B.C. Lions

Edmonton Elks teeter on brink of playoff elimination in Week 20

by
3Down Staff
October 17, 2025

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks (7-9) could see their faint playoff hopes officially dashed in Week 20.

The Green and Gold will need to pull off an upset road victory over the B.C. Lions (9-7) on Friday night in Vancouver in order to stay alive — a game in which they are six-point underdogs. However, even getting the job done against Nathan Rourke and company won’t be enough to ensure their survival.

The Elks can persist if either the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-8) defeat the Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-4) on Friday or the Calgary Stampeders (9-7) beat the Toronto Argonauts (5-12) on Saturday, but not if both occur. Unfortunately, both teams are favoured by a touchdown or more, as each of their opponents has nothing to play for.

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Both Calgary and Winnipeg can guarantee their postseason pass if Edmonton loses, while the Stampeders will also clinch in the event of their victory or a Bomber defeat. The Lions hope that both franchises stumble, as they need a win over the Elks and the other two to lose to secure home-field advantage for the West Semi-Final on Saturday, November 1.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-7) are the only other team with something to gain from this week’s results, even though they are on a bye. If the Ottawa Redblacks (4-12) upset the Montreal Alouettes (9-7) on Saturday, the Ticats will lock up first place in the East Division and host the East Final on Saturday, November 8.