2024 CFL Conference Finals Betting Picks
The CFL year is coming to a close. They’ve already played one week into the playoffs. Now the two teams that advanced last week will play the two teams that had a first-round bye. Four teams will battle it out for the two remaining spots and a chance to play in the 2024 Grey Cup. Who will be victorious? Which teams will move forward? Let’s take a look at the 2024 CFL Conference Finals preview, picks, and predictions.
2024 CFL Conference Finals Preview, Picks, and Predictions
Toronto Argonauts @ Montreal Alouettes
When is it: Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 PM Central (Noon Pacific, 3 PM Eastern)
The Line: Alouettes are -2 Point Favorites (DraftKings) and the Total is 52.5 (Multiple sources)
Game Preview
The Toronto Argonauts are hitting the road after their dominating win over the Ottawa Redblacks. Much of their regular season was headlined by the suspension and then return of Chad Kelly. However, they’ve won their last five straight games, and six of the last seven. Everything has been unlocked as they seem to control the trenches on both sides of the ball.
The offensive line is perhaps one of the best in the league and it benefits their run game with Kadeem Carey. While their defensive backfield has had some struggles, the defensive line has dominated with Jake Ceresna. It’s rare that you see a defensive lineman traded for a top wide receiver. However, that’s exactly what Toronto did this offseason when they moved Kurleigh Gittens for Ceresna, and it’s paid off in a big way.
Montreal, on the other hand, are the returning Grey Cup Champions. All offseason they heard the talk that they got lucky and just got hot at the right time. They answered that conversation by having the best record in the CFL this year. Cody Fajardo showed even more consistency than last year and showed why he was able to win a Grey Cup. They’re stacked all across the board on offense and defense.
Their defense may be the best in the league. They’ve limited opponents all season. It was impressive to watch Davis Alexander come in for an injured Cody Fajardo and continue winning games as well. It speaks to the caliber of this team and the drive they have to prove to everybody they weren’t a fluke winner last year.
Game Picks and Predictions
So what happens when two of the best teams meet up to face each other in a loser-goes-home game? We had this same exact game last year in the conference finals in Toronto. In that game last year, Chad Kelly threw four interceptions as the Alouettes won easily 38-17. That will be on Kelly’s mind as he enters this game, wanting revenge.
However, the Alouettes won’t soon forget either. They know they can beat this team. The Als have dropped the last two to them but I don’t think that will get in their way. They’re the better and more complete roster. Despite the huge win the Argos had last week, the Alouettes got to sit, rest, watch, and wait. They’ll be fired up and ready to go. For the first time in my CFL-watching career, I believe in Cody Fajardo.
2024 CFL Conference Finals Pick: Alouettes (-2), Under 52.5
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers
When is it: Saturday, November 9th at 5:30 PM Central (3:30 PM Pacific, 6:30 PM Eastern)
The Line: Blue Bombers are -3.5 Point Favorites (DraftKings) and the Total is 47 (DraftKings)
Saskatchewan hits the road to take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second conference finals game. Corey Mace should be up for coach of the year after he turned Saskatchewans’ team around this year. They started off as one of the hottest teams in the CFL, surprising many.
It’s hard to point the finger at Trevor Harris for their season turning the way it did. However, after he came back and the Roughriders went on a bit of al losing streak. Never the less, they were able to win enough games to get into the playoffs. They answered any doubts by beating BC last week to get to the conference final game.
The Blue Bombers season started the exact opposite of Saskatchewan. They started slowly and questions on their vulnerability ran everywhere. However, somewhere along the line Zach Collaros, their winning DNA, and their league-best defense turned it all around to get them to this point. This is a team that has been here plenty of times before recently. The time is now, as the window on Collaros’ legacy is closing as he gets older.
Saskatchewan has lost 11 of the last 12 games in Winnipeg. The home-field advantage Winnipeg has is undeniable. Corey Mace and the Roughriders had an amazing season, however, the Blue Bombers just feel too much like a team of destiny.
2024 CFL Conference Finals Pick: Blue Bombers (-3.5), Over 47
