(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G15lcg9b0AEWz4b?format=jpg&name=small)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G15lcgjaEAAiI-U?format=jpg&name=small)
Remaining weeks:
Saskatchewan: @ Ott, vs Tor, @ Wpg, vs BC
Calgary: vs BC, @ Ham, vs Tor, @ Edm
Winnipeg: bye, @ Edm, vs Ssk, vs Mtl
BC: @ Cgy, bye, vs Edm, @ Ssk
Edmonton: bye, vs Wpg, @ BC, vs Cgy
Wow going to be a dog fight til the end, BC and us have tough games
Toronto plays Hamilton next week then who do they play??
Quote from: dd on September 28, 2025, 03:28:27 AMWow going to be a dog fight til the end, BC and us have tough games
Toronto plays Hamilton next week then who do they play??
Toronto is vs Ham, @ Ssk, @ Cgy, bye.
Argos need to win their 3 games and hope BC, Cgy or Wpg lose all their games or else Toronto is eliminated.
Guess who's back back again
We ain't king but we getting back on the saddle and looking good
Nice to see the parity
How would 3 way tie for 2nd work between BC , Calgary, Winnipeg?
Quote from: Sway on September 28, 2025, 12:24:43 PMHow would 3 way tie for 2nd work between BC , Calgary, Winnipeg?
Calgary, then Winnipeg, then BC
Bombers have tie break vs BC
BC has vs Calgary
Calgary has vs Bombers.
I thought it would be team with most "points for" between all 3 teams
Quote from: Sway on September 28, 2025, 01:04:33 PMBombers have tie break vs BC
BC has vs Calgary
Calgary has vs Bombers.
I thought it would be team with most "points for" between all 3 teams
Looks like the next qualifier is the win% amongst all tied clubs. So we have to wait until next week for BC to play Calgary.
If my calculations are correct the Bombers could clinch a playoff spot with a win over Edmonton depending if the Argos lose a game next week.
Quote from: bwiser on September 28, 2025, 02:47:22 PMIf my calculations are correct the Bombers could clinch a playoff spot with a win over Edmonton depending if the Argos lose a game next week.
They would, but it wouldn't matter if the Argos win. The most wins they or Ottawa can get is 8
Despite losing their last 2 games, it looks like the Riders are going to get first (unfortunately). Edmonton, while really coming on, is a longshot. Meanwhile, Calgary is really heading in the wrong direction. VA looks beat up, the defence has digressed, and Alford has disappeared. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the West is a crapshoot.
Quote from: bomb squad on September 28, 2025, 05:35:56 PMThey would, but it wouldn't matter if the Argos win. The most wins they or Ottawa can get is 8
Cross over team needs to have 1 more point than the 3rd place team in the east.
Quote from: bomb squad on September 28, 2025, 05:35:56 PMThey would, but it wouldn't matter if the Argos win. The most wins they or Ottawa can get is 8
The cross over team MUST have more wins than the eastern team to qualify. A t ite still means the eastern team gets in. Toronto and Ottawa hanging only by a thread though.
I'm stoked. #1 in W is still alive. SSK is in playing-not-to-lose mode to try to clinch #1 (which they are desperate for). They could easily lose out. Every game becomes a trap game.
CGY has lost their D mojo since putting Biggie in. Their O is only as good as VAJ.
I think we can do it. I think we can claim #1 in W, or maybe #2.
It would have been better if HAM was doing better because I want MTL to have #2 set in stone before we face them, so it becomes a nothing game for them. In my mind MTL is the best team in the league by a mile, IF Alexander is in.
And I'm glad SSK got to face EDM in their "for our owner" game, not us. EDM is still just EDM, and we know how to beat Cody.
Everything to play for. Everyone wrote us off. I think we get #1 in W. Even if we don't, could have a home WSF.
OH man .. if we get 1st place rider fans will be so mad ! I'd be ok with second, win here, and go to mosaic and beat them in the west final again. :D :D
I guess for us to get first Sask would have to lose out and we'd have to win out eh? Just 1 Rider win would get them 11 wins and that would be our max, and they have the season series on us.
Imagine if we had just completed the magic of the LDC comeback or Zach didn't get injured in the Banjo Bowl. We'd have 9 wins and the Riders would have 9, with the season series still in play. This would be very doable.
