113th Grey Cup Playoffs — Division
Semi-Finals
The 2026 CFL playoffs opened with two dramatic elimination games on Saturday, October 31.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers survived a late Toronto Argonauts push, while the BC Lions rallied from a double-digit deficit to eliminate the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Both winners advanced to their respective Division Finals on November 7.
Game 1: Winnipeg Blue Bombers 25, Toronto Argonauts 22
Blue Bombers stun Argos in Toronto
Eastern Division Semi-Final · BMO Field
Winnipeg advanced after a dramatic fourth-quarter finish, handing Toronto a heartbreaking playoff elimination in front of 21,786 fans.
Game breakdown
Dru Brown delivers late: Starting in place of injured quarterback Zach Collaros, Brown threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 23-yard scoring pass to Nic Demski.
Defence changes the game: David Reese returned a Chad Kelly fumble 58 yards for a touchdown, giving Winnipeg a crucial scoring boost.
Special teams provide the opening: A late fumble on a Toronto punt return gave Winnipeg possession in Argonauts territory, setting up the winning drive.
Toronto falls short: The Argonauts struggled to sustain offensive momentum, and quarterback Chad Kelly left the game after a costly strip-sack.
Game 2: BC Lions 33
Saskatchewan Roughriders 26
Lions roar back to eliminate champions
Western Division Semi-Final · BC Place
BC erased a 17–3 deficit and produced a second-half comeback to knock out the defending Grey Cup champions.
Game breakdown
Rourke leads the comeback: Nathan Rourke completed 21 of 32 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns.
Cottoy takes over: Jevon Cottoy caught two touchdown passes, including a spectacular 70-yard scoring play that tied the game at 20.
Saskatchewan fights back: Tommy Stevens scored a rushing touchdown, while kicker Brett Lauther made six field goals, including two from 55 yards.
The Lions finish strong: BC took control in the fourth quarter, with Sean Whyte adding key field goals to preserve the seven-point victory.
Division Semi-Final Awards
Offensive Player of the Round
Nathan Rourke, BC Lions
366 passing yards, three touchdown passes.
The standout performance of the opening round.
Game-Changing Defensive Play
David Reese, Winnipeg Blue Bombers
His 58-yard fumble-return touchdown helped turn the Eastern Semi-Final.
Big-Play Performer
Jevon Cottoy, BC Lions
Two touchdowns, highlighted by a 70-yard reception.
Eastern Final
Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Montreal Alouettes
November 7 · 3:00 p.m. ET
Winnipeg faces a difficult challenge against a Montreal team that earned a direct berth in the final.
Western Final
BC Lions at Edmonton Elks
November 7 · 6:30 p.m. ET
BC carries its comeback momentum into Edmonton, where the Elks will look to defend their home field.
113th Grey Cup
Championship Game
November 15 · Calgary, Alberta
The Eastern and Western champions will meet for the CFL championship.
Final Review
The opening weekend delivered exactly what playoff football demands: pressure, turnovers, spectacular scoring plays and dramatic finishes.
Winnipeg survived despite offensive mistakes, while BC showcased the firepower to challenge any opponent.
Overall playoff verdict: BC produced the most impressive performance of the opening round, but Winnipeg’s victory proved that defence and timely execution can be just as decisive as explosive offence.
