All four games were decided in the late goings in Week 17.
Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton prevailed in the final minutes of their respective games. It felt like a playoff weekend across the CFL. The close finishes have caused some changes in the ranks.
1. Calgary Stampeders (last week 1)
Finding ways to win is just what Calgary does. Kamar Jordan’s spectacular touchdown grab and Bo Levi Mitchell’s presence of mind to put the ball up with time winding down which resulted in a pass interference call and ultimately led to the game-winning field goal are just more reminders that the Stamps perform when its needed most.
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (last week 2)
Even though Winnipeg went without an offensive touchdown, the Bombers managed an impressive win in the other phases. The defence and special teams provided majors, perhaps a sign that the blue and gold are evolving into a Calgary-type team that can put up a ‘W’ in various ways.
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders (last week 3)
After Tyler Crapigna field goal, Saskatchewan led by 12 with just over six minutes left, but that was blown as two consecutive touchdown drives were allowed. That collapse spoiled a 387- yard passing game from Kevin Glenn and a career-high 231 receiving from Duron Carter.
4. Ottawa Redblacks (last week 5)
Trevor Harris led two touchdowns drives in the final six minutes and Ottawa pulled off an improbable comeback victory in Regina. The Redblacks offence turned it on just in time.
5. Edmonton Eskimos (last week 6)
Edmonton’s defence held up enough and Mike Reilly hit Derel Walker for the game-winning touchdown late for the Eskimos to claim their second win in a row. The Eskimos are trending upwards.
6. Toronto Argonauts (last week 4)
The offensive gameplan was much different with James Wilder Jr. out of the lineup, Ricky Ray attempted over 40 passes for the first time since Labour Day as Brandon Whitaker managed just 39 yards on 10 carries.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (last week 7)
June Jones’ bunch scrapped, clawed and nearly pulled off an upset win to keep their season alive, but a pass interference call robbed them of a chance to win in overtime.
8. B.C. Lions (last week 8)
Save for a late surge, B.C.’s offence looked like they had packed it in. Many had picked the Lions as a Grey Cup contender to begin the season because of all their weapons and Jon Jennings, but now they’re on the bottom of the West looking up at everyone else.
9. Montreal Alouettes (last week 9)
A bye week meant the Als didn’t lose another game, but the reality of a third straight year without playoff football must have set in.
