Broncos! Ti-Cats! 🏈

Le LCF à Québec serrait étonner!

 

Glad the CFL Regular Season starts tomorrow.

Love the earlier start date. 

Grey Cup Pick

Saskatchewan Roughriders/Montréal Alouettes: with some intense victories last Saturday, the Alouettes and Roughriders pulled through, to play each other once again in frigid November, even if the forecast isn't that bad for the 'Peg this Sunday. Saskatchewan hasn't won since 2013 when they pulled off the upset win versus Hamilton, and lost twice in the Grey Cup to Montréal in ye olde 2009 and 2010. As mentioned before, there was no dominant CFL team in 2025, widespread ups and downs and peaks and valleys, the Roughriders seemed like the best team earlier in the year, but struggled later on until last weekend. The Alouettes have been surging and withstood a fierce Hamilton squad on the 8th in Steeltown, emerging with the improbable victory to seek Grey Cup dominance again once more. It's just another game. Don't think about the stats. Don't look at how often Saskatchewan has lost the Grey Cup. This is a completely new game in a brand new season with different players and alternative outcomes. It's hard to choose between these teams because I have a soft spot for Roughrider fans, who drive all throughout Western Canada to watch Saskatchewan play in different cities. But Montréal is a city I've lived in and I lived quite close to the stadium where they play, I could walk to a game in under 10 minutes and casually stroll home after it had finished. I loved it, I loved walking to those games, at first, only when Hamilton was in town, but as time passed, I started to love going to every game I could see when I was in town, and started to love cheering for the Alouettes. They didn't break my hometown conditioning, but came closer than any other team in any other league ever has, I can't wait till I live in that neighbourhood again, and can walk to Als games whenever they're playing. Thus, I'm picking Montréal, who does seem to be surging at the right time. I hope it's an amazing game either way. Always so fun to see. 

CFL Playoff Picks: Finals Round

Montréal Alouettes/Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Sigh. Why do these teams have to keep playing each other in the playoffs? Can't Ottawa get it together for a change!? It is super exciting to see them play and there have been some classic matchups over the years, but for me, it couldn't be more awkward. Nevertheless, nothing can be done, a decision for the 2025 season must be made. So much conflict. So many factors to consider. Alouettes versus the Ti-Cats once again. Compelling football. Picking Hamilton and Bo Levi Mitchell at home. 

B.C Lions/Saskatchewan Roughriders: Saskatchewan looked like they were going to run away with 2025, but then lost 4 of their last 6 (with wins against Toronto and Ottawa), they often came out on top this year, but still somehow came up short in several key games. They have defeated the Lions the last three times they've met in the playoffs, and they're playing on their ferocious home field, the Saskatchewan faithful making the case for an NHL franchise every year, that would make Winnipeg Jets games even more exciting. Still though, B.C hung on last weekend and I think that makes it 7 in a row, Canadian QB Nathan Rourke givin' 'er with full-on dependability, it's tough to imagine them suddenly losing. B.C defeated the Lions twice earlier in the year but the Lions came out on top in recent memory, it's nice that neither Calgary or Edmonton's featured this weekend, and it's a long time since the Bombers didn't make it. It's cool to see Saskatchewan win because they've lost the Grey Cup so many times, but B.C isn't exactly overflowing with Grey Cup victories, both these teams seek well-earned exceptionality. I imagine Saskatchewan keeps it close, but I'm not betting against Canadian Nathan Rourke in November. Picking B.C for their 7th straight win. Tigers are stronger than Lions. 

CFL Playoff Picks: Semi-Finals Round

*These are the picks I made on Friday. I didn't post them then because of the huge World Series game 7 the Jays were facing. I know they don't count because they're posted after the fact, but I thought I would still share them anyways, for consistency's sake. 

