Johany Jutras/CFL
With a thriller of a game already in the books, Week 16 of the CFL season is off to a great start. With some of the matchups still to come and the implications they bring, I think we’re just getting started. Let’s take a look at the top three games still to be played this week.
3. Must win territory
The Montreal Alouettes are running out of room for error. With losses in three of their last four games, the Als have gone from crossover playoff spot front runner to behind the eight ball. As of right now, Montreal would not qualify as a playoff team in either division. It looks like the Als’ only realistic shot to return to the postseason is to go through the West. Tracking down one of the teams in the East Division seems rather daunting right now.
As the Alouettes try to stop the bleeding, they face the team that authored Tuesday’s thriller of a win in the Toronto Argonauts. I think it’s fair to say that Toronto is your favorite in this matchup, but Montreal has to use its one advantage. The Argos enter this game on a short week and in the unique position of opening and closing Week 16. Taking advantage of that won’t be easy, but I’m not sure if the Als can afford another loss, especially considering the next game we’re focusing on.
2. Crucial battle
Winnipeg and BC are a little deeper down in the West Division standings, but both teams are still in spots where the playoffs are a realistic option. Regardless of the result when these teams meet on Saturday night, they’re going to put the pressure on Montreal. A Winnipeg win ties the Bombers in wins with the Lions. A Lions win at home guarantees they’ll stay in a playoff spot heading into Week 17.
This game is massive for another reason, though. A Bombers win on the road will give them the season series against BC and thus the tiebreaker if the two teams end up in a tie. A BC win won’t punch the Lions’ ticket to the playoffs because Montreal could still be nipping at their heels, but it will put Winnipeg two games behind them. With so little time left in the 2015 season, erasing a two-game lead is probably too much to ask for.
1. It’s time to Battle
Saturday night brings us the most important regular season Battle of Alberta showdown in a long, long time. The West Division isn’t truly on the line at McMahon Stadium, but it might as well be. When the Calgary Stampeders play host to the Edmonton Eskimos this weekend, we should be looking at one of the closest and hardest fought games of the season. We could be, and should be, looking at a West Division Final preview as well.
Both Alberta teams are red-hot coming into this meeting. Starting with their last meeting with Calgary, the Eskimos have won four straight games. Following up that same loss in Edmonton, the Stamps have won three in a row since. Quite honestly, there is so very little differentiating these teams. Both teams are missing key pieces defensively and both teams have quick explosive ability with the ball. Choosing a winner in this one is tough, so instead, just enjoy it as a football fan. This game will have playoff intensity and all the elements of why this is one of the CFL’s greatest rivalries.
