The Edmonton Elks secured a home playoff game for the first time in 11 years with a 27-12 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton on October 9, 2026.

The win guaranteed Edmonton a top-two finish in the Canadian Football League's West Division. The Elks improved to 12-4 and stayed in first place with two regular-season games remaining.

Edmonton will host playoff football at Commonwealth Stadium for the first time since 2015. The remaining question is whether the Elks will host a semifinal or the West Division final.

What Edmonton's finish means

Edmonton's last playoff game at Commonwealth Stadium came in 2015. The Elks defeated the Calgary Stampeders that year before winning the Grey Cup.

The exact opponent and playoff round will depend on Edmonton's final position in the West Division.

  • A second-place finish would send Edmonton into a home West Division semifinal.
  • A first-place finish would give the Elks a bye and a home West Division final.
  • Edmonton will clinch the West Division with a win or a British Columbia Lions loss.

Edmonton pulls away late

The game stayed tight through three quarters. Edmonton led 7-3 after holding Hamilton scoreless in the first half.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo ran for a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Zach Mathis added a pick-six after Edmonton intercepted a fake-punt pass. ShunDerrick Powell sealed the win with a late five-yard rushing touchdown.

Fajardo completed 16 of 25 passes for 229 yards and added the rushing touchdown. Edmonton forced five turnovers and gave the ball away once.

Defensive lineman Malik Carney recorded four sacks, tying the Elks' single-game club record. Edmonton outgained Hamilton 324-242 in net offence.

Hamilton eliminated from playoff contention

The Tiger-Cats fell to 5-12 and were eliminated from playoff contention. Isaiah Wooden scored Hamilton's only touchdown on an 88-yard kickoff return. Marc Liegghio added two field goals.

For Edmonton, the result changes the stakes of the final two regular-season games. The Elks now have a guaranteed home playoff date and remain in position to host the West Division final.