Edmonton Eskimos/Montréal Alouettes: nice to see Montréal back in the playoffs after a long unsettling absence, ready to defend home turf at McGill, as resurgent as they are invigorating. They played well all season long, finishing with a 10 and 8 record, conjuring some incredible critical comebacks, lead by the versatile Vernon Adams, Jr. Most of their games were close. It seemed like no matter who they played neither team could pull away, the fourth quarter decisive and shocking. They even picked up two wins versus the lauded Stampeders, and defeated Hamilton and Winnipeg among others. Edmonton struggled this year and finished 8 and 10. They never looked that impressive but still found ways to thrive and win. They're like that team that will beat you if you let up or don't take them seriously, but will likely fall if thoroughly respected, unpredictable strikes notwithstanding. I imagine this will be a great game full of memorable grinds and gambles. I like Montréal's chances at home. Picking the resurgent Alouettes.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Calgary Stampeders: Have I ever made CFL playoff picks when Calgary hasn't been hosting the Western Final? I wonder. They've been the gold standard in the CFL for a long long long long time, and it's strange to see them competing against Winnipeg this round in Calgary. Both teams played well this year and were successful with their backup quarterbacks. It looks like Zach Collaros may even start for the Blue Bombers this week after losing his job in Saskatchewan. If he won, that would add some drama to next week's match in Regina, the kind of potential drama that would likely seriously irritate the diligent Stampeders, if they didn't have more important things to focus on. Collaros was good years ago though. Really freakin' good. He used to score at least 35 points a game regularly in Hamilton, and it's been a shame to see him struggle with injuries since then. I imagine he comes to play and is ready to achieve redemption. But he'll have to outduel a healthy Bo Levi Mitchell who's played remarkably well (yet again) since coming back from injury. Calgary often wins in the playoffs, Winnipeg often loses. Calgary's that sure and steady dependable team that ably scoffs at distracting theatrics. It would be amazing to see Collaros redefine his career and take on Saskatchewan next weekend, however. The proof is in the punishment. Resounding narratives aside. I'm picking Calgary by 12.
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