Plenty on line heading into CFL's final weekend
Last Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009 | 6:33 PM ET
By Malcolm Kelly, CBC Sports
It's simple for the Eskimos and Lions heading into their game on Friday: Win, and you're in. (Jimmy Jeong/Canadian Press)Whoever made this year's Canadian Football League schedule is owed a nice dinner.
Heading into the final week of the regular season there are six of eight teams with something to play for, and only three are guaranteed playoff spots — Montreal, Calgary and Saskatchewan.
And only the Montreal at Toronto game next Saturday is meaningless.
Here's a breakdown for each team.
Edmonton Eskimos (16 points) at B.C. Lions (16 points)
The Friday night game is straightforward because the winner is definitely in, while the loser has to wait two days for the Hamilton-Winnipeg outcome.
However, in the unlikely event of a tie, both could make the playoffs if Winnipeg does not win.
Calgary Stampeders (21 points) at Saskatchewan Roughriders (19 points)
Huge Saturday afternoon game because a win by the Riders gives them first in the West, the bye week and host game for the division final.
First tie-breaker is the record between the clubs and Saskatchewan would be 2-0-1 with the Stamps.
A Calgary win or tie and the Stamps could be home for both the final and the Grey Cup the following week.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (16 points) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (14 points)
Barring a tie on Friday night between Edmonton and B.C., the Ticats are in the playoffs for the first time since 2004 when they lost the East semi-final to a Toronto Argonaut club that won the Grey Cup.
The last home playoff game at Ivor Wynne Stadium was back in 2001, a day that saw Hamilton beat Montreal in the East semi.
Home field advantage will be up for grabs in Winnipeg on Sunday, as the winner hosts the opening round contest the following week.
For the Bombers, a win is essential. Anything else and they're out. Hamilton can lose and still make it as long as the dreaded tie doesn't come up Friday in B.C.
