We are officially getting down to crunch time in the CFL. There are only five weeks left in the regular season, the playoff race is getting tighter and teams are quickly running out of room for mistakes. Week 17 could give us a much clearer picture of what the playoffs are going to look like, while we also now know who will be taking the stage at the Grey Cup in Calgary.
Here are two things I’m watching heading into Week 17.
The Playoff Race Is Getting Crazy
This is where things are getting really interesting. There is still plenty of football left, but Week 17 could completely change the playoff picture.
Toronto Needs to Keep Winning
The Argos have already clinched a playoff spot, but there is still a lot for this team to play for. Toronto needs to keep winning if they want any chance of catching Montreal for first place in the East, and they’re starting to get some bodies back at the right time.
Polk is back from injury, while Sam Hicks is also back in the lineup after being moved to the practice roster. Toronto has been playing some of its best football lately, and if they can keep this going, they can at least make Montreal work for that first-round bye.
Hamilton Basically Can’t Lose
For Hamilton, it’s pretty simple at this point: win.
Technically, there are still scenarios where the Ticats could survive a loss, but let’s be real. When you’re 4-10 and already need help from other teams, you basically can’t afford another loss.
It doesn’t get any easier this week either with Edmonton on the schedule. The Ticats have kept themselves alive, but the margin for error is basically gone.
Losing Collaros Could Be Huge for Winnipeg
The Bombers placing Zach Collaros on the six-game injured list could be a massive blow to their playoff hopes.
That means Dru Brown is the starter for the foreseeable future, and while Brown has shown he can win games in this league, losing your starting quarterback at this point in the season is never good.
Winnipeg is right in the middle of a crowded West playoff race, and there isn’t much separating them from BC, Saskatchewan and Calgary. A couple of losses could completely change where the Bombers sit, and now they’ll have to make this playoff push without Collaros.
BC vs. Saskatchewan Could Decide Second in the West
This might be the game I’m watching the closest in Week 17.
Saskatchewan currently sits two points ahead of BC for second in the West. If the Riders win, they move four points ahead of the Lions and put themselves in a really good spot with only a few weeks left.
But if BC wins, suddenly they’re tied with Saskatchewan and we have ourselves a race.
There is still lots of football left after this week, so I’m not saying this game officially decides second place, but it could go a long way in deciding who eventually gets that home playoff game.
Don’t Sleep on Calgary
Calgary isn’t going away either.
The Stampeders have a chance to get a little winning streak going after beating Ottawa last week, and with some help around the league they could find themselves tied in the crossover race and right back in a playoff position.
But I wouldn’t just pencil in another Calgary win because they’re playing Ottawa again. The Stamps needed a 62-yard walk-off field goal to beat the 0-13 REDBLACKS last week, and Ottawa has actually looked better lately.
Calgary needs this game, but I don’t think it’s going to be as easy as the standings make it look.
Between Toronto trying to chase Montreal, Hamilton fighting for its season, Winnipeg losing Collaros, BC and Saskatchewan battling for second and Calgary hanging around, Week 17 could change a lot.
The Grey Cup Entertainment Lineup Is Stacked
If you’re a country music fan, the CFL has put together a pretty damn good lineup for the Grey Cup in Calgary.
Country star Riley Green will headline the halftime show, while Canadian country music group James Barker Band will perform during the kickoff show. Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor of Blue Rodeo will also be part of the festivities, and Sarah McLachlan will perform the national anthem.
That’s already a stacked lineup, but one of the coolest parts of this year’s Grey Cup won’t be happening on the stage.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will take to the skies at the Grey Cup as part of their final performance. Having their final flight happen at the Grey Cup is going to make what should already be a huge day in Calgary feel even more special.
Between Riley Green, James Barker Band, Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, Sarah McLachlan and the final performance of the Snowbirds, the CFL has put together one hell of a lineup for its biggest game of the year.
There is a lot happening around this league right now. The playoff race is getting tighter every week, teams are running out of time and we’re getting closer to finding out who will be heading to Calgary to play for the Grey Cup.
Week 17 should be a fun one.