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Montréal Alouettes: the CFL was super evenly matched this year as the final standings indicate, Saskatchewan holding the best record with 12 wins, the sixth and fifth place Blue Bombers and Alouettes hanging in there with 10 apiece. It's always tough to determine who'll win the coveted Grey Cup but even more so this chilly November, with no clear frontrunner statistically dominating, it's a wide-open field for anyone to rule. Although the Hamilton Tiger-Cats do still seem to have an edge over the other teams, they can attempt to outmaneuver Steeltown nevertheless, as Winnipeg and the Alouettes will try to earn the right to do this Saturday, the showdown taking place close to downtown Montréal. The Blue Bombers won both matchups during the regular season with stalwart victories at home and on the road, the most recent coming last weekend in fact these teams getting to know each other far too well. Their points-for-and-against aren't remarkably different, neither team stands out, according to the stats this might be a close one, Montréal notably basking emergent. The Alouettes finished the season strong with convincing wins over Saskatchewan and Calgary in weeks 15 and 17, both teams who looked like they were going to run away with it (if they didn't have to play Hamilton), earlier on in the season. Summer stats don't matter a lot of the time in November when it comes down to which teams excel in the cold. Montréal likely threw their second game versus Winnipeg (Hamilton had already locked up the division). Picking the Alouettes at home. 

Calgary Stampeders/B.C Lions: I'm starting to miss the old Stampeders/Elks matchups in early-to-mid-November. What's going on in Edmonton? They haven't qualified for the post-season in forever. Still cool to see Calgary taking on the Lions once more nevertheless, B.C having defeated them twice in the Semi-Finals round in recent memory. They have identical records but when they played each other late in the season B.C was dominate, picking up 52-23 and 38-24 victories, the Stampeders may have their work cut out for them. Oddly, Calgary had better defensive stats so maybe some key defensive players were injured, defensive teams with moderately good offences often doing well in the post-season, although the Lions's stats are most impressive. Calgary lost 4 in a row between weeks 14 and 18 (with a bye in week 15) where their early season dominance fell apart, the Lions winning 6 in a row to finish the season, but losing to Ottawa in week 14. B.C's at home and they're playing in a dome so the weather won't be able to influence the outcome. The dome does level the playing field, but this one looks super-heavily-favoured for British Columbia. Hoping it's close. Tough momentum to beat. Picking the Lions at home. Hoping it's a nail-biter.   

It would be cool if the Redblacks and Alouettes also played every year on Labour Day Weekend. You don't even have to try to build a rivalry! 🏈

Surprised to see the Blue Bombers blow it like that. Ouch! 

Arbuckle.

That was the story.

Strong defence too.

🏈

Grey Cup Pick

Toronto Argonauts/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: crisis set in last Saturday when the Argonauts definitively pulled ahead, but that doesn't mean the CFL just shuts down and casually waits for the beginning of next season. There's a story for the Grey Cup anyways a backup quarterback who could inspire legend, Nick Arbuckle getting the start he must be pumped what compelling affairs. Fittingly, in his first start for the Argos in 2021, according to Wikipedia, he defeated the Blue Bombers no less, if he wins this one he could sign for big bucks, meaning his first and last games with Toronto will have led to huge Blue Bomber defeats. I have to admit though, although the Arbuckle story is the most exciting thing for me about this game, with the Jets playing so well, I'm daring to dream this is the year of the 'Peg! And therefore can't shut the Blue Bombers down again this weekend anyways. Good luck to feisty Manitoba. Go Winnipeg Go!

CFL Playoffs, Finals Round

Toronto Argonauts/Montréal Alouettes: who knows how to pick these games, but there's a pattern when Toronto shows up in Québec, vain boasting, wild grandstanding, feigned courage which covers up a lack of understanding. Perhaps letting the Argos score early to make them feel like the American model is working (as Lord Durham weeps), may generate rewards as the game progresses and their false sense of security is incrementally exposed. With such incremental exposition, Montréal's offense can effectively accelerate, as they did in Week 4 this season, embracing victory by a score of 30-20. Toronto also scored 58 last weekend and often an offensive explosion one week is followed by frustration the next. The Als are coming off a solid bye week constitutional. And should indeed teach Toronto another lesson. Picking Montréal at home! 

