CFL Week 13 features playoff clinching opportunities and offensive storylines

By Liam Tremblay — 27 August 2026 — 4 min read

Montreal eyes playoff berth

The Montreal Alouettes have an opportunity to secure a playoff spot in Week 13. If Montreal defeats the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats lose to the Calgary Stampeders, the Alouettes could clinch a playoff berth. Additionally, a Montreal win, combined with wins by Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa, could lead to Montreal securing a postseason berth by preventing a West crossover team from surpassing them in the standings.

The Blue Bombers will aim to use their defence against the pass to slow down Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander. Winnipeg’s defence allows 268.8 yards per game through the air.

Calgary’s offensive stars return

The Calgary Stampeders are returning from a bye week, with focus on offensive players Vernon Adams Jr. and Dedrick Mills. Both players were listed on the team’s injury report this week due to head injuries after leaving a Week 11 contest. Mills was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Adams Jr. was limited on both days. Head coach Dave Dickenson indicated both are progressing positively.

Calgary previously won against Hamilton in Week 9, a game where their defence played a significant role. Marquel Lee forced a strip sack, leading to a scoop and score by Kyle Wilson, and Derrick Moncrief secured a pick-six late in the fourth quarter. For the Tiger-Cats, Tre Ford started last week and recorded 356 passing yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Toronto’s ground game and BC’s winning streak

The Toronto Argonauts, known for their passing game led by quarterback Chad Kelly, introduced a strong ground game in Week 12 against Hamilton. The team achieved a season-high 145 rushing yards, with rookie Isaiah Smith contributing 99 yards on 15 carries in his first start. Qualan Jones added 37 yards on nine attempts, and Kelly rushed for nine yards. Their previous highest rushing total was 111 yards in Week 2 against Ottawa. The Argonauts will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who have the second-best run defence, allowing 78.2 yards per game on the ground.

The BC Lions enter Week 13 on a four-game winning streak. After starting the year with a 1-5 record, the team has an opportunity to move above .500 for the first time in 2026 with a win against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Quarterback Nathan Rourke has thrown for over 300 yards in three consecutive games, accumulating six passing touchdowns and three interceptions, along with a rushing touchdown. The running back duo of Zander Horvath and James Butler has improved the Lions’ run game, with the team averaging 112.8 yards per game after Week 12, up from 74.3 yards per game through Week 8. Horvath has also scored seven touchdowns in his last four games. The Lions’ defence allowed only 16 points against the Roughriders last week and intercepted Trevor Harris twice. The Lions are currently third in the West, two points behind the Roughriders.

Player performances to watch

Shemar Bridges, a former Tiger-Cat, is expected to make his debut for the Roughriders. He could be a significant target for quarterback Trevor Harris. Bridges is anticipated to be in the lineup and potentially score his first touchdown in nearly a year during his debut.

Tyreik McAllister and Isaiah Wooden are noted return specialists. McAllister has recorded three kick return touchdowns, while Wooden has one punt return touchdown. Their performances could lead to significant plays in Week 13.

Larry Rountree III of the Tiger-Cats, who scored his first touchdown of the season last week, is expected to have a strong performance. He previously rushed for over 100 yards in Week 2. Against a defence that has struggled against the run, Rountree III is predicted to surpass the 100-yard rushing mark for the second time this season and potentially score multiple touchdowns, with additional yards through the air.

Mathieu Betts of the BC Lions is tied for the league lead in sacks with seven, alongside Clarence Hicks of the Stampeders. Betts is predicted to take sole possession of the top spot in sacks during the game against Ottawa. His performance is seen as a key factor in the Lions’ improving defence.

Quali Conley of the Saskatchewan Roughriders is a running back whose burst has been observed. Despite a previous touchdown being called back due to a penalty, his breakaway speed has been noted. The Roughriders are expected to have a strong rushing performance at home, with Conley potentially emerging as a key player. The Roughriders have not had a 100-yard rusher all season.

Source: cfl.ca