BC Lions' playoff push could decide fate of lone West leader Edmonton Elks
A B.C. win over winless Ottawa on Friday would clinch a playoff berth for the Lions, adding pressure to the West Division race where the Edmonton Elks currently hold the only post-season spot.
Why it matters
The Edmonton Elks' status as the lone West Division team with a playoff spot means other teams' results, like B.C.'s potential clinch, directly shape Alberta's CFL post-season picture.
The B.C. Lions (9-6) host the Ottawa Redblacks (0-15) on Friday, with a Lions victory punching B.C.'s playoff ticket. The Edmonton Elks (11-4) remain the only West Division team currently holding a playoff berth, making the outcome of this game relevant to Alberta's CFL interests as the standings shake out.
Ottawa enters the game in historic territory after a 34-16 loss to Hamilton last week extended its losing streak to a CFL-record 15 games, surpassing the 1994 Shreveport Pirates' mark of 14. Running back Daniel Adeboboye said the team remains committed despite the record, citing strong practices and players fighting for their roster spots next season.
B.C. has won eight of its last nine games after starting 1-5, and beat Ottawa 45-24 in their first meeting on Aug. 30. Head coach Buck Pierce said the team is staying focused on the task at hand rather than the standings or Ottawa's record. Quarterback Nathan Rourke, making his 50th career CFL start, has thrown 110 consecutive passes without an interception and sits at 4,105 passing yards this season.
The Lions' defence has also been a factor in the recent turnaround, allowing an average of 24.0 points and 332 yards per game over the last nine contests, including two goal-line stands in last week's 24-17 win over Toronto.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.