CFL 2026 Playoffs: West & East Finals Weekend Preview

      

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes

Montreal was pretty much the best team in the CFL throughout the regular season. They were ahead in the East from very early on and finished 14-4, the best overall record in the league. 

Now comes the question as to whether all of that success in the regular season will translate to the postseason.

Both of these teams have plenty of experience in big games and in the playoffs. So that should not be a deciding factor.

One thing that should definitely help the Alouettes is having home field advantage. Yes, this game will be played in Montreal at BMO Field. That is good news for the Alouettes, as they sported a perfect 9-0 record playing at home. Indeed, they were the only team to have won every single home game this season in the CFL. So that was critical to their success, no small part of the reason why they were this year's best team during the regular season. 

That is a huge part of the reason why they are the team I am going with to win this one and punch their ticket into next week's Grey Cup.

My pick: Montreal

BC Lions at Edmonton Elks

Last week, picking against the Lions cost me. I had indeed predicted a win by Saskatchewan. And while it looked promising early on in the game, when the Roughriders took a big lead, the BC Lions proved to be the better team at the end of the sixty minutes.

So you might think that I learned something from that.

However, I am going to pick against them this weekend, as well.

Why?

Well, as undeniably impressive as the BC Lions have been in the second half of the season, including last week's playoff game, it feels like the Elks are the better overall team. They were easily the best team in the West this season, and more consistent than the Lions were.

Edmonton's defense should match up well against that potent Lions offense. And the conservative, methodical Edmonton offense likely will wear down the BC Lions, much as they have been doing to opponents all season long.

Also, remember that the Elks are playing this one in the comfortable confines of home, where they went 8-1 this season. They lost only one home game all season, and that was a very close game to Saskatchewan. 

The weather should be mild for this one, so that should not be a factor. Still, I like Edmonton's methodical, physical approach to earn them a win over the Lions to earn a date in the Grey Cup next weekend.

My pick: Edmonton