Winnipeg Looks Strong Entering CFL's Divisional Playoffs

After 21 weeks and one playoff round of the 2022 CFL season, the division championships get underway on Sunday afternoon. The winners will advance to the Grey Cup next week in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

CFL Betting Advice: Going Against The Spread

The Montreal Alouettes and BC Lions advanced last week to play the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, respectively.

Here is the ATS table as the playoffs continue.

Ontario sports bettors should be pumped for this weekend. Here is the CFL divisional semifinal schedule.

This Week’s Schedule with Moneylines (All Times Eastern)

• Montreal Alouettes (2.38) at Toronto Argonauts (1.61), Sunday, 1 p.m.
• BC Lions (2.70) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1.49), Sunday, 4:30 p.m.

Can Toronto Get to the Grey Cup? 

Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts

Can Montreal beat Toronto when it counts? The Alouettes have come close, only to be thwarted by unpredictable events.

Bettors believe Montreal has consistency in the pivot. Trevor Harris can make plays things break down, but he relies more on precision and accuracy. That often works better in the playoffs. Harris completed 27 of 34 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown in a win over Hamilton last week. 

Meanwhile, the Alouettes totaled nearly 400 yards of offence in their victory. They might have to exceed that in the division championship, as Toronto expects to have its passing game working well. 

McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 4,731 yards during the regular season. He did most of that without Andrew Harris. The all-star running back would be a considerable boost. 

Montreal has a slight advantage at the receiver position, too. Eugene Lewis could see more than a dozen targets in this game. Toronto’s Kurleigh Gittens Jr. racked up more than 1,100 yards during the season. Both “No. 1” wide receivers figure to cause matchup problems.

Toronto has an advantage on defence, especially along the line of scrimmage and on special teams. That is critical this time of year. Expect the game to be close, with Toronto outlasting Montreal. Aside from the regular season finale, the Argonauts know how to win this game. Take the home favourite at 1.61. 

Winnipeg Tries for the Three-Peat

BC Lions at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Yes, Nathan Rourke looked more like himself against Calgary in the divisional semifinal. He threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns. Rourke found Keon Hatcher eight times for 162 yards and one score. The question is, can the quarterback solve Winnipeg?

In their first meeting this season, Winnipeg steamrolled Rourke and BC, 43-21. From there, Winnipeg established itself as the team to beat again.

The Lions seek their first playoff win in six years, but the Blue Bombers are too balanced. As good as Rourke has been, Zach Collaros has a slightly better team around him. The Lions had no answers for Dalton Schoen. Take Winnipeg to win and cover on Sunday. 

Power Rankings

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers ↔
2. BC Lions ↔
3. Toronto Argonauts ↑
4. Montreal Alouettes ↑
5. Calgary Stampeders ↓

Extra Points

Here are some bonus wagers worth a look this week:

1.  BC and Winnipeg Over 49.5 points - 1.91

2.  Montreal and Toronto Over 48.0 points - 1.91

3. First Winnipeg scoring play is a touchdown - 4.00

Odds from Sports Interaction.