Saskatchewan Roughriders, B.C. Lions clinch playoff berth following Week 18 victories

Photo courtesy: Jeff Vinnick/B.C. Lions

The West Division contenders for the CFL playoffs are now set, as both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions successfully clinched a playoff berth following the conclusion of the Week 18 slate.

The Riders punched both franchises’ tickets with a 28-24 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Saturday. After a back-and-forth shootout that featured nearly 800 yards of combined offence, defensive back Amari Henderson punched the ball out of Kurleigh Gittens Jr.’s hands to ensure Saskatchewan will play a postseason game for the first time since the 2021 West Final.

The Lions pulled their share of the weight on Friday night at home, knocking off the Calgary Stampeders 32-15. B.C.’s offence failed to score a major but reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player Mathieu Betts and veteran defensive back T.J. Lee each scored defensive touchdowns in the fourth quarter to snap a two-game skid.

Both teams needed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to take care of business against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats early Friday, which they did with a decisive 31-10 win. Winnipeg clinched a home playoff game in the process.

The combination of wins also officially eliminated both Calgary and Edmonton from playoff contention, marking the first time since 1945 that no team from Alberta will compete for the Grey Cup. It also ends the longest active playoff streak in North American sports, with the Stampeders failing to qualify for a 19th straight year.

The Lions (8-8) and Riders (8-7-1) will meet next week in Regina for a matchup that could decide the host of the West Semi-Final. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, October 12.