The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers are gearing up for crucial matchups in Week 20 as they aim for playoff spots in the Grey Cup Playoffs. The stakes are high as teams across both divisions look to solidify their postseason positions.
Eastern Division Playoff Scenarios
The playoff outlook in the East hinges on the following scenarios:
- Ottawa Win: If Ottawa wins, Hamilton will capture the East Division title and secure home advantage for the Eastern Final. This final is scheduled for November 8 at Hamilton Stadium, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET.
- Montreal: Montreal will host the crossover team in the Eastern Semi-Final on November 1 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.
Western Division Playoff Scenarios
In the West, the playoff scenarios unfold as follows:
- BC Win: A victory for the BC Lions will guarantee a playoff spot for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
- Winnipeg or Edmonton Loss: A loss for either Winnipeg or Edmonton, coupled with a Calgary win, will ensure that the Stampeders clinch a playoff berth.
- BC Win and Calgary Loss: If Winnipeg loses, BC wins, and Calgary loses, BC will then host the Western Semi-Final at Save-On-Foods Field, scheduled for November 1 at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Recent Playoff Developments
Several teams have already secured their postseason positions:
- Saskatchewan: They claimed a playoff spot in Week 15 for the second consecutive year.
- Hamilton: They secured their place in Week 16 with a designated home playoff game.
- Montreal: Montreal booked its sixth consecutive playoff berth in Week 18, also ensuring home-field advantage.
- BC: The Lions clinched their playoff spot in Week 18.
- Crossover Confirmation: The crossover, the first since 2019, was confirmed in Week 18, marking the 13th occurrence since the rule’s introduction in 1996.
- Saskatchewan Title: In Week 19, Saskatchewan clinched the West Division title, earning the right to host the Western Final on November 8.
Crossover Rule Explained
The crossover rule allows the fourth-place team from one division to replace the third-place team in the opposite division if they have more points, thus enhancing playoff dynamics.
Upcoming Week 20 Schedule
Fans can look forward to an exciting schedule this weekend:
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Oct. 17 | SSK at WPG | 8:00 p.m. |
| Fri., Oct. 17 | EDM at BC | 10:30 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 18 | MTL at OTT | 3:00 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 18 | TOR at CGY | 7:00 p.m. |