Its crazy how the temperature here changes, before ham game it was doom and gloom now a few very optimistic fans are looking at 1st.
I do think we have a shot at 2nd, the game against Edm is huge, they will be a desperate team. Just ask Sask who just lost to them
Quote from: Pete on September 30, 2025, 12:48:04 AMIts crazy how the temperature here changes, before ham game it was doom and gloom now a few very optimistic fans are looking at 1st.
I do think we have a shot at 2nd, the game against Edm is huge, they will be a desperate team. Just ask Sask who just lost to them
The doom and gloom is normal, any sign and weakness and normally the herd panics and the forum is flooded with negativity. Yes it has swung a bit to the positive, just how this place operates. I have no idea what will happen, so much parity and anything can happen. I have faith that this club is as good as any (other than Mtl) and with the OL and Zach on the rise we have a solid chance to do damage in the post season regardless where we end up.
Quote from: Pete on September 30, 2025, 12:48:04 AMIts crazy how the temperature here changes, before ham game it was doom and gloom now a few very optimistic fans are looking at 1st.
I do think we have a shot at 2nd, the game against Edm is huge, they will be a desperate team. Just ask Sask who just lost to them
Honestly it isn't crazy, at least from my perspective. Think about it - a day before this last game against Hamilton we didn't know if Zach would be playing, and we just came off the most ridiculous and unlikely win that any of us under 69 years old could ever remember - maybe longer. 54 yards passing, 3 of 8, and we don't know if we have our starting QB back, or if he will ever play again?
Most of us, if not all, knew that game was a one-off. We weren't winning more games with the status quo. And please don't see this as an indictment against Strevy - he plays his heart out, just as he did against Hamilton on Saturday.
That was not going to get us through the playoffs, much less winning the GC.
Now all of a sudden, Zach is back and plays like he did when we first acquired him in 2019? He even rolled out to his right to make a TD pass into the back corner like his first game here. He didn't have to run around for 5 seconds to avoid the tackle before it, but it wasn't that unlike that game back in 2019. I was in my seat for both, it was enough to remind me of it.
So forgive me for feeling a bit more optimistic after seeing Zach back in form like when he just joined our team and led us to our first GC in 29 years.
THAT is why some of us are feeling a bit more optimistic.
EVERY team in this league, is as only good as their Qb play. Every team bar none. So ya, bad Zach shows up, we ain't winning anything, good Zach shows up, man anything can happen. Its the way it is with every Qb. VAJ, Rourke, Harris, Alexander, BLM...all of em. Turn the ball over, and you're losing, play error free, you win. Sounds simple, but it isn't
And for those who trivialize the good mood, bad mood of fans and come off as some sort of visionary football expert, save it for someone who wants to listen to that bunk. I m glad Zach had a good game, really glad, but Zach could get hurt next game, next play, and we're done. Don't forget that when you're patting yourselves on the back.
Quote from: Big Daddy on September 30, 2025, 01:49:05 AMHonestly it isn't crazy, at least from my perspective. Think about it - a day before this last game against Hamilton we didn't know if Zach would be playing, and we just came off the most ridiculous and unlikely win that any of us under 69 years old could ever remember - maybe longer. 54 yards passing, 3 of 8, and we don't know if we have our starting QB back, or if he will ever play again?
Most of us, if not all, knew that game was a one-off. We weren't winning more games with the status quo. And please don't see this as an indictment against Strevy - he played his heart out, just as he did against Hamilton on Saturday.
That was not going to get us through the playoffs, much less winning the GC.
Now all of a sudden, Zach is back and plays like he did when we first acquired him in 2019? He even rolled out to his right to make a TD pass into the back corner like his first game here. He didn't have to run around for 5 seconds to avoid the tackle before it, but it wasn't that unlike that game back in 2019. I was in my seat for both, it was enough to remind me of it.
So forgive me for feeling a bit more optimistic after seeing Zach back in form like when he just joined our team and led us to our first GC in 29 years.
THAT is why some of us are feeling a bit more optimistic.
Well said my friend. Was so nice to see him light it up. He has given us hope on the back of a great outing by the Oline.
