As the CFL postseason kicks off this weekend, fans across the country are hoping their favorite club makes it to the dance and ultimately lifts the Gray Cup at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
Based on objective criteria, as well as slightly subjective criteria, here's how I'd rank nine potential championship matches this year and why.
1. Calgary Stampeders vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Everyone loves a worst-to-first story, and that's what the Stampeders are trying to do: go from last place last year to Gray Cup champions this year. Add in the drama of Beau Levi Mitchell, Hamilton's starter and reigning East Division leader, the only Calgary quarterback to ever win two Gray Cups as a starter, and the storylines will write themselves if this is a matchup.
2. BC Lions vs Montreal Alouettes
Overall these are two of the best teams in the CFL and they both play their best football when it matters most. Canadian defenseman and MOP candidate Nathan Rourke, taking on Davis Alexander, who has yet to lose a CFL start, will prove that the future of the CFL is now. These teams played in Winnipeg for the Gray Cup in 2006, and it would be fitting if they did so again.
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Natural rivals facing off in the playoffs always turn up the heat, but a meeting in the Gray Cup will take things to the next level, especially given the location of the game this year. Rider Nation will invade Manitoba for a week and the Blue Bombers will make history as the first-ever crossover team to make it to the big game in front of their hometown fans. It will be Banjo Bowl on steroids.
4. BC Lions vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
While Hamilton's championship drought dates back to 1999, the Lions are nearly 15 years removed from their last appearance. appearance in the Gray Cup, last competing for the title in 2011. Although BC have won three championships since Hamilton won his last, this match could be a balm for some long-suffering fans in both markets.
5. Calgary Stampeders vs. Montreal Alouettes
If this match happens, Vernon Adams Jr.'s playoff run will be considered a personal revenge tour. British Columbia chose Rourke over him last year, Saskatchewan traded him once and he was replaced in Montreal by Trevor Harris. These are the three teams that Adams Jr. will face in this scenario and he can finally exorcise those demons and win his first championship.
6. Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Montreal Alouettes
The Roughriders have the best record this year in the West Division, and the Alouettes would likely do the same in the East Division if not for a string of injuries. After Winnipeg played in the Saskatchewan Gray Cup barn three years ago, it would be fun to see the Roughriders turn things around this season – especially against a team that has peaked at the right time.
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Tabbies are still in a drought and Saskatchewan has won the fewest championships of any CFL team. Corey Mays stared across the sideline at Hamilton defensive coordinator Brent Monson, his old boss in Calgary, while plotting ways to slow down his former teammate Bo Levi Mitchell. These two teams have won their divisions and should be favored heading into the championship.
8. BC Lions vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Nathan Rourke wins his first of many Gray Cups? I'm here for it, even though Winnipeg is the only defense he seems to consistently struggle with. The bottom line, however, is that most CFL fans are tired of seeing the Blue Bombers make it to the Gray Cup every year, which may dampen the hype for this matchup.
9. Calgary Stampeders vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The young and rejuvenated Stampeders getting back into the dance against grizzled veterans has some appeal as Winnipeg's dynasty will be tested by many players making their first playoff appearance. With that said, this matchup will face the same problem as the previous one: people are tired of Winnipeg in the Gray Cup.
