Blue Bombers can clinch first place finish in West Division with victory over Lions

After punching their playoff ticket last week, the Blue Bombers can solidify a shorter route to the 2021 Grey Cup.

The Bombers (9-1) can cement top spot in the West Division on Saturday with a home victory over the B.C. Lions (4-5).

Winnipeg, the defending Grey Cup champions, became the first team to clinch a playoff berth Friday night with a 26-16 victory over the Edmonton Elks.

A first-place finish would secure the right to host the West Division final Dec. 5 versus the winner of the conference semifinal Nov. 28.

The Bombers could still clinch a home playoff game even with a loss. If B.C. wins and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4) lose to the Calgary Stampeders (5-5), the Blue Bombers would clinch at least the right to host the West Division semifinal.

The same would also apply if B.C. defeated by less than 21 points and Saskatchewan beat Calgary.

The Grey Cup game will be held Dec. 12 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.