders (8-4)
The Stamps have been the biggest surprise in all of the CFL so far this season. However, that won’t mean much unless they finish what they started.
They hold the tiebreaker over 1st-place Saskatchewan and 3rd-place Winnipeg. That makes their spot in the playoffs feel somewhat secure, if they take care of business.
The next three weeks will determine a lot. If they can beat BC twice, their spot in the playoffs will be secure. If they lose both, all of a sudden, their surprise season won’t look nearly as good.
Stamperders fans have a lot of fun football left to watch. Their team has a legitimate shot to finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th in the West.
If they do fall to 3rd or 4th, they will have their consistency issues to blame.
Crossover Rule Reminder
In case you don’t remember, the CFL has a fun crossover rule when it comes to determining playoff teams.
Crossover is a very real possibility for the next three teams on this list since Toronto sits at just 5-8.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-7)
Holding on to the 3rd spot is Winnipeg’s biggest priority in the last 5 games.
They are currently tied with BC, but hold the tiebreaker since they beat them twice. However, they lost all their games against Calgary, so passing them in the standings will be a tall order.
They are one game ahead of Toronto, which is good news if the crossover comes into play. But the Blue Bombers would rather avoid that altogether by playing well down the stretch.
BC Lions (6-7)
If the season ended today, BC would be the crossover team. But, with five games left, they have their sights set on much more.
Their next three games are against Calgary (x2) and Toronto. Winning all three of those would set them up to finish the season higher than their current 4th-place position
Edmonton Elks (5-8)
Sitting in last place isn’t where any team wants to be.
Thankfully, Edmonton has a very real chance of moving up if it can finish the season on a winning streak.
They are only one game back of 3rd place in the West, and tied with Toronto at 5-8. So Edmonton fans should buckle up and get ready for a fun end to the season.
