CFL 2025 Playoff Preview: East & West Finals Weekend

      

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

Montréal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

These have been the top two teams in the East all season long. So it is fitting now that they meet to see who will represent the East for this year's Grey Cup. Both teams have a strong running game. And while Montréal won the Grey Cup two seasons ago based on the strength of their defense, that unit looked significantly more compromised this season. Both teams are going to have to avoid turnovers, because that could decide the outcome. All in all, I expect the Tiger-Cats to take control early, and to hold on for the win and another Grey Cup appearance, with a chance to win the title for the first time in franchise history since 1999. 

My pick: Hamilton

British Columbia Lions at Saskatchewan Roughriders

Both of these franchises are hoping to qualify for the Grey Cup for the first time in over a decade. These two teams met in just a couple of weeks ago, although the Rough Riders largely rested their starts, since they had already clinched the top seed and that game meant virtually nothing to them. Don't expect this one to be a repeat of that game. The Rough Riders had the strongest defense in the CFL this year, which should help/ After all, the Lions had the most explosive offense in the league. So this will be the top offense versus the top defense. But I expect the Rough Riders to be able to contain BC's explosive offense, at least enough to get pat them and qualify for the Grey Cup for the first time since 2013.

My pick: Saskatchewan