Despite the new NFL season kicking off across the border, the stakes in the CFL are ramping up as each matchday passes. We are truly coming into the business end of the season and there is still plenty to play for as the divisional semi finals draw closer. We will know by the end of October who our finalists will be, and who will be duking it out in the semi finals at the beginning of November for a chance to fight for Grey Cup glory.
While there are some teams in more commanding positions than others, anything can happen between now and the end of the regular season. For some teams, a playoff appearance is almost guaranteed, but others will need a grandstand finish to the season to keep their Grey Cup dreams alive.
Montreal Alouettes
By far the most dominant team so far this season, the Alouettes have blown away all opposition that have stood before them. The one blemish from the opening ten games of the season was a 37-18 defeat against the Toronto Argonauts in week six, which was revenge for an Alouettes win (30-20) against the opposition from Toronto in week four.
Surprisingly, Alouettes’ quarterback Cody Fajardo does not lead the way in passing yards, nor does the team rank top for rushing yards, but with a mean defense, the Alouettes have built a solid foundation to work off. The top CFL playoff odds have the Montreal Alouettes down as favorites to retain the Grey Cup they won in 2023, when they defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24. If they can carry their league form into the playoffs, they will certainly be the team to beat.
Edmonton Elks
Switching divisions, a team that has lit up the CFL West Division, but has not reaped the maximum rewards, is the Edmonton Elks. While the Montreal Alouettes have demonstrated the value of a strong defense, the Elks have their rearguard to blame for their current position. Boasting one of the finest attacks of all the teams in both divisions, the defensive plays have cost the Elks many points this season.
However, not all is lost. Unlike in the East Division with Montreal running away with top spot, the West Division is extremely tight, and the run-in to the end of the regular season will be pivotal for all five teams involved. Edmonton’s best bet is to keep trying to outscore their opposition from the arm of McLeod Bethel-Thompson. The quarterback, who has also spent time in the NFL with San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings amongst others, albeit never making an appearance, will be key to the Elks reaching the playoffs. Matchups against fellow divisional rivals Calgary and Saskatchewan in October could prove decisive in Edmonton making the semifinals, or even a direct route to the finals.
Toronto Argonauts
With everything to play for in the West Division, it seems the battle on the East Coast will be for home advantage in the semi-final. With Montreal seemingly secure in first place, the focus turns to the Ottawa Redblacks and the Argonauts to see who can finish second, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats cut off at the bottom of the table. Redblacks and Argonauts fans will be marking 19th October in their calendar as a potential decider for the right to host the divisional semi-final.
There are of course many other games to navigate before we arrive at this tussle. Not many sportsbooks are giving Toronto a chance, with the Argonauts ranking mid-range in the favorites odds, but if Ryan Dinwiddie’s men can get more success from the season-high number of yards rushed, Toronto could surprise a few. They will also be keeping one eye on the West Division to ensure they are not pipped to the playoffs by a crossover team.
