Lions-Bombers finale could decide Stampeders' playoff fate
Calgary's playoff hopes hinge on Friday's B.C.-Winnipeg game, with a Lions win handing the idle Stampeders a post-season berth.
Why it matters
A Lions victory over Winnipeg would clinch a playoff berth for the Calgary Stampeders without them having to play.
The Calgary Stampeders (9-9) are sitting idle this week, but their playoff fate will be decided by someone else's game. If the B.C. Lions beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Vancouver on Friday, Winnipeg's season ends and Calgary claims the final playoff spot instead.
The Lions (10-7) have already clinched a home West Division semifinal for Oct. 31 regardless of Friday's result, while the Bombers (8-9) need a win to reach the post-season for a 10th straight year. B.C. head coach Buck Pierce is making nine personnel changes for the game, including starting backup quarterback Kaidon Salter over Nathan Rourke. Salter threw for a touchdown and rushed for 160 yards when the teams last met in July, a 35-19 Lions win.
Running back Zander Horvath, who leads B.C. in rushing, will start behind Emani Bailey and sits one touchdown short of the CFL single-season rushing record. Several other Lions regulars, including receivers Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis, will not dress for the game.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.