Saskatchewan Roughriders/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: there's no doubt that excellence has resoundingly accompanied Mike O'Shea's Blue Bombers resiliently for years, as the last 4 Western Finals have exceedingly demonstrated Winnipeg is back on top of the West. Calgary seemed to be destined to rule for stampeding decades early on dismissively, but a team finally dug in deep and found a way to outperform them when it seemed impossible (note Bo Levi Mitchell's solid numbers in Hamilton this season). Recent events have uncharacteristically proven to stick with the front runner when making predictions, but it seems like we're back on Canadian and Québecois soil where driven decision making may make less of a fortune.  Thus, in 2023, it was no doubt legendary to see Fajardo face Collaros, and efficiently redeem his noteworthy prowess by leading Montréal to a Grey Cup Win. But wouldn't it also be phenomenal if he could defeat Saskatchewan in the heralded game? That intense potentiality too much to dismiss. Picking the Roughriders tomorrow. 🏈

CFL Playoffs, Semi-Finals Round

Ottawa Redblacks/Toronto Argonauts: after a four-year period which saw no less than 3 Grey Cup appearances, the Redblacks fell on hard times and failed to make the playoffs for several years. But 2024 saw them regroup formidably and ecstatically enable victorious momentum, leading them back to the CFL postseason to face the stalwart Toronto Argonauts. They faced each other twice this year and came to a split decision, this Saturday's matchup the lauded determinate rubber elastic inaugural gateway. Toronto's seen success as of late and played rather well last year, but came up short versus the resurgent Alouettes who then gracefully ascended to Grey Cup contention. The Argos no doubt seek to make up for that surprising disappointing loss, they were indeed the heavy favourites, and fell far short of rudimentary expectations. But Ottawa has luck on its side and the unabashed fortunes of maverick maelstroms. I'll pick them in a close thrilling vacuum. Where either team has plenty of opportunity. 

B.C Lions/Saskatchewan Roughriders: the B.C Lions are coming off back-to-back wins in the Semi-Finals round versus the Stampeders, seeking to once again play for the Cup which they haven't hoisted since 2011. Things have been grim for the Lions since embracing victory over a decade ago, with only 3 playoff wins since that championship they're no doubt excessively fraught and liturgically ravenous. The Roughriders have missed the playoffs for two years which is rather surprising, considering their dedication the best fans in the league (outside of Montreal and Hamilton) an organization that seeks destined paramount ascendency. They played twice in 2024 splitting their matchups like Ottawa and Toronto, but Saskatchewan dominated in their most recent meeting with a commanding 39 to 8 crafty blowout. Further, B.C picked up 5 of its 9 wins by the end of week 6 way back when in the summer, only 4 wins thereafter, that's not an awe-inspiring total. The Roughriders have won 4 of their last 5 and they're playin' at home with no dome creature comforts. It's not lookin' good for the heralded Lions. Hopin' it's close. Pickin' Saskatchewan. 

Congratulations to the Montréal Alouettes!

That was an amazing game.

Winnipeg fought hard and it game down to the final moments. 

An incredible win for outstanding fans.

Those games are so much fun to go to.

Even when Hamilton isn't playing! 😻

Félicitations!

Grey Cup Pick

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Montréal Alouettes: I don't know if you've ever driven to Winnipeg but it's worth doing at least once. The trek west is full of wonder and the forest seems like it will never end. But then when you hit Manitoba it abruptly does and you find yourself suddenly surrounded by farmer's fields. Approaching the chill city that farmers built. Farmers who vote for the NDP. Its football team has distinguished itself over the years and has recently put together quite the run. If they had only scored two more points they would have in fact won the Grey Cup three years in a row. This year it's back to the Hammer to contend down south for the coveted trophy. In a city where they've beaten the home team far too often. No need to mention how many times. But Montréal. I just looked through the Grey Cup list of champions. And Winnipeg has never played Montréal in the finals! In a year where the Alouettes owned Hamilton, it's time they kept that unprecedented (?) streak alive. To exceptionally emerge indubitably possessive of unheralded herculean triumph! The Cup heading back to Montréal! Fajardo and the D having emerged CFL legends. Faites du Bruit! 🏈   

