The CFL Division Semi-Finals go down this week, and we have a couple of matchups primed up and looking for our deep prognostication skills. Like we did all season long, we’re ready to dive into our CFL Division Semi-Finals predictions.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Montreal Alouettes
The Als have dominated the Ticats this season, winning all three matchups. While Hamilton has improved over time, can they finally get over the hump?
Montreal excels against teams other than Winnipeg, BC, or Toronto, making them a solid but not elite squad. Cody Fajardo leads the team, delivering consistent but not outstanding performances. Their red zone efficiency needs improvement, often settling for field goals.
Bo Levi Mitchell, likely starting for Hamilton, hasn’t played a full game since week 8 and has struggled with turnovers. Speaking of turnovers, that will be crucial in this matchup. Montreal boasts the league’s second-best turnover margin (+14), while Hamilton lags behind at -4.
Montreal’s second-ranked defense, featuring Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Shawn Lemon, and LB Tyrice Beverettte, poses a significant challenge for Hamilton’s offense. To beat the Alouettes, the Ticats must find a way to score more points, and we don’t see that happening.
Prediction: Montreal Alouettes
Calgary Stampeders at BC Lions
B.C. holds a 2-1 edge in regular-season matchups, but the Stampeders dominated in Week 20 with a 41-16 victory. Can Calgary replicate that performance in the Western Semi-Final?
Calgary’s key to success is establishing their run game early. They gained 213 rushing yards last week, with Ka’Deem Carey, Peyton Logan, and Tommy Stevens leading the charge. B.C.’s struggle to stop the run is evident, with opponents rushing for over 100 yards in the last three games, averaging 147 yards allowed.
In the playoffs, motivation is higher, and BC will be a more determined bunch, which could be a scary thought. Calgary needs a stronger performance from their quarterback, Jake Maier, who has yet to throw for more than 166 yards against BC.
On the other hand, the Lions possess a potent offense led by Vernon Adams Jr, capable of exploiting weak secondaries like Calgary’s. The Lions are hungry for revenge and a chance to face the Bombers in the West Final, so look for them to come out of the gate fast and with purpose. With the strong home support under the dome, we’re leaning toward the Lions in this matchup.
Prediction: BC Lions
