CFL playoff preview: Separating the contenders from the pretenders

BC Lions' defender Robert Carter Jr. makes a one-handed interception against Hamilton. (Submitted: BC Lions)

The Canadian Football League (CFL) playoffs are on the horizon. 

Twenty-one weeks have come and gone. Nine teams began the season with hopes of reaching the postseason. As the year has progressed, some squads have risen, while others have been eliminated. 

Six teams remain in the CFL playoffs. Out of the six teams, four have a legitimate chance at hoisting the Grey Cup. Those are the Saskatchewan Roughriders, BC Lions, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes.

Having the crossover is sure to add some intrigue to the picture. No crossover team has ever won the Grey Cup after going through the East Division. 

All roads lead to Princess Auto Stadium for the 112th edition of the Grey Cup on Nov. 16.

Saskatchewan Roughriders 

Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division. Winning the west means they will host the division final and will have some extra time before action begins. 

Regina is one of the places that players may not want to visit in early November due to the weather.

Rider fans are some of the most passionate fans in the league. Supporters flock to the Mosaic Stadium every weekend to watch their beloved team.

Therefore, the task of going to Saskatchewan when temperatures drop below 20 degrees is a daunting one.

Fan support is one thing. Successful play on the field is another.

Saskatchewan is widely considered the best team in the CFL. Look no further than quarterback Trevor Harris.

Harris is one of the top quarterbacks in the CFL. He has been with Saskatchewan for the past couple of years. This season, however, may be his best one yet. He threw for over four thousand yards and 24 touchdowns. Those numbers were good for third in the CFL. 

Harris also had one of the deepest receiver rooms at his disposal.

Samuel Emilus and KeeSean Johnson shouldered the load in most games. Johnson was the fourth-best receiver in the league this past season. He finished with just under 1,200 yards.

Who can forget about AJ Ouelette? 

Ouelette was among the top five running backs this season. He is used by the Riders primarily as a power back.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

In the east, teams should be weary of facing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Players should do their best to avoid Hamilton Stadium in early November. Ti-Cats fans bring their loudest to every game, including the signature “Oskee Wee Wee” chant.

Hamilton comes into the playoffs on a high note. The team took Ottawa to clinch their division and has looked like the best team in the CFL at times. Hamilton can be inconsistent in getting results when needed.

One week, everything looks great. They are winning games and taking care of business. The next week, they are blown out of the water. We saw this during the Labour Day Classic, when the team lost to the Toronto Argonauts.

One player who has been dominant throughout the year was quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.

The CFL veteran led the league in most quarterback categories. Mitchell finished the season with over five thousand passing yards and 36 touchdowns. His 36 touchdowns are a career high.

Mitchell has had the luxury of being surrounded by a deep receiving core. Kenny Lawler was his number one target. He finished the season with over 1400 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Ted Goveia, Hamilton's general manager, signed Lawler during the offseason. Goveia knew of his talents from watching the receiver in Winnipeg. Therefore, pairing him with someone like Mitchell was a no-brainer. 

BC Lions 

The BC Lions had an up-and-down season. Their first half was marred by shaky defensive play and blown leads.

However, BC turned things around after a 41-38 overtime win in Hamilton. Kicker Sean Whyte drilled a 33-yard field goal to win the game.

Nathan Rourke has been the leader of the Lions for most of the season.

Kid Canada looked like his old self. Rourke threw for over five thousand yards, and ran for another five hundred yards. Many view Rourke as the frontrunner for the Most Outstanding Player award. 

He stamped his chances with a 70-yard run against the Edmonton Elks. 

Yet, Rourke is one of many players who have helped the Lions this season. Two receivers, Justin McInnis and Keon Hatcher, finished with thousand-yard seasons. James Butler and Zander Horvath are becoming a two-headed running monster. 

BC’s defence has also come alive. Coordinator Mike Benavides has turned his players from a piece of Swiss cheese to a group that gives the team a chance to win.

Robert Carter Jr. had an intriguing rookie season.  He hauled in three interceptions and one pick-six, including a jaw-dropping one-handed catch. Carter Jr.’s pick was a potential play of the year candidate.

Fans were left in shock. One person called it the “best interception ever.” 

Matthew Betts is another player wreaking havoc for the Lions’ defence. He has had 14 sacks in the last five games.

Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes should not be taken lightly when winter approaches.

Davis Alexander is the main reason for the Al's having any type of playoff success. He is 11-0 as a starter in the CFL. When the signal caller is out of the line-up, Montreal is a completely different team.

The squad went 3-7 during the two periods where he was on the shelf with an injury.

Tyson Philpot is someone who turns his game around during playoff time. He only played 11 games in 2025, thanks to an injury. However, Philpot can change his game on a dime when his number is called.

The receiver scored late in the fourth quarter to win the Grey Cup two years ago. 

Grey Cup Prediction 

BC and Hamilton would give fans a Grey Cup game to remember. The teams met twice during the regular season, combining for 149 points in the two games. Hamilton took the first meeting in come-from-behind fashion. BC took the rematch two weeks later. Plus, having Rourke and Mitchell as the quarterbacks creates a good chance for fireworks.

If this game does not happen, I can see Hamilton and Saskatchewan meeting in the Grey Cup.

Both teams have proven to be absolute juggernauts. They each won their divisions, not to mention boasting top quarterbacks and receivers.

Regardless of the results, the playoffs are set to be absolute cinema.