The Calgary Stampeders are the first CFL team to clinch a playoff position.
Calgary (11-1-1) earned a 15-9 road decision over the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-6) on Sunday to remain atop the CFL’s overall standings. The win was also the Stampeders’ league-record 16th straight against a West Division rival.
Calgary’s league-best defence took centre stage, registering five sacks, an interception and forced fumble while holding Saskatchewan to 13 first downs and 210 net offensive yards. The unit leads the CFL in fewest offensive points allowed (16.2 per game), touchdowns (23), passing TDs (13), quarterback pressures (97) and turnovers forced (33), is tied with Toronto for most sacks (38) and stands second in net offence (320.8 per game).
That’s bad news for the Montreal Alouettes (3-10), who head to Calgary on Saturday riding a six-game losing streak. What’s more, the Stampeders are 6-0 this season at home, having outscored opponents 219-88.
Montreal is 0-6 on the road.
If Calgary beats Montreal and Edmonton loses to Winnipeg on Saturday, the Stampeders will clinch a home playoff date. They’ve hosted a post-season contest the last five years and 10 times in the last 12 seasons.
