CFL Division Final Picks For PUMPJACKS!

The Canadian Football League’s road to the 113th Grey Cup reaches its most important weekend, with four teams, two division championships and plenty of unfinished business on the line Saturday. The Eastern and Western Finals offer two fascinating matchups, featuring a powerhouse Montreal Alouettes club, a resurgent Edmonton Elks team, a battle-tested Winnipeg Blue Bombers organization and a B.C. Lions squad led by one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks. The winners advance to the Grey Cup at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium on November 15:

EASTERN FINAL: WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS AT MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Saturday, 3 p.m. ET – Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal

There is history waiting to be made in Montreal, where the 9-9 Winnipeg Blue Bombers attempt to become the first crossover team in CFL history to reach the Grey Cup. Standing in their way is a Montreal team that finished 14-4, went undefeated at home during the regular season and has looked like a championship contender from the opening weeks.

The Alouettes finished first in the CFL in net offensive production, averaging 420.9 yards per game, while their 34.7 points per game led the league. Quarterback Davis Alexander has been the catalyst, putting together a spectacular campaign that earned him the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award. His 122.7 quarterback rating ranks third-best in CFL single-season history.

The Blue Bombers arrive with considerable playoff experience, but their quarterback situation remains the biggest question mark. Zach Collaros missed last weekend’s 25-22 Eastern Semi-Final victory over Toronto with a rib injury. Dru Brown stepped in, throwing for 206 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 23-yard connection with Nic Demski with 44 seconds remaining. Head coach Mike O’Shea was keeping his cards close to his vest when asked about Collaros, joking, “Why would I do that? Why would I share the roster? It’s the time of year.” He did add that Collaros “looked good” at practice.

Winnipeg’s best offensive weapon remains Brady Oliveira, who led the CFL with 1,493 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 95 yards on 20 carries against Toronto. The Bombers will need that physical presence to keep Alexander and Montreal’s explosive receiving corps on the sidelines. The Alouettes’ Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead finished first and second in the league in receiving yards, respectively. Alexander threw for a combined 697 yards and five touchdowns in the two meetings with Winnipeg this season.

Montreal’s home-field advantage is significant. The Alouettes went 9-0 at Molson Stadium and own a remarkable 29-11 postseason home record. Winnipeg, meanwhile, has allowed a league-high 42 sacks this season. That vulnerability against Montreal’s pass rush could prove decisive.

The Bombers have the experience and Oliveira has the ability to make this interesting, but Montreal’s offensive firepower is difficult to contain for four quarters.

PICKS
Scruffy: Montreal
RP: Montreal
Kevin The Medium: Montreal
John Murphy: Winnipeg

WESTERN FINAL: BC LIONS AT EDMONTON ELKS

Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET – Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton

This could be the weekend’s most entertaining matchup, and there is plenty of history attached to it. The Edmonton Elks finished 13-5, won the West Division and are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The 10-8 B.C. Lions are making their fifth consecutive postseason appearance and are looking to reach their first Grey Cup since 2011.

That was also the last time these franchises met in a Western Final, when B.C. defeated Edmonton 40-23. The Lions have won two of the seven previous Western Final meetings, while Edmonton has won five.

The Elks have plenty of reasons for confidence. They went 8-1 at home this season and finished with the CFL’s best rushing offence, averaging 127.6 yards per game. Running back Justin Rankin finished second in the league with 1,170 rushing yards, while quarterback Cody Fajardo added 517 yards on the ground. Edmonton also led the league in turnovers forced, with 53, and finished with a plus-23 turnover ratio.

However, the matchup that could decide this game is Rankin against B.C.’s defensive front. The Lions surrendered just 71.3 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the CFL. Defensive Player of the Year Darnell Sankey anchors that unit. Rankin managed only 28 rushing yards combined in the two regular-season meetings with B.C.

The biggest concern for Edmonton is what happens when Nathan Rourke gets comfortable. The 2025 CFL Most Outstanding Player is coming off a spectacular Western Semi-Final performance against Saskatchewan, throwing for 366 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in B.C.’s 33-26 victory. He also owns a 7-0 career record as a starter against Edmonton, with 16 touchdown passes and just six interceptions.

Rourke’s supporting cast is equally dangerous. Zander Horvath led the CFL with 18 rushing touchdowns, while Jevon Cottoy, Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis provide an impressive collection of receiving options. Horvath and James Butler give B.C. a legitimate ground attack to complement Rourke’s passing ability.

Edmonton’s defence, however, is no ordinary opponent. The Elks led the league in fewest points, yards and first downs allowed. They also generated 27 interceptions, and their defence converted takeaways into a league-leading 178 points. Cornerbacks Tyrell Ford and J.J. Ross are particularly dangerous, combining for 12 interceptions.

The weather could also be a factor. Forecasts call for temperatures around 6 C, with winds of approximately 19 km/h and stronger gusts. B.C. was just 4-5 away from home this season, while Edmonton’s home-field advantage has been substantial. The Elks are also 11-0 when leading after three quarters.

Still, Rourke is playing his best football at precisely the right time. If B.C. can protect the football, establish Horvath and Butler on the ground and avoid giving Edmonton’s defence extra possessions, the Lions have the offensive firepower to pull off the road victory.

This one has the makings of a classic, with two outstanding quarterbacks, contrasting defensive strengths and a Grey Cup berth at stake.

PICKS:
Scruffy – BC
RP – BC
Kevin The Medium – BC
John Murphy – Edmonton