Stampeders eliminated as Bombers clinch playoff berth with 34-10 win over Lions
Winnipeg's victory in Vancouver ended Calgary's post-season hopes and set up a playoff-deciding matchup between the Edmonton Elks and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Why it matters
The result ends the Calgary Stampeders' 2026 season and leaves the Edmonton Elks' playoff path to be decided in Saturday's game against Saskatchewan.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers beat the B.C. Lions 34-10 on Friday night in Vancouver, clinching a CFL playoff spot for the 10th straight season at 9-9. The result officially eliminated the Calgary Stampeders, who finish the year at 9-9 but miss the post-season.
Winnipeg starting quarterback Zach Collaros left the game late in the third quarter after being hit by Lions lineman Nathan Cherry, having completed nine of 20 passes for 105 yards and an interception. Backup Dru Brown came in and went 11-for-11 for 185 yards and two touchdowns to seal the win. Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea had no update on Collaros's status afterward.
The Lions, already locked into hosting the West Division semifinal on Oct. 31, got an early touchdown from Kaidon Salter to Nate DeMontagnac but could not hold off Winnipeg's second-half surge. B.C. played without regular starters Nathan Rourke, Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis.
Western playoff seeding now hinges on Saturday's game between the Edmonton Elks (13-4) and Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8). A Roughriders win would pit Saskatchewan against B.C. in the West semifinal and send Winnipeg to Toronto to face the Argonauts in the East semifinal. A Riders loss would instead set up a B.C.-Winnipeg rematch in the West, with Saskatchewan crossing over to play 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.