CFL Playoffs, Finals Round

Montréal Alouettes/Toronto Argonauts: It's been a long time since I've seen a CFL season where one team let alone the Toronto Argonauts were this dominant. 16 and freakin' 2. That's super impressive. I'm used to the Argonauts winning the Grey Cup when they're the underdog, however, at least they play exceptionally well in the frigid postseason when they haven't particularly done well that year. A lot of new QBs emerge in the CFL nevertheless and I don't recall ever seeing one look like such a serious Grey Cup lock in their first year (notwithstanding the small but instrumental role he played in Toronto's win last year). There's still two games to play. But Chad Kelly looks outstanding. You know who I bet that annoys? Cody Fajardo. He's made a prominent name for himself in the CFL with no Grey Cup wins (where he was the starter) and I was surprised that Saskatchewan let him go. He may have come up short a couple of times, but if there's one thing to hold onto on any football team, it's a solid QB who consistently wins (even Elway had tough years).  Thus, even though Toronto defeated the Als three times this year, just as Montréal beat Hamilton thrice, I'm picking a resurgent Fajardo who has a lot more to prove. Montréal hasn't made the Grey Cup in a long time and those fans could use a big win. Favourably pursuing the improbable. Picking the resurgent Alouettes! 

B.C Lions/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: The Stampeders put up a fight last week but B.C still scored more than 40 to beat them, to set up the Blue Bombers rematch, after such a long time without a Grey Cup win, it's cool to see the 'Peg playing consistently well. Zach Collaros was huge in the Hammer when he started his career way back when, and just when it looked like he was finished, he picked up two solid Grey Cup wins. Could the same western team make the Grey Cup 4 years in a row, in the tumultuous CFL playoffs nonetheless, that seems like an impossibility. Calgary didn't even achieve such heights during a crazy long run on top. Can Mike O'Shea do what hasn't been done? Since Edmonton made it 6 years in a row. Not if the Lions have their say these teams are so freakin' closely matched, a blowout each and a Bombers overtime win the only thing separating these two juggernauts. If Cody Fajardo makes the Cup I imagine he'd like to defeat his old rival, Collaros having outmaneuvered Saskatchewan with reflexive grace and paramount savvy (in recent postseason memory). But if Chad Kelly makes it (picking Montréal) would it be more legendary to see Vernon Adams Jr. also playing in his first Grey Cup, consume the adventurous media (odd how Collaros is the only QB to have won the Grey Cup as a starter out of 4 late postseason CFL QBs)? Sigh. Sports gets kind of dull if the same team makes it all the time, unless they're your favourite team, then things couldn't get better. But I'd rather see a new western champion undauntedly emerge with formidable gusto. Picking B.C versus Montréal (where Adams Jr. used to play) (the Lions winning the western final by a late field goal). That's a cool slice of Canadiana. 

   

CFL Playoff Picks, Semi-Finals Round

Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Montréal Alouettes: seems as if Montréal defeated the Cats three times this woebegone season, to effectively shut them out, that hasn't happened in quite a while (if ever). But Hamilton improved remarkably as things progressed and are playing their best football to date at the moment. Thus, once again it seems like these two incredible teams are too evenly matched. The future too close to call. Unless you're dialling up Hamilton.  

Calgary Stampeders/B.C Lions: this has to be the worst season the Stampeders have had in a while, but for a long time they rivalled Brady's New England in terms of unparalleled excellence. It's only one game in football but it's not as if the Stamps have been blowing them away recently. To win they'll have to creatively jangle. And formidably execute accordingly. They did beat B.C recently but it looks like the game didn't mean much to the Lions, although Dane Evans has distinguished himself at times, if he hits his rhythm, he's tough to beat. Nevertheless, Vernon Adams is having an amazing year and the net says he's healthy to start tomorrow. The Lions tenaciously rival Winnipeg. I'm picking the Bombers/Lions rematch. 

 

The Ti-Cats 🐯 lost a close one tonight but they almost beat B.C. 

That's inspiring this close to the post-season.

Keeping an open-mind.

Grey Cup 2022

I've got to admit, I wasn't that excited about Winnipeg playing Toronto in the Grey Cup, especially after Nathan Rourke's big playoff win against Calgary, but nevertheless, that was one of the best Grey Cups or Super Bowls I've ever seen, with an incredible fourth quarter (McLeod goes down and his backup Chad Kelley comes in and makes big plays, under the maximum amount of pressure a QB can face, plus two blocked field goals, that's insane!). Sigh. If you're a Ti-Cat fan and Hamilton loses to someone two years in a row in the Grey Cup, you just know that if Toronto plays them the next year they're going to win, the Argos are going to win that is. Why is it written that way? I have no idea. But at least the Bombers didn't win three straight. As for 2023. Perhaps anything can happen . . . 🤔 🏈 Can't wait for the CFL to start up again next June. Thanks for such an incredible year!

