Edmonton Elks Playoff Outlook: A Late-Season Push
Table of Contents
Current Standings & Playoff Scenarios
The Edmonton Elks (6-9) face a challenging but not impossible path to the playoffs with three games remaining in the regular season. While a top-three finish in the West Division is unattainable, a playoff berth remains within reach.
Here’s a breakdown of the current West Division standings as of September 26,2024:
| Team | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|
| B.C. lions | 9-5 | 18 |
| Saskatchewan Roughriders | 8-6 | 16 |
| Calgary Stampeders | 8-7 | 16 |
| Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 8-7 | 16 |
| Edmonton Elks | 6-9 | 12 |
| Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 5-9 | 10 |
The Elks can no longer surpass the B.C. lions or Saskatchewan Roughriders. However, the Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, both at 8-7, are within striking distance. Both teams currently hold a four-point advantage over Edmonton.
Key Remaining Games & Tie-Breakers
Edmonton’s fate hinges on the outcomes of their remaining three games and potential tie-breakers. Here’s a look at their schedule:
- Week 20: vs. Ottawa Redblacks (October 5th)
- Week 21: @ Calgary Stampeders (October 12th) – *Crucial Rubber Match*
- Week 22: vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (October 19th)
The Week 21 matchup against Calgary is particularly significant. Having split the Labour Day Classic, this game will determine the season series winner. In the CFL, the season series is the first tie-breaker for playoff positioning.
Here’s how the tie-breakers work (in order):
- Season Series
- Head-to-Head Record (if season series is tied)
- Record Against Teams in Own Division
- Record Against Teams in the Other Division
- Net points For/Against
- Points For
Scenario Analysis: Paths to the Playoffs
Scenario 1: Winning All Three Remaining Games
If the Elks win all three of their remaining games, they would finish with a 9-9 record.This would guarantee them a playoff spot, potentially as the third-place team in the West, depending on the outcomes of Calgary and Winnipeg’s games.
Scenario 2: Winning Two of Three Games
Winning two of three games would result in an 8-10 record. This scenario is more complex and depends heavily on the results of Calgary and Winnipeg. If both teams win one or fewer of their remaining games, Edmonton would likely secure a playoff spot. However, if either Calgary or Winnipeg wins two or more, the Elks would be eliminated.
Scenario 3: Winning One of Three Games
Winning only one of their