Quote from: dd on September 30, 2025, 02:20:01 AMEVERY team in this league, is as only good as their Qb play. Every team bar none. So ya, bad Zach shows up, we ain't winning anything, good Zach shows up, man anything can happen. Its the way it is with every Qb. VAJ, Rourke, Harris, Alexander, BLM...all of em. Turn the ball over, and you're losing, play error free, you win. Sounds simple, but it isn't
And for those who trivialize the good mood, bad mood of fans and come off as some sort of visionary football expert, save it for someone who wants to listen to that bunk. I m glad Zach had a good game, really glad, but Zach could get hurt next game, next play, and we're done. Don't forget that when you're patting yourselves on the back.
I'm not sure what you mean by "patting yourselves on the back" - if referring to my post, I am really far from patting myself on the back. If you read my post, I was feeling pretty down despite winning the previous game with 54 yds passing.
I fully realize that Zach could go down on any given play, and that is likely the end of this season. We have to play Saskatchewan again in a couple weeks, and they are THE WORST for taking down qb's. There's no arguing that - honestly I would rather sit Zach for that game even if it has implications for us in the playoff seeding. Okay that might be a bit hyperbole, but it isn't far off. I really, REALLY want to keep Zach healthy going forward. First for him and his family, and a close second for our BB playoff implications.
Yes it is a precarious position where we find ourselves. But again, not unlike 2019. So again - after Saturday, it feels like we just got a bit of optimism back - I for one am gonna run with it and enjoy it.
Quote from: Big Daddy on September 30, 2025, 03:02:23 AMI'm not sure what you mean by "patting yourselves on the back" - if referring to my post, I am really far from patting myself on the back. If you read my post, I was feeling pretty down despite winning the previous game with 54 yds passing.
I fully realize that Zach could go down on any given play, and that is likely the end of this season. We have to play Saskatchewan again in a couple weeks, and they are THE WORST for taking down qb's. There's no arguing that - honestly I would rather sit Zach for that game even if it has implications for us in the playoff seeding. Okay that might be a bit hyperbole, but it isn't far off. I really, REALLY want to keep Zach healthy going forward. First for him and his family, and a close second for our BB playoff implications.
Yes it is a precarious position where we find ourselves. But again, not unlike 2019. So again - after Saturday, it feels like we just got a bit of optimism back - I for one am gonna run with it and enjoy it.
No not your post at all, but there's one fella on here that loves to drive the forum crazy...and lets just leave it at that.
Quote from: dd on September 30, 2025, 03:26:35 AMNo not your post at all, but there's one fella on here that loves to drive the forum crazy...and lets just leave it at that.
Fair enough. Thank you for that, I don't keep track of every post enough to know so I will just leave it at that - I'm not being a smart-@ss, I'm just agreeing.
I honestly agreed with everything you said, other than the patting yourself on the back part. Any team, including us, could be done immediately if our qb goes down right before playoffs. It was where we were in 2019 and the next GC win as well. I'm hoping (as I know you are) that we could see a third time.
Quote from: blue_or_die on September 30, 2025, 12:35:50 AMI guess for us to get first Sask would have to lose out and we'd have to win out eh? Just 1 Rider win would get them 11 wins and that would be our max, and they have the season series on us.
Imagine if we had just completed the magic of the LDC comeback or Zach didn't get injured in the Banjo Bowl. We'd have 9 wins and the Riders would have 9, with the season series still in play. This would be very doable.
'
And 2 of Saskies games are against Toronto and Ottawa.
Quote from: Pete on September 30, 2025, 12:48:04 AMIts crazy how the temperature here changes, before ham game it was doom and gloom now a few very optimistic fans are looking at 1st.
Not me! Every 1-3 weeks I've posted that I think we'll win #1 in the W. For months now. Never stopped. And I'll think that until it's eliminated from reality. Then I'll think we'll get #2!
Quote from: Tecno on September 30, 2025, 04:52:09 PMNot me! Every 1-3 weeks I've posted that I think we'll win #1 in the W. For months now. Never stopped. And I'll think that until it's eliminated from reality. Then I'll think we'll get #2!
Yeah it's been really nice having you positive on here my friend and the balance that you provide this place is really good. I never thought we had a crack at #1 but I never stopped believing.
Almost want to crossover...
Question: If the crossover team has a better record than the 2nd place team, do they get the home game? IF...
Quote from: theaardvark on October 01, 2025, 03:25:13 AMAlmost want to crossover...
