One spot left: Eskimos vying to be the last team in the CFL playoffs (beware B.C.)

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Edmonton Eskimos appeared to be well on their way to a playoff spot after starting 6-3.

But the Esks have lost five of their last six games and given the B.C. Lions a why not us feeling.

Should the Leos beat Edmonton in Week 18, the Eskimos would be left with a home-and-home with the Saskatchewan Roughriders needing a win or tie to secure a post-season position. That’s dangerous considering how well the Riders have played since starting the season 0-2.

The Eskimos missed the post-season in 2018 and failing to do so again would result in major changes.

West Division

Edmonton win or tie = Edmonton earns a playoff berth via crossover

• The Eskimos will clinch the final playoff spot if they can earn at least one point against B.C. on Saturday. While a tie allows for the possibility of the two teams finishing the season with the same number of points, Edmonton owns the tie-breaker after having taken the season series. The Eskimos earning a point will also ensure a crossover due to Ottawa and Toronto’s inability to earn more than 14 points.

Crossover rule

If the fourth-place team in division A has more points than the third-place team in division B (they cannot be tied), it will cross over and take the place of the third-place team in division B. The team which crossed over will then complete against the second-place team in division B.

East Division

Montreal loss or tie = Hamilton clinches first place in the division and earns the right to host the Eastern Final on November 17

• Hamilton holds 24 points and is on a bye week with three games remaining. Montreal has 16 points with four matches left in its schedule and must win in order to have a chance at equalling the Tiger-Cats in terms of points. Four Montreal wins to close the season, including a Week 20 game against the Tiger-Cats, coupled with three Hamilton losses, would result in Montreal winning the East Division.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

• Calgary clinched its 15^th consecutive playoff appearance in Week 15.
• Winnipeg secured its fourth straight spot in the post-season in Week 15.
• Hamilton locked-up a home playoff date for a second year-in-a-row in Week 15.
• Saskatchewan claimed a post-season berth for the third consecutive year in Week 16.
• Montreal will play in the post-season for the first time since 2014 after a win in Week 17.