CFL Playoffs, Semi-Finals Round Picks

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Toronto Argonauts: both teams finished the season with identical 9 and 9 records, you could argue that Toronto had the more difficult schedule, buy they still dug in deep on the road. The Bombers won their first match in week 6 by a score of 30 to 21, which honestly wasn't too shabby for the Argos' 5th consecutive road game. Toronto won later in the year in Winnipeg by a score of 30 to 28, both games reasonably close meaning this weekend's matchup could be spectacular. Winnipeg no doubt wants the win big time after falling to the Argos in two recent Grey Cups, and to improve upon their regular season slouching after playing so well for the last 10 years. I like the CFL because you honestly never know, and it often comes down to who can play in the cold after games seemed easy in the hot summer. The Argos scored 31 more points this year but also let in 36 more, that's only a five point differential, this game could indeed be epic. I love how they're playing at BMO field and not opening up the Sky Dome, the smaller venue's the place to be and it's so much fun watching from anywhere in the stands. I'm thinking Toronto wins again for the fifth time versus the 'Peg since 1991, but I still can't help feeling that they suck, which makes it difficult to pick them. Thus, I'll take the Blue Bombers in another barnburner for the ages. It looks like it's going to be close. But as to the relationship between the worms and the spice, who knows!

Saskatchewan Roughriders/B.C Lions: the four teams in the CFL's Semi-Finals Round couldn't be more evenly matched, with the Roughriders and Lions finishing closely with mutual records of 10 and 8. It's a shame Bo Levi Mitchell was injured early on in the season. Hamilton looked like they were ready for stellar infinities, he'll be back in 2027! But with the Tiger-Cats out one must look to the rest of the league for gridiron inspiration, with the game's most enthusiastic fans ready to defend their title, and Canada's no. 1 quarterback seeking to defy them! The Lions ruled their three game series with a combined advantage of 17 points, falling to Saskatchewan early in the year before picking up two huge combative wins. I don't see domes as effective home fields in the heralded disciplined football playoffs, because they give both teams an equal advantage and thoroughly level the playing field. But Lions fans would no doubt critique such objective lucid distressing commentary, with loud disdainful vitriolic whimsy the fervour increasing as game time approaches. They lost to the Roughriders last year and are most likely balling the jack for the rematch, they lost to Saskatchewan in 2024 as well, and 2013 and 2010 (they haven't beat the Roughriders in the playoffs since 2008 according to Wikipedia). Like Otis says, "things change, they always do," when discussing future opportunities with Alex Rogan, but will they change this year?, these records and statistics are virtually identical (not necessarily virtually identical). I really have no idea but I'm hoping the Lions pick up the win. Picking B.C at home. Hope it goes to overtime. 

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.   

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. 

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. 

 

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! 

CFL Playoffs, Grey Cup Pick

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Hamilton Tiger-Cats: the classic rematch bellicosely brewing with animate aggrieved disputatious reckoning. I'm picking the resilient Ti-Cats! Tigers! Eat 'Em Raw!

CFL Playoffs, Finals Round

Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Toronto Argonauts: Hamilton played well last week. Fought hard. Pickin' the Ti-Cats! Argos Suck!

Saskatchewan Roughriders/Winnipeg Blue Bombers: with Hamilton vs. Toronto and Saskatchewan vs. Winnipeg, this weekend sees Eastern and Western finals intensified by old school foes. With many a Ti-Cat and Roughrider fan bound to be travelling to Toronto or Winnipeg for this Sunday's respective games, it will be tough to know who has home field advantage. The Blue Bombers set the standard this season and have looked unstoppable since week 4 (not including the last two weeks when they rested), making it look easy picking up win after win, it will no doubt be challenging to overcome them. The Roughriders tried on two occasions but came up short by a combined total of 56 to 17, and are likely still disputatiously reeling from their home playoff loss to Winnipeg in 2019.  The Bombers scored 71 more points in 2021 and let 96 fewer in, they've been crushing opponents all season long, it doesn't look good for Saskatchewan. But it didn't look good for Winnipeg as they travelled to Regina two years ago, where the Roughriders were expected to win, on their way to Grey Cup contention. They've met four times in the playoffs since the dawn of the 21st century, both teams having secured victory twice, their first playoff meeting going back to 1933, where the Bombers were victorious 11-1.  It'd be surprising if Winnipeg didn't win but this is CFL playoff action in December. I'm picking the aggrieved Roughriders! Determined and focused after a near-loss at home. 

CFL Playoff Picks, Semi-Finals Round

That was awful when there was no CFL season last year. So glad the league's back up and running.

Montréal Alouettes/Hamilton Tiger-Cats: This one's too close to call. But I reckon it ends in a tie. A tie, which Hamilton wins. 