Question: If the crossover team has a better record than the 2nd place team, do they get the home game? IF...
Don't believe so. The crossover team would be 3rd place regardless of record.
If the Riders win this weekend, and that's a pretty good bet, then we can't get 1st. They'd be 3 games ahead of us plus they won the season series.
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 01, 2025, 03:40:27 PMIf the Riders win this weekend, and that's a pretty good bet, then we can't get 1st. They'd be 3 games ahead of us plus they won the season series.
I think we can forget about finishing 1st. OTOH, we have a chance to finish as high as # 2 or as low as # 4 for a crossover.
The Lions need to beat the Stamps and we need to beat the Elks.
The Stamps last 2 games are against the Argos and the Elks. By that time both of those teams may be out of the play off picture. So those could be very easy games for the Stamps. OTOH, they may have a hold on # 2 spot and decide to rest a bunch of starters.
Quote from: Tecno on September 29, 2025, 12:01:57 AMI'm stoked. #1 in W is still alive. SSK is in playing-not-to-lose mode to try to clinch #1 (which they are desperate for). They could easily lose out. Every game becomes a trap game.
CGY has lost their D mojo since putting Biggie in. Their O is only as good as VAJ.
I think we can do it. I think we can claim #1 in W, or maybe #2.
It would have been better if HAM was doing better because I want MTL to have #2 set in stone before we face them, so it becomes a nothing game for them. In my mind MTL is the best team in the league by a mile, IF Alexander is in.
And I'm glad SSK got to face EDM in their "for our owner" game, not us. EDM is still just EDM, and we know how to beat Cody.
Everything to play for. Everyone wrote us off. I think we get #1 in W. Even if we don't, could have a home WSF.
I disagree with you. I think SSK will finish first and we may end up 3rd or a cross over out East. I do not think we have the talent to expect much else. IMHO we are still and will continue to be weak across the DL and OL positions and I do not see much to change that. And having to play on the road will be a significant issue regardless of whether it is in the West or the East.
No issues with crossing over. The only way we can meet SSK here for the GC.
Which Would Be Epic.
(I'd have to serious think about selling my tickets... wonder what they'd go for...)
There will be a cross over.
Ottawa and Toronto are eliminated.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G2dk2E3a8AAVZuI?format=jpg&name=small)
Remaining weeks:
Saskatchewan: vs Tor, @ Wpg, vs BC
Calgary: @ Ham, vs Tor, @ Edm
Winnipeg: @ Edm, vs Ssk, vs Mtl
BC: bye, vs Edm, @ Ssk
Edmonton: vs Wpg, @ BC, vs Cgy
Bombers beat the Elks next Saturday and they clinch a playoff spot.
I prefer the cross over.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on October 05, 2025, 01:43:33 PMI prefer the cross over.
to a home semi final game then into sask?
not sure whay is easier winning in montreal and hamilton or winning in bc or calgary then sask.
i am worried that cold weather and playoff Zach can stink.
Winning in Montréal and Hamilton is easier.
Quote from: gobombersgo on October 05, 2025, 04:05:31 AMRemaining weeks:
Saskatchewan: vs Tor, @ Wpg, vs BC
Calgary: @ Ham, vs Tor, @ Edm
Winnipeg: @ Edm, vs Ssk, vs Mtl
BC: bye, vs Edm, @ Ssk
Edmonton: vs Wpg, @ BC, vs Cgy
Our playoff road is a rough one. We MUST win in Edmonton, as playing Sask and Montreal won't be a cake walk, BC has a tough one too, vs Edmonton and Sask (who will likely rest some starters the last game), and Edmonton has to win out to keep alive playing us, BC and then Calgary, and Calgary has the easiest games, vs Hamilton, Toronto (should win that one), and then Edmonton....could come down to the last game of the season to figure everthing out, but it all starts with a MUST win in Edmonton.
Quote from: northof30 on October 05, 2025, 03:07:57 PMWinning in Montréal and Hamilton is easier.
Disagree, especially Montreal, with Alexander back, they are the ones to beat and at home with all those horn honkers, I don't know. It isn't going to be particularly easy east or west this year, we're likely on the road, and that's tough sledding.
Either side is hard. We will have to really earn it this year. Nice to see anyone have a shot. Will be a great ending and playoffs, just the way it should be. Mtl scares me.
