Chad Kelly and the Toronto Argonauts have the opportunity to finalize the playoff picture for the East Division.
Hosting the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon, the Argos (9-7) can secure a second-place finish in the East and guarantee home-field advantage in the opening playoff round against Ottawa (8-7-1).
The Montreal Alouettes (12-3-1) have already locked in first place in the division and will host either Toronto or Ottawa in the division final on November 9.
In the West Division, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-7), Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-7-1), and B.C. Lions (8-9) have all clinched playoff spots. The Blue Bombers and Roughriders are still determining the top seed as both are on a bye week, but the Lions will start the postseason on the road regardless of their performance in Saturday’s finale against Montreal.
Winnipeg is set to visit Montreal on October 26, while Saskatchewan will host the Calgary Stampeders (4-11-1) that evening. The Stampeders, along with the Edmonton Elks (6-11) and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-10), will not qualify for the playoffs this year.
Toronto enters the game against Ottawa as the fresher team and boasts strong momentum, having recently defeated Montreal (37-31 at BMO Field on September 28) and Winnipeg (14-11 in Winnipeg). The Argonauts ended Winnipeg’s eight-game winning streak, with their defense recording seven sacks, including two from Folarin Orimolade, and an interception.
On the other hand, Ottawa has lost four consecutive games, including a 19-12 defeat to Montreal on Monday, failing to score a touchdown and getting swept by the Alouettes for the second season in a row. Backup quarterback Davis Alexander had a solid outing, completing 14 of 24 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown while running for another. He improved to 4-0 as a starter with regular starter Cody Fajardo sidelined due to a family emergency.
Ottawa’s defense managed four sacks and limited Montreal’s offense to 268 net yards. Veteran quarterback Jeremiah Masoli finished with 19 of 34 passing for 216 yards and an interception before Dustin Crum took over, with the Redblacks missing starter Dru Brown (ankle) and receiver Justin Hardy (ankle).
Kelly threw for 208 yards and one touchdown, completing 16 of 23 attempts against Winnipeg. Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler recorded six catches for 108 yards, while CFL rushing leader Brady Oliveira rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries but did not score.
Toronto’s offense thrives on the ground, averaging a league-high 124.4 rushing yards per game, led by Ka’Deem Carey (1,005 yards, 5.7-yard average). Despite a back injury sustained against Winnipeg, Carey fully participated in practice on Wednesday. The Argos also feature Deonta McMahon (239 yards, 6.8-yard average) and Canadian Daniel Adeboboye (203 yards, 4.2-yard average) in their backfield.
This season, Kelly has passed for 2,120 yards, with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions, and holds a 4-3 record as Toronto’s starter in 2024.
Defensively, Toronto leads the CFL with 44 sacks and ranks second in forced fumbles (14). Ottawa is tied with B.C. in sacks (37) and ranks third in forced fumbles (13) alongside the Lions.
Both teams feature experienced kickers, with Toronto’s Lirim Hajrullahu converting 51 of 55 field goal attempts, while Ottawa’s Lewis Ward leads the league with 52 made field goals out of 59 attempts.
Toronto’s special teams also boast Janarion Grant, who leads the CFL in punt returns (63), total yards (979), average yards per return (15.5), touchdowns (three), and returns of over 30 yards (eight).
Prediction: Toronto.
Calgary Stampeders vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Friday night)
The Ticats, returning from a bye week, aim to secure their fourth home win in their last appearance at Tim Hortons Field this season. However, they have struggled against the West Division (2-7). Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell leads the league in passing yards (4,576), 300-yard games (eight), and touchdowns (26), but also in interceptions (16). The Stampeders have faced significant challenges away from McMahon Stadium (0-7) and are 2-4-1 versus East Division teams.
Prediction: Hamilton.
Montreal Alouettes vs. B.C. Lions (Saturday night)
In Vancouver, Vernon Adams Jr. will start for the Lions. Nathan Rourke threw for 200 yards with two interceptions in last week’s 39-8 loss to Saskatchewan, resulting in a 3-5 record since his return to B.C. The Alouettes will travel west on a short week, with Fajardo’s status uncertain. If he plays, it’s unclear how long he will remain in the game. While the Als can perform well with Alexander, the home team may need this win more as they head into the playoffs.
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