Calgary Stampeders/Saskatchewan Roughriders: I've heard the tale of Cody Fajardo's troubles with the Stampeders, whom he's only defeated once, in his impressive fledgling career, they're a formidable foe even if not playing well. He perhaps takes the division rivalry too seriously and lets them dictate terms in his head, when really they're just another team, against whom he can rise victorious. They weren't as dominant this year either, compiling their worst record since at least 2009, if the shortened season is taken into account, it took a destructive worldwide plague to derail Calgary. If my math is right, checking out ye olde Wikipedia stats, they've met 20 times in the playoffs, since celebratory 1945. Astoundingly, they're tied with 10 wins a piece, but Saskatchewan holds the 21st century advantage, with a daunting 5 to 1 edge. They haven't met in the playoffs since 2013 when Saskatchewan won 35 to 13, but Calgary's offensive and defensive stats are better, even if the Roughriders are playing at home. Saskatchewan has the most devout fans in the CFL and it would be a shame to lose two straight playoff home games, they beat the Stampeders in their most recent game, but will the same vigour ameliorate this Sunday? Calgary's clearly in Fajardo's head even if he's recently beat them. The key is for Calgary to score early and often. To bring back those haunting doubts. Bo Levi Mitchell has nothing to prove but I imagine he wants to make up for a lacklustre season. This should be an amazing game. Picking the seasoned Roughriders. 

CFL Playoff Picks, Grey Cup Pick

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Defence. Offence. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Holy Mackinaw! Tigers, eat 'em raw! Pickin' the Ti-Cats. Go Ti-Cats Go!

CFL Playoff Picks, Division Finals Round

Edmonton Eskimos/Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Pickin' the Ti-Cats. Oskee-Freakin'-Wee-Wee!

Winnipeg Blue Bombers/Saskatchewan Roughriders: even though there aren't an abundance of teams in the CFL, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg rarely play each other in the playoffs. Perhaps it's because the Bombers played in the Eastern Division for many years, but whatever the reason, their rivalry has seen much less postseason airtime than that of Calgary and Edmonton. In recent years. They have met in the playoffs three times since 1975, the Riders winning twice, including a notable 2007 Grey Cup victory, Winnipeg ruling their most recent encounter. Their 2019 stats aren't remarkably different, although Saskatchewan picked up two more regular season wins, and defeated Winnipeg twice during that same season, the Bombers winning once, 35 to 10. Collaros didn't play particularly well last week, at least he didn't throw for many yards, but the Bombers still scored 35, after rising to the inclement conditions, and punishing Calgary with their running game. If Collaros starts it's quite the story, and a stunning opportunity, to knock the very same team out of the playoffs that traded him earlier in the year. Is that unprecedented? What quarterback has ever had the chance to do that before? If the weather doesn't nullify any attempts to predict what happens in this game, as it did last week, it could come down to who possesses the more valuable knowledge: does Saskatchewan know all there is to know about Collaros, knowledge they can use to effectively shut him down?, or does Collaros understand the Riders's defence inside and out, comprehensively enough to score at will? A compelling story nevertheless that wasn't cut short by the wily Stampeders, it may come down to who can outwit Winter, but I'm still taking the Bombers on the road. Collaros has more to play for. And he's got a pretty good team backing him up. Saskatchewan's pretty damn good too though. Hoping it's a close game. 

CFL Playoffs, Semi-Finals Round

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.   

CFL Playoffs, Grey Cup Pick

Ottawa Redblacks/Calgary Stampeders: Calgary, playing for the Grey Cup once more, up against a formidable Redblacks team who defiantly opposes them once more, the enticing recent memory rematch, forecast set for -6 degrees halftime. I was surprised to see how well special teams played this year in the CFL. I watched a bunch of games and don't think I saw one punt or kickoff return touchdown. I learned that the Lions have a huge advantage when playing Eastern teams at 10:30 EST (7:30 Pacific), because the fourth quarter is technically being played around 1:30 am. I watched so much CFL it was actually strange to see them playing with 4 downs down South in September, as I instinctually appreciated the difference between leagues. And I thought, wouldn't it be strange if an NFL team went for the two point conversion as often as the Redblacks did this year, taking that extra shot at the end zone practically every time? I thought, going for two doesn't only get you an extra point, 😌, it's also arguably another touchdown attempt, so going for it so often lets your offence practice scoring a touchdown much more often during an actual game, and therefore makes your team more ready to score actual touchdowns every time they hit the red zone. Wouldn't it be cool if Ottawa was losing this year's Grey Cup by a point late in the fourth quarter after having scored a touchdown, and decided to go for two for the win? A decision that could lead other teams to start adopting similar strategies throughout the year? Implausible probability. 😜 A legendary finish it would be. Hoping the game's that close. Picking Ottawa by 1.