Quote from: northof30 on October 05, 2025, 03:07:57 PMWinning in Montréal and Hamilton is easier.
Some team has to step up and defeat Davis Alexander soon or the playoffs might not be a contest.
Quote from: dd on October 05, 2025, 03:10:26 PMOur playoff road is a rough one. We MUST win in Edmonton, as playing Sask and Montreal won't be a cake walk, BC has a tough one too, vs Edmonton and Sask (who will likely rest some starters the last game), and Edmonton has to win out to keep alive playing us, BC and then Calgary, and Calgary has the easiest games, vs Hamilton, Toronto (should win that one), and then Edmonton....could come down to the last game of the season to figure everthing out, but it all starts with a MUST win in Edmonton.
this weeks game is huuuuge for us - second place is in play. sask may not have anything to play for against us
Quote from: The Zipp on October 05, 2025, 05:29:48 PMthis weeks game is huuuuge for us - second place is in play. sask may not have anything to play for against us
Agreed. No reason not to be excited for this one!
Quote from: The Zipp on October 05, 2025, 05:29:48 PMthis weeks game is huuuuge for us - second place is in play. sask may not have anything to play for against us
To me it's the most important game, win and there's a chance we could go for second, lose and we re fighting for a cross over spot. That makes this game a must win
Remaining weeks:
Saskatchewan: @ Wpg, vs BC
Calgary: vs Tor, @ Edm
Winnipeg: vs Ssk, vs Mtl
BC: vs Edm, @ Ssk
Edmonton: @ BC, vs Cgy
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3BoFAObwAAz5Yi?format=jpg&name=small)
I don't see how EDM beats both EDM & CGY. I think we're safe for the crossover.
If we can win one more, it's virtually assured.
Ouch. Just realized that if we crossover, which seems inevitable (unless we miss it completely), it's going to cost me mega bucks, as it will probably mean flying. Assuming I go. If we win in (say) HAM, might make sense to stay there a week and drive to (say) MTL.
There's one consolation should we miss the playoffs completely... save a whack on traveling costs! But should we win both East playoff games, it will make for one epic moment a big fan might not want to miss out on. It may be 2019 vibes.
Quote from: Tecno on October 12, 2025, 06:03:12 AMI don't see how EDM beats both EDM & CGY. I think we're safe for the crossover.
If we can win one more, it's virtually assured.
Edmonton will have there hands full with BC next Friday in BC. Let's hope Betts can get to Cody. The only way I see Edmonton winning this one is if there D is lights out good and forces a number of turnovers.
If there is a 3 way tie then Calgary is second.
If Calgary and Winnipeg are tied then Calgary gets second.
If Calgary and BC are tied then BC is second.
Calgary just needs to win one game to eliminate the Bombers from having a chance at 2nd place.
Im currently hoping for a cross over for the Bombers. If BC wins their 2 remaining games then the Lions will clinch at least 3rd place.
Quote from: Tecno on October 12, 2025, 07:48:11 AMOuch. Just realized that if we crossover, which seems inevitable (unless we miss it completely), it's going to cost me mega bucks, as it will probably mean flying. Assuming I go. If we win in (say) HAM, might make sense to stay there a week and drive to (say) MTL.
There's one consolation should we miss the playoffs completely... save a whack on traveling costs! But should we win both East playoff games, it will make for one epic moment a big fan might not want to miss out on. It may be 2019 vibes.
Save your money, it's pretty much the antithesis of the 2019 vibe, this team is headed in the opposite direction.
I think the crossover is not just the easiest way to the GC, but the best, especially if SSK gets there.
Can you imagine a WPG/SSK GC in WPG?
SSK would be the "Home team"
It won't be a close game if they are healthy and we are short Demski and Vaval, though.
Quote from: dd on October 06, 2025, 02:35:38 AMTo me it's the most important game, win and there's a chance we could go for second, lose and we re fighting for a cross over spot. That makes this game a must win
Lay another egg at home and the boos will descend from heaven, could become a wake up moment for the entire organization.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 12, 2025, 05:15:45 PMSave your money, it's pretty much the antithesis of the 2019 vibe, this team is headed in the opposite direction.
