B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions, Montreal Alouettes eye CFL playoff clinching scenarios in Week 18

by
3Down Staff
October 2, 2025

Photo: Sarah Parker/B.C. Lions

Two more CFL franchises can officially clinch postseason berths if the pieces fall into place this week.

The B.C. Lions (8-7) hold their destiny in their own hands when they host the Calgary Stampeders (8-6) on Saturday night in Vancouver. A win would catapult the team into second place in the West Division — at least temporarily — and punch their playoff ticket in the process.

If the Lions fail to deliver, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-4) could be rejoicing. After the team clinched a playoff spot in Week 15, a B.C. loss and victory over the Ottawa Redblacks (4-10) on Friday night would result in a home playoff game in Regina.

↑ what lands at 3 p.m. daily

3DownNation Daily

Get game analysis, stats, and more daily at 3pm

Here’s exactly what you’ll get.

One email. Every weekday at 3 p.m. Your daily CFL briefing.

Canadian football's biggest stories
Smart game analysis
Every CFL transaction covered with exclusive insight

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. By signing up you agree to receive daily emails from 3DownNation, as well as our terms of service and privacy policy. 1900 Rose St, Regina SK S4P 0A9.

The Montreal Alouettes (8-7) will have plenty of nerves watching that game as they enjoy their final bye week. A loss from Ottawa against the Riders will officially secure them a playoff spot in the East, officially eliminating the Redblacks in the process.

Ottawa’s fortunes will also hold ramifications for other teams out West, as a defeat on Friday and a loss by the Toronto Argonauts (5-10) at the hands of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-6) on Saturday afternoon will guarantee a West Division crossover. B.C., Calgary, Winnipeg (8-7), and Edmonton (6-9) all remain mathematically in contention for that spot.

The Lions and Alouettes both qualified for the postseason in 2024. B.C. fell to the Roughriders on the road in the West Semi-Final, while Montreal was upset by the eventual Grey Cup champion Argos in the East Final.