Hamilton Tiger-Cats clinch final CFL playoff berth, as Saskatchewan Roughriders officially eliminated

The CFL playoff bracket is officially set, after the Hamilton Tiger-Cats officially clinch the league’s final postseason berth by virtue of the Saskatchewan Roughriders 32-21 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday night.

The Ticats put the Riders on the brink of elimination when they defeated the Ottawa Redblacks 30-27 on a walk-off field goal on Friday, forcing the Riders to be perfect through their last two games to remain in contention for a crossover spot. Backup quarterback Mason Fine was unable to accomplish that feat in his first start of the season, bringing to a close any hopes of a home Grey Cup victory in Regina.

Victories by the Toronto Argonauts and B.C. Lions earlier in Week 20 sorted out the final details of the post-season, with each securing a home playoff date — albeit in different rounds.

On Sunday, November 6, the Tiger-Cats (7-10) will travel to Montreal to face off with the Alouettes (8-9) in the East Semi-Final. Later that day, the Lions (12-5) will play host to the Stampeders (11-6) in the West Semi-Final.

The Argonauts (11-6) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (14-3) have each secured first-round byes, along with the right to host their respective Division Finals on Sunday, November 13. The Grey Cup will take place on Sunday, November 20 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, though the Riders will not be taking part.