CFL Playoff Picks, Finals Round

Edmonton Eskimos/Ottawa Redblacks: Ottawa didn't play remarkably well this year, or that poorly either, much like the Edmonton Eskimos, who are playing on the road for the second week in a row against teams who won less games than them during the season. The Redblacks beat them twice in weeks 1 and 7 but neither game was lopsided and Ottawa was playing better football in the Summer. The Eskimos only really showed up for one half last week and needed a late game turnover to pick up the win. They defeated Ottawa in the Grey Cup last year with gutsy play calling (Ottawa did not respond with gutsy calls) and a tough defence, but this year both defences only differed by two points and Edmonton outscored the Redblacks by 63, even if they lost to them twice by 11 total. An all-Alberta Grey Cup would be a wonderful thing, an incredible manifestation, the strongest CFL rivalry playing for the first time in the finals, that would be more exciting than watching Ottawa lose again. Nevertheless, for some reason I'm thinking the Redblacks win it, even if the Eskimos have won 6 of their last 7, and will likely show up for both halves this week. Hoping for the all-Albertan Grey Cup. Picking the Redblacks regardless.

BC Lions/Calgary Stampeders: okay, perhaps Calgary won't win this game. They only lost twice this year, however, fittingly losing to the Lions, in week 1, and if you don't include the Alouettes, let in 85 fewer points than their closest competitor, who is, once again, the Lions. They also had the league's best offence, outscoring third place BC by 41, and resoundingly found a way to win if the game was close almost every time. It was a near perfect year and they may have been playing their B team when they lost in week 19. Although, if they were playing their B team, that means their A team hasn't played for 4 weeks. BC has been wildly grinding it out over that stretch (not necessarily wildly grinding it out in every game) and has won 4 straight. If the Lions do beat Calgary, it's a matter of too much rest and not enough zest that took the Stampeders down. Even I'm not picking BC though. And I kind of would like to see an all-Alberta Grey Cup. Picking the Stampeders. Still hoping it's close.