TORONTO — It’s an emerging trend the last few weeks in the Canadian Football League, but teams are finally starting to put the ‘advantage’ in home field in 2016.

After the first half of the season was dominated by visiting teams in unprecedented fashion, the home teams have won nine straight games and evened the season series. On top of the season-long winning streak, home teams have also won 13 of the last 14 games, outscoring opponents 462-331 over that span for an average margin of victory of 9.4 points per game.

If the last three weeks are any indication, home field advantage could play a major role in how the 2016 season plays out.

The Eskimos, fighting for a playoff spot either in the West with the Lions and Bombers or with four teams in the East for a crossover position, have only one home game remaining in their final five times out on the field this season.

Hamilton, caught in the middle of a heated battle for the East with the Argos and REDBLACKS, plays four of its next five at Tim Hortons Field.

Only three teams in the CFL are above .500 at home this season and all three — Hamilton, Calgary and Winnipeg — appear likely to make the playoffs. One team has been simply dominant at home, as the Stampeders have gone 7-0 at McMahon Stadium and are on the verge of one of the best seasons for a team in CFL history.

With the season-long series tied at 28 apiece, recent trends are favouring teams playing at home. Take from that what you will over the final six weeks of the regular season as teams zone in on playoff spots.

As inclement weather approaches and every game means more, expect the impact of playing at home to continue to increase.

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