CFL Week 20 review: Calgary Stampeders make strong move

CFL Week 20 has come and gone and, to no surprise, there is a lot to talk about after three pulsating fixtures with the playoffs on the horizon.

There were only three games this week as the season winds down, but don't worry, the three games extended some interesting storylines.

We discuss the match from Week 20 and talk about the many storylines heading into the CFL Playoffs

Calgary storm out of the blocks

This week began on Friday night at BC Place in Vancouver with a clash between two West Division teams that had lots to play for, the Calgary Stampeders and the BC Lions.

The game ended 41-16, and it was not in favor of the team you may think. The Stampeders, who are now 6-11, earned this road win by coming out hot and never letting up.

They came out and earned a 10-0 lead after the first quarter, which then became a 17-3 lead at the half. The Lions then strung together some points, but Calgary kept rolling and dropped another 14 points. BC, who now sports a 12-6 record, never really had it in this game.

There were major implications for both teams when this game was said and done. The Lions were in the hunt for the first overall spot in the West Division, but that accolade has gone to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

A win for BC wouldn’t have secured anything, but a loss and a Blue Bombers win during this week made winning the division impossible. Having a bye next week means they close out the regular season with a 12-6 record, and it is time for them to look to the Division Semis on November 4th.

As for Calgary, this was the most important game of the season, and they showed up. Their fate was in their hands when battling the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a spot in the playoffs, and they got the job done.

Better yet, the Roughriders went on to lose. If Calgary can put another strong game together in Week 21, then a trip to the playoffs is theirs. This game could then be a preview of the West Division Semi-Finals.

Huge blow for Saskatchewan

The closes game of the week was between the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

As the Argonauts looked to roll into the playoffs with the top spot in the East Division, the Roughriders really needed this win.

The Roughriders battled as hard as they could against the CFL’s best team, and they even took a 23-19 lead into the final quarter. However, the dominant Argonauts played spoiler and won the fourth quarter 10-3, resulting in a 29-26 win.

Toronto improves to 15-2, and have one regular season game left before the playoffs. As for Saskatchewan, they have the same amount of wins as the Stampeders, but Calgary has one game left. The only hope for Saskatchewan is that the Stampeders get blown out in Week 21.

Winnipeg show attacking flair

The final game came on Saturday night between the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In a 45-25 win for the Blue Bombers, it was on offensive clinic by Winnipeg.

They won all four quarters, and kept their home field loud all night. This West Division game closed out the regular season for the Edmonton Elks, who finished the season 4-14. They will now look to the offseason and the next campaign.

As for Winnipeg, they have secured the first spot in the West Division. They have one more preparation game against the Calgary Stampeders as they look to end the season on a high note before the playoffs.

Hamilton, Montreal to meet twice in two weeks

Not playing this week were the Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Coincidentally, these are two teams who will battle each other in both Week 21 and the East Division Semi-Final.

Look at that as a rest before a two-game series between well-known rivals. It will be a fun next few weeks between them.

The Ottawa Redblacks also had a week off, before they prepare to close out a disappointing season against the Toronto Argonauts.