CFL Playoffs, Grey Cup Pick

Toronto Argonauts/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: only one team stands in the way of the Blue Bombers and their absolutist destiny, the valiant courageous Argonauts of Toronto playing in their first Grey Cup since 2017. It looks like little can be done to prevent the proliferation of disparate tedium, but perhaps the Argos will prevail, and a new champion will emerge on Sunday. It's either the Bombers again, or the Argos who suck, I'm afraid I must pick the underdogs from Toronto. It's only one game and anything can happen. Hoping its exciting nevertheless! 😜

CFL Playoffs, Finals Round Picks

Montréal Alouettes/Toronto Argonauts: the Argos had another impressive year and they actually deserve some credit. They irritatingly beat the Lions and Ti-Cats (three times) which may have been distressing but was still simultaneously praiseworthy. Against the Als they came out on top picking up two hard fought wins out of three, but every game they played was close, like two evenly matched teams facing off judiciously. The Alouettes struggled during the year but still finished strong with a 500 record, and overwhelmed the Ti-Cats last weekend with stalwart defence and offensive reckoning. Trevor Harris has played some big postseason games and may be tough to beat this Sunday. He's got something to prove as well after having travelled around a bit in recent memory. I have to admit, in terms of the names of quarterbacks, while John Elway remains the gold standard, McLeod Bethel-Thompson is perhaps a close second, it's an incredible football name. Perhaps I've watched Highlander too many times but what a name, it encourages legend. And he's still trying to overcome Ricky Ray's shadow. But honestly, who I am kidding? I'm picking the resurgent Alouettes who seem destined for another big playoff win! They haven't met in the playoffs since Toronto beat the Alouettes in Montréal in 2012. Isn't it time Montréal repaid the favour!  

BC Lions/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: BC resounded triumphantly over the Stampeders at home last Sunday, putting up some laudable numbers as they cruised to postseason success. The Blue Bombers have demonstrated as of late that they're incredibly difficult to beat; however, every postseason brings on new challenges, and it wasn't long ago that no one thought they'd win. They're the first team to pick up back to back Grey Cup victories since the Alouettes did so in 2009 and 2010, but you'd have to go back to 1978 through 1981 to find the last team that won three in a row (eventually 4 [Edmonton]). It is rather boring if the same team keeps winning the Grey Cup (unless they're your favourite team) but if they are the best team year after year they deserve it, Winnipeg did defeat the Lions twice this year although BC also shouted out victorious.  BC's last playoff win was versus the Bombers, nevertheless, in fact two of their last three playoff wins come versus Winnipeg, that stat could be spiritually factored in frigid mid-November. Mike O'Shea's a pretty solid coach but is there something he's overlooked? Like the unpredictable formidability of Canadian QB Nathan Rourke!? Making his first determined playoff run! Picking the Lions! Go Lions Go!

 

CFL Playoffs, Semi-Finals Round

Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Montréal Alouettes: cool to see an authentic Eastern Semi-Final with two fierce rivals about to face off, the Alouettes holding a slight edge over the Ti-Cats who struggled earlier on in the season. They've played well as of late however as has Montréal who knows? The Alouettes are playing at home this Sunday. But the Cats have defeated them in many recent playoff games. 🤔

Calgary Stampeders/B.C. Lions: I was ridiculously excited to see B.C's Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke do well earlier on in the season, before a depressing injury saw him irritatingly sidelined to date indefinitely. But Montréal's old QB Vernon Adams Jr. courageously took hold of the reins, and kept the Lions in immaculate form for their best showing in many a year. They beat the heralded Stampeders in two out of three matches in 2022, winning 41 to 40 and 31 to 29 before falling 25 to 11. The Stampeders are still playing well and must be rather frustrated that they're no longer the best, it was such a long seemingly neverending reign that I still can't believe they've somewhat let up. Other teams finally outmatched them but not by much who's to lucidly say, that the Calgary Stampeders won't be ready in the playoffs, it's simply foolhardy to think such a thing. But I'm wondering if this is a regenerative year and the Lions may be bound for Grey Cup ascension. Every once in a while a team wildly catches steam. After several unfortunate seasons. Picking the Lions. 🦁 Over Green Bay too!