The Final Hurdle: Unpredictable Outcomes in the 2024 CFL Regular Season Finale

As we approach the climax of the 2024 CFL regular season, the stakes are set, and the postseason picture is beginning to take shape. With only a handful of games left, the final slate of matches presents an intriguing mix of playoff hopefuls and teams that have missed their chance. In these crucial matches, player rotations and strategic decisions will heavily influence the outcomes. Understanding these dynamics can pave the way for potential upsets and breakout performances.

The Clash of the Contenders and the Underdogs

Toronto Argonauts at Edmonton Elks

Friday, 9:30 p.m ET

The Toronto Argonauts have successfully clinched the second spot in the Eastern Division and will host the Eastern Semi-Final on November 2. Following their Week 20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks, Toronto finds itself in a position where it must tread carefully. With the playoffs looming, we might see a cautious approach regarding player fatigue and potential injuries.

In stark contrast, the Edmonton Elks are playing with a sense of urgency and pride, despite being eliminated from postseason contention earlier on. Under the leadership of interim coach Jarious Jackson, the Elks exhibited impressive tenacity. They narrowly lost to the Saskatchewan Roughriders 28-24 before bouncing back to defeat the Calgary Stampeders 23-18. Their current performance suggests that while their season may be over, their competitive spirit remains intact.

Despite their 6-11 record, the Elks boast a +3 point differential and have scored the second-most points in the league, trailing only the Argonauts. Key players such as Tre Ford, Justin Rankin, Tevin Jones, Dillon Mitchell, and Eugene Lewis make Edmonton’s offense an exciting unit to watch. Given the risk of Toronto resting some starters, the Elks could leverage this opportunity to achieve a surprising victory, rekindling the fire of a fanbase yearning for good news.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes

Saturday, 3:00 p.m ET

The matchup between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Montreal Alouettes is arguably one of the most unpredictable of the weekend. Both teams secured their spots in the playoffs, yet the Blue Bombers enter the fray after a well-timed Week 20 bye. This rest could prove advantageous as the Bombers look to solidify their standing in the Western Division.

On the flip side, the Alouettes sit as the top seed in the league and have a vested interest in momentum. After their shocking 27-3 defeat to the BC Lions in Week 20, Montreal is aiming to rebound and build confidence heading into the playoffs. Cody Fajardo’s return, albeit after personal matters, provides an opportunity for the Alouettes to reassert their dominance on the field.

Despite their own struggles, the Bombers’ motivation is clear. They are determined not only to bounce back from their disappointing performance against the Argonauts (a 14-11 loss) but also to seek revenge for their earlier season defeat by Montreal. Given these circumstances, Winnipeg’s chances of capitalizing on a potentially weakened Alouettes side seems plausible.

Player Spotlight: Bo Levi Mitchell

As the dust settles on the unfolding drama of Week 21, one player stands out as a prime candidate for a breakout performance: Bo Levi Mitchell of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Although A.J. Ouellette of the Roughriders is a viable choice given his matchup against the Stampeders, concerns about his playing time limit his potential effectiveness. In contrast, Mitchell is poised for a significant game against the Redblacks—whose defense has struggled throughout the season.

Ottawa’s defense stands as one of the league’s more porous units, allowing 280.9 passing yards per game and surrendering 27 passes of 30+ yards. Mitchell, coming off an incredible performance with 450 yards and five touchdowns against the Stampeders, has thrived against Ottawa in their previous encounters this season. In a close Week 4 contest, he threw for 322 yards, and in their Week 15 rematch, he accumulated 299 yards and two touchdown passes. Given Hamilton’s intention to utilize its full roster, expect Mitchell to have the opportunity to shine.

Final Thoughts

The closing week of the CFL regular season carries the potential for unpredictability, excitement, and perhaps a few surprises. As teams jockey for their better postseason positioning or play for pride, fans can expect thrilling encounters. Whether it’s the feisty Elks looking to disrupt the Argonauts’ plans or the motivated Bombers aiming to stamp their authority against the Alouettes, this weekend’s games will be essential viewing.

In any case, sports always stay interesting when the unexpected becomes possible. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for an exhilarating finale to the CFL season.