CFL 2023 Playoffs Western Final Preview: Lions Head to Winnipeg For Another Wild West Showdown Against Blue Bombers

  

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

British Columbia Lions (13-6) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (14-4)

These two teams were the two best teams in the West all season long. So it is fitting that it should come down to them in this game, where they will battle for the right to reach the Grey Cup.

Of course, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have a ton of experience on their side. They have gone to each of the last three Grey Cup games, and won the first two. Last season, of course, they were stunned by Toronto. So experience, as well as the home field advantage, are two things that Winnipeg certainly has on it's side entering this game.

However, the BC Lions were the second best team for a reason. As they showed in last weekend's shootout win over Calgary, they can score some points. Granted, Calgary scored a lot of points as well, but the Lions still won comfortably enough. 

Ultimately, the Lions eliminated the Stampeders, which gave them this opportunity to travel to Winnipeg to take on the CFL's most successful dynasty in the past few years.  They have a chance, but I feel that they have to play nearly flawlessly in order to pull this one off. It will likely be a difficult game for them, and even if they play the perfect game, it likely would come down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter, if not possibly even overtime.

While I acknowledge that BC could win, if everything goes right, I just don't think that they will do it. The Blue Bombers have qualified for the last three Grey Cups because they have been the best and most consistent team in the entire CFL for years now. My suspicion is that they win this one, as well, and will earn the right to represent the West in this year's Gray Cup, to be played at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario next Sunday.

My pick: Winnipeg