Saskatchewan Roughriders/Toronto Argonauts: the Toronto Argonauts seem to show up for the playoffs every five years or so. It's been a while since they were a potent threat for a three or four year stretch, but every so often their magic spellbinds opponents in late November, and the Cup enigmatically returns to Ontario's capital. I think Saskatchewan's the better team. Not many more wins in the standings, but some weeks they were unstoppable, and they crushed the Stampeders recently 30 to 7. They played Toronto twice this year, winning both games by a combined total of 14 points, only winning by 3 in week 16. The Argos did beat Winnipeg not too long ago and they crushed BC in the final week of the season. They're rested and playing at home. The Roughriders are looking for their second Eastern road playoff win of 2017 and played well against Ottawa last Sunday. Two Western teams have never played for the Grey Cup, as far as I know, and Edmonton blew the opportunity last year when it seemed like they had a berth lined up against an underachieving Redblacks squad. I was disappointed when Baltimore won the Grey Cup, and they did it the second time they had the opportunity. I wouldn't be disappointed if Saskatchewan won, but are they good enough to win two weeks straight on the road this time against well-rested opposition? I'm thinking no. I think Ricky Ray's ready to compete for the Cup again. Hoping things turn out otherwise. Picking the Argonauts by 8.
Edmonton Eskimos/Calgary Stampeders: I love how often these teams play each other in the playoffs. I mean, really, who knows?, who has any idea who will win when these teams battle for Albertan supremacy? Stats can help one make predictions. The Stampeders won the first two of three meetings this season but Edmonton bounced back late in the year to pick up a 29 to 20 victory. What happened in Calgary? Did Mitchell go down? He must have gone down, I don't see how a team can dominate like they did so consistently for so long and then lose three straight to end the season, with lopsided losses to Winnipeg and Saskatchewan, even if those teams rocked it. I imagine they wouldn't start resting for the playoffs in week 18 even if they knew they already had the bye, that's too much confidence in my opinion. If you're good enough to beat every other team in the league that's one thing, but if you're rusty against a strong opponent then they've got a great shot at beating you. Which Edmonton has. They seem to have been trading playoff wins for their last 6 meetings, Calgary winning, then Edmonton winning, Calgary winning then Edmonton winning, Calgary winning then Edmonton winning, meaning Calgary's set to win this Sunday. But Calgary did win three straight versus Edmonton from 1998 to 2001, which could mean Edmonton is ready to pick up two (or three) wins in a row. They didn't look back versus the Bombers last weekend and have been playing much better than Calgary as of late. Apart from the seemingly inherent unpredictable nature of predicting the results of playoff matches between these teams, I see no reason not to pick Edmonton. Picking Alberta's capital. Hoping it comes down to the last play.
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