CFL 2025 Playoff Preview: Division Semifinal Weekend

       

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

Wildcard Weekend Preview:

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-8)  at  Montréal Alouettes (10-8)  

These two teams just met last weekend, although that meeting was rendered meaningless, since they both knew their playoff positioning in advance. The Blue Bombers have gone to the last five Grey Cup games. However, that may have been a result of them having dominated the West Division during that time. They won the first two Grey Cup games, then fell short to the East Division champions in the last three appearances. This time, they face a crossover team from the East Division in their very first playoff contest. And this one will be on the road. Indeed, no playoff games will be played in Winnipeg this postseason. Montréal has had a stingy defense in recent seasons, although they have not always been consistent in that regard this season. Still, home field advantage should help to lift the Alouettes to victory in this one.

My pick: Montréal

Calgary Stampeders (11-7) at British Columbia Lions (11-7) 

These are the two hottest teams in the league entering this game. Calgary has won three in a row, while British Columbia has won six in a row. The Lions not only won those six straight games, but two of those wins were over the Stampeders. In those two games, they scored a total of 90 points, to average 45 points. So clearly, the Stampeders will have to figure out a way to slow the BC Lions down a bit if they have any realistic hopes to win this one. That will not be an easy task, since the Lions have the most explosive offense in the CFL this season. Also, they have not shown an ability to really either slow BC down nor to keep up with that incredible offensive production. In this game, with all of the stakes, it feels like the Lions, with home field advantage, should be able to prevail. 

My pick: British Columbia Lions