The final stretch of the regular season has arrived, and every game means more now than ever. Teams are jostling for playoff berths, home-field advantage, or simply keeping their season alive. For many clubs, upcoming games will define everything from confidence to draft positioning. Let’s dig into the biggest matchups this weekend and why they matter.
Roughriders vs. Elks — Tighten Up or You’re Finished
Saskatchewan visits Edmonton in a clash that looks lopsided on paper, but carries weight for both squads. The Roughriders have already locked up a playoff spot and are gunning to secure home-field advantage through the West. Every win keeps them fresher, sharper, and gives their depth guys rest.
Edmonton, however, is fighting desperation. Sitting near the bottom in the West at 5-9, the Elks need more than moral victories. A win this week could keep them just inside the bubble, but losses mount quickly when momentum is lacking. Quarterback play, red-zone execution, and defensive discipline will be their keys. If they stumble here, home crowds and hype won’t cover for missed opportunities.
Lions vs. Ti-Cats and Blue Bombers vs. Argonauts — Crossover Playoff Spot Implications
Elsewhere, the Lions are trying to stay competitive in a tight West race, and Hamilton continues to lean on consistency and opportunistic play. BC’s offence needs to show up with a punch. For Hamilton, any road win now is a statement, both for playoff seeding and psychological edge.
Meanwhile, Winnipeg faces Toronto in a matchup with playoff dreams still in play. The Bombers want to lock down their postseason spot and improve their seeding. Toronto, meanwhile, is suddenly in the playoff picture because of an unexpected three-game winning streak. They lost last week, so the 5-9 Argos need a win here to get back on track.
What to Watch for this Weekend
- Home-field in West: Saskatchewan is aiming to stay ahead of Calgary and the rest. Every stumble risks giving up home-field edge.
- Bubble Watch: Edmonton and whoever else is hovering in the West can’t afford to rest. Margin for error is gone.
- Momentum Counts: Teams that are streaking (or close) have trophies to play for, not just for fans but for future roster confidence and contract leverage.
- Injuries & Depth: As the season drags, injuries sap depth. Who has gas left in the tank matters. Coaching adjustments will show whether teams are built for October.
This weekend feels like a turning point. For some teams, the road ahead looks smooth, with momentum, depth, and cushion already in hand. For others, it’s now or never. The Elks are running out of safety nets, and the Roughriders want to separate themselves before the final sprint. And whoever emerges hot from this slate is going in breathing easier.
