Wild Week 16 CFL Round-Up
Photo: Calgary Stampeders
The Canadian Football League’s Week 16 delivered the kind of drama that makes the stretch run so compelling: high-scoring affairs, momentum swings, and games that came down to the final possession. Let’s have a look:
The weekend closed with a remarkable showdown in Calgary, where the Stampeders and Ottawa REDBLACKS combined for 78 points in a game that wasn’t decided until the final play.
Calgary 40, Ottawa 38: Paredes Delivers a Classic
The Calgary Stampeders survived a thrilling 40-38 victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS, courtesy of René Paredes’ spectacular 62-yard field goal as time expired.
It was a game defined by momentum swings and offensive fireworks. Ottawa, still searching for its first win of the season, took a 38-37 lead with just over a minute remaining when McLeod Bethel-Thompson connected with Justin Hardy for a 15-yard touchdown. Calgary, however, refused to fold.
Vernon Adams Jr. and the Stampeders moved into position for one final opportunity, and despite a penalty that pushed Calgary back, Paredes calmly drilled the game-winning kick. The veteran kicker finished the evening four-for-four, while Calgary improved to 6-8 and kept its West Division playoff hopes alive.
Adams threw for 357 yards and two touchdowns, with Jalen Philpot and Tevin Jones both surpassing 100 receiving yards. Ottawa’s Bethel-Thompson delivered an outstanding performance of his own, throwing for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Keelan White caught three touchdown passes, but the REDBLACKS suffered another heartbreaking defeat, falling to 0-13.
Parades’ game-winning field goal was one off the league record of 63 yards, held by Sergio Castillo.
Toronto 24, Edmonton 19: Argos Punch Their Ticket
The Toronto Argonauts secured their place in the postseason with a 24-19 victory over the Edmonton Elks earlier on Saturday at BMO Field.
Chad Kelly was the catalyst for the Toronto offence, completing 19 of 31 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Kevin Mital and Dymere Miller for major scores, while the Argos repeatedly attacked downfield with explosive passing plays.
Toronto’s defence made the difference when it mattered most. Ralph Holley returned a fumble 55 yards for a touchdown, and the Argonauts produced three takeaways, including two interceptions of Cody Fajardo in the end zone.
Fajardo, making his 100th career start, threw for 360 yards, but Edmonton struggled to capitalize on its red-zone opportunities, converting just one of six trips into touchdowns. The Elks dropped to 10-4, while Toronto improved to 8-6 and clinched a playoff berth, and home playoff game.
Montreal 37, Hamilton 25: Alouettes’ Defence Dominates
The Montreal Alouettes opened Week 16 with a convincing 37-25 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night in the annual Hall of Fame Game.
Montreal’s defence forced six turnovers, establishing control early and limiting Hamilton’s offence for most of the contest. Nate Beauchemin delivered one of the game’s biggest plays, returning a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Quarterback Davis Alexander threw touchdown passes to Donald Ventrelli and Tyson Philpot, while Caleb Evans added a rushing major in the fourth quarter. Hamilton rallied late, scoring three touchdowns in the final period, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
The Alouettes improved to 11-3, reinforcing their position at the top of the East Division. Hamilton, meanwhile, fell to 4-10, leaving the Tiger-Cats with additional ground to make up in the playoff race.
The Bigger Picture
Week 16 underscored the contrasting realities facing teams across the CFL. Montreal and Toronto strengthened their postseason positions, while Edmonton remained in contention for a strong playoff seed despite its loss. Calgary’s dramatic win kept the Stampeders in the West Division conversation, while Ottawa’s frustrating season continued with yet another narrow defeat.
Week 16 reminded us once again: In the CFL, the game isn’t over until the final kick, whistle, or defensive stop.
