Toronto, Canada (Sports Network) - It's been a foregone conclusion, but it became official last week: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are out, and the Toronto Argonauts are in. The Bombers had no answer for the Argos defense. Montreal looked even worse, scoring three points in a loss to Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats now have an outside chance for first-place in what was a wild week out East.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

The Argos clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2007 last week, and though their defense was again the main story, it's the offense that's got to have Toronto feeling good.

It's been eight games since the Boatmen scored a pair of offensive touchdowns, courtesy of two offensive players they need contributions from: RB Cory Boyd and QB Cleo Lemon.

The Argos Quarterback was not great, but he was timely, making plays when he had to. Meanwhile Boyd did what he has done all season, but he added some sizzle with a 66-yard TD catch.

With two games remaining, Toronto can still claim second place if they can win their next two games. Hamilton would have to lose twice in order for Toronto to get home-field advantage in the first round, however.

Offensive key to the next game (Montreal Alouettes): Now that it has gotten a taste of offensive touchdowns again, expect Toronto to really pour it on against division-leading Montreal. This is fine so long as Lemon, and the rest of the team, limits the mistakes. Error-free football is the most important thing for the Argos in this game.

Defensive key to the next game: Keep Montreal no closer than 45 yards from its end zone. Starting kicker Damon Duval is out with injury and judging by the team's strategy last week, were reluctant to allow backup Colt David a chance from long range. That trend may continue this week.

Look ahead: Toronto finishes up the season on the road against these very same Alouettes.

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

A dominating 40-3 win last week over East-leading Montreal has got to have the Ti-Cats fired up.

After all, a 1-4 start had many critics viewing this team as a playoff longshot. Instead, Hamilton responded and persevered through its struggling running game to put points on the board and finally kick things into high gear halfway through the season.

After last week's win, it's not even clear if the Als are the true toast of the East.

Hamilton has a chance for first-place if they can win its final two games and the Als drops both of theirs, but as it is unlikely, Hamilton should more focus on holding onto home-field advantage against its likely semi-final matchup, Toronto.

Offensive key to the next game (Calgary Stampeders): Possible playoff preview? That's too much forward thinking, but why not treat it like a playoff game? Don't overdo it, but quarterback Kevin Glenn and his ability to spread the field will be put to the test as it is unlikely DeAndra Cobb will get anything going on the ground against the Stamps.

Defensive key to the next game: The run game for Calgary was embarrassing last week against BC. The Stampeders may go out of their way to send a message that they can indeed rush. Stevie Baggs and the rest of the Hamilton defense best be prepared for some bruises because Calgary is going to try running.

Look ahead: Speaking of playoff-type games, Hamilton may have facing a do-or- die game with the BC Lions next week. The Lions may be battling Edmonton for that last playoff spot still by next week, putting Hamilton in the position of spoiler.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Losing by 37 points to your biggest division rival three games from the post- season has to sting.

But there is some possible good news as the Als just picked up an old fan favorite in kick returner Larry Taylor.

The 2009 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player returns to his former team after failing to get a spot in the NFL.

If he can reclaim his old form, Montreal is in a lot of luck with this formidable talent returning the ball.

Bigger concerns, however, must be with Montreal's offense. Two unspectacular games in a row where Anthony Calvillo has not thrown all that great and the running game - albeit already one of the worst in the league - has been terrible.

Montreal's got to get that passing game back up to snuff to end the season on a high note.

Offensive key to the next game (Toronto Argonauts): Calvillo needs to find his accuracy again. Few can match the veteran's ability to toss lightning-fast 10-15 yarders for quick first downs like Calvillo can, but it's been a struggle recently. Montreal's rhythm is nearly dependent on getting easy first downs.

Defensive key to the next game: The three most important players for the Argos all wear the first three jersey numbers (Cleo Lemon-1, Chad Owens-2, and Cory Boyd-3). With a little math, the Als can win this game if they just stop these three players - it's as easy as 1-2-3.

Look ahead: If Montreal wins this week, look for Calvillo to sit and other backups to play a more prominent role in what would be a meaningless final regular season game.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

It's just not fair over in Manitoba. How else can you explain not only dropping more nail biters than any two teams combined but also lose the first three starting quarterbacks to injury?

Such is the case in Bombers County, forced to go to practice roster QB Joey Elliott to fill the void. It could be worse: Winnipeg could be on the cusp of a playoff position, but having already been eliminated, the drama of the moment is sort of lost in the shuffle.

Needless to say, if ever there was a time for a fourth-stringer to make a name for himself, this is it.

Offensive key to the next game (Edmonton Eskimos): Playing a team that is in the thick of hunting down a playoff spot spells trouble for Winnipeg. Fortunately, Edmonton can't defend against the run, which is precisely what the Bombers will focus on with such an inexperienced quarterback on the field. Fred Reid, the ball is in your court.

Defensive key to the next start: Edmonton will field a gunslinger when Jared Zabransky takes the snap in place of injured Ricky Ray. Winnipeg can limit the points if they force Zabransky's flashiness into missed throws and fumbles. Getting aggressive and forcing turnovers will be key for Winnipeg.

Look ahead: Well, there's always next year...but before that, a final game against the CFL's best team in Calgary. What a way to finish the season.