I would agree. The bombers have ZERO momentum for any run in the playoffs from what I see. Not to say it can't happen. For us old
Timers remember 1988 although that defence was head and shoulders above this team. They carried that team
To grey cup plus Bob Cameron put on a pointing clinic is my memory.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 12, 2025, 05:19:52 PMLay another egg at home and the boos will descend from heaven, could become a wake up moment for the entire organization.
This could quite well happen, our last 2 games are at home. The next game, with 1st place wrapped up, Sask doesn't have anything to play for so I expect Harris to get the 1st quarter or so just to keep sharp and then Maier will come on for 3/4 of the game in garbage time. Could be a close game if that happens. Sask will kill us if Harris goes the whole way. The Montreal game will be interesting. Is Alexander still hurt, if he isn't, again he'll get 1st quarter reps to stay sharp and save him from injury for the following week. We could win both games or lose and if we lose both, expect boo birds out in full force !!
Quote from: theaardvark on October 12, 2025, 05:18:40 PMI think the crossover is not just the easiest way to the GC, but the best, especially if SSK gets there.
Can you imagine a WPG/SSK GC in WPG?
SSK would be the "Home team"
It won't be a close game if they are healthy and we are short Demski and Vaval, though.
I heard that if the Bombers are the visitors they would still be able to use their own locker room.
Bombers are awful. Is there a memorandum to the teams, stating this is t(e last year ever for the CFL? I. Ean why are the Bombers not trying?. I. Ean let's face it. Collaros is awful, and the Bombers brought in zero people to replace the guys that deserted the team.
I smell a rat?
Quote from: gobombersgo on Today at 01:03:17 AMI heard that if the Bombers are the visitors they would still be able to use their own locker room.
Ya, any other way would make zero sense. And I can't see even the hated Riders trying to impose the visitor's locker room on us.
Of course, it's all wishes and dreams at this point. Hard to see how we pull off a miracle to beat MTL with Alexander... And first we have to make the crossover instead of being totally eliminated! Another Murphy's Law + low NRG game next week and maybe we miss out completely. Now THAT would blow up this whole organization...
The Riders may rest guys Friday. We may come out like we did last home game. In other words, I can see us winning Friday and clinching. I could also see BC beating Edmonton making what we do moot. I do think a healthy Montreal on the road is a tough foe.
Quote from: RebusRankin on Today at 01:37:27 PMThe Riders may rest guys Friday. We may come out like we did last home game. In other words, I can see us winning Friday and clinching. I could also see BC beating Edmonton making what we do moot. I do think a healthy Montreal on the road is a tough foe.
Both our last 2 games are at home.
Montreal lost the season series with Hamilton. Hamilton plays there last game before we play the Als. It appears the Als have to win out and the TiCats need to lose their last game for the Als to have a chance at finishing 1st.
In that sense, it's very probable that the Als may end up sitting many starters when they play us. Alexander hasn't played much lately due to injury so that may change the picture somewhat. However I expect several starts to not play and avoid injury.
However it does appear we'll be the crossover team and will play the Als in Montreal a week after we play them in our last regular season game at home. That's not the best scenario but it is what it is.
Quote from: Blue In BC on Today at 03:11:28 PMBoth our last 2 games are at home.
Montreal lost the season series with Hamilton. Hamilton plays there last game before we play the Als. It appears the Als have to win out and the TiCats need to lose their last game for the Als to have a chance at finishing 1st.
In that sense, it's very probable that the Als may end up sitting many starters when they play us. Alexander hasn't played much lately due to injury so that may change the picture somewhat. However I expect several starts to not play and avoid injury.
However it does appear we'll be the crossover team and will play the Als in Montreal a week after we play them in our last regular season game at home. That's not the best scenario but it is what it is.
that last game might mean more to the Als than us. we may have the cross over locked up and Al's could still be playing for first.
lots to be settled
Quote from: The Zipp on Today at 06:59:28 PMthat last game might mean more to the Als than us. we may have the cross over locked up and Al's could still be playing for first.
lots to be settled
Mathematically that it true but not probable. The Als and TiCats both play Ottawa again. The TiCats will be looking to beat down the Redblacks and ensuring a 1st place finish. That happens before they play us.
Redblacks are already in tryout mode and not likely to win another game in 2025.
The other issue is that the Als won't want to show anything new with an expectation of playing us in the ESF. Whereas we may be the team fighting to win a playoff spot.