CFL Week 19 preview: West Division playoff race heats up over Thanksgiving weekend
With three weeks remaining in the 2026 CFL regular season, the West Division playoff race is wide open.
The Edmonton Elks are the only West Division team to have clinched a playoff berth, while the BC Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers remain separated by just two wins.
All four could still find themselves hosting a playoff game or missing the postseason entirely.
Thanksgiving weekend features four games, including a crucial showdown between Calgary and Winnipeg.
Edmonton Elks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Friday, Oct. 9 – 7 p.m. ET (Saturday, Oct. 10 – 01:00 CEST)
The Elks return from their bye looking to regain momentum against the eliminated Tiger-Cats.
Their previous meeting went to overtime, with Edmonton escaping behind Vincent Blanchard’s record-breaking nine field goals.
The Elks are 2-0 following bye weeks this season, but their recent performances have been less convincing.
For Hamilton, quarterback Harrison Frost continues to improve despite the team’s disappointing season.
Ottawa REDBLACKS at BC Lions
Friday, Oct. 9 – 10 p.m. ET (Saturday, Oct. 10 – 04:00 CEST)
The Lions can clinch a playoff berth when they host the winless REDBLACKS at BC Place.
BC has been among the league’s hottest teams but settled for eight field goals without scoring a touchdown in Week 18.
Facing an Ottawa team that has lost all 15 games offers the Lions an opportunity to get their offense rolling again.
With first place still within reach, BC cannot afford a letdown.
Calgary Stampeders at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saturday, Oct. 10 – 7 p.m. ET (Sunday, Oct. 11 – 01:00 CEST)
This is the game of the week.
The Stampeders can clinch a playoff berth with a victory, while the Blue Bombers desperately need a win to stay in the postseason race.
The season-series tiebreaker is also at stake.
Calgary enters riding a three-game winning streak, including last weekend’s victory over Saskatchewan.
Winnipeg, meanwhile, has lost consecutive games against Toronto and Montreal.
Quarterback Zach Collaros remains on the six-game injured list, adding uncertainty to the Blue Bombers’ preparations.
With so much at stake, expect a playoff atmosphere in Winnipeg.
Saskatchewan Roughriders at Montreal Alouettes
Monday, Oct. 12 – 1 p.m. ET (19:00 CEST)
The rematch of the 112th Grey Cup features two teams heading in opposite directions.
The Alouettes have clinched first place in the East and remain unbeaten at home, while the Roughriders have dropped three straight games.
With their playoff position secured, Montreal head coach Jason Maas faces decisions about resting starters, including quarterback Davis Alexander.
The Roughriders, meanwhile, desperately need to rediscover the form that made them championship contenders last season.
The teams meet again in Saskatchewan in Week 20, making this the first of two consecutive meetings.
For Montreal, it’s an opportunity to maintain momentum. For Saskatchewan, the playoff stakes are considerably higher.
