Lions, Eskimos jockey for playoff positioning

The BC Lions host the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday and will hope to maintain a grip on the third playoff spot in the Western Division.

Both teams have already punched their tickets to the postseason, but BC (9-6) sit in third place, one spot ahead of Edmonton (8-7). The fourth-place finisher will have to play in the crossover game against the second seed in the Eastern Division.

The Lions come in slumping, losing three of their past four games. That's not to say BC has been playing poorly, though, as its most lopsided defeat over that stretch was by four points, and the Lions have been averaging 36 points per game over their past three.

If you had to pinpoint one issue for the struggles, it would be turnovers. Lions quarterback Jonathon Jennings has been intercepted seven times in the three losses. The pivot will need to take better care of the ball if BC hopes to get back on track.

Meanwhile, the Eskimos are trending in the other direction, winning their past three contests. Edmonton signal caller Mike Reilly is playing his best football heading in to the playoffs, throwing for at least 300 yards in each of his past five contests.

One of those impressive showings included a 24-of-31 performance for 300 yards late last month when the Eskimos topped the Lions 27-23.