Third Down Gamble

Toronto Argonauts and quarterback Chad Kelly sign a landmark five-year million-dollar-plus-per-season contract.  Will there be a new General Manager in Ottawa?  President Mike Morreale will confirm his decision after Grey Cup.  CFL starts rolling out its league-wide award nominees, the new format started this season.  We are waving goodbye to the 55 yard line, goalposts on the goal line, and now the current six-team playoff format is about to bid adieu.  Toronto and BC are favoured at home in each of the semi-finals, East and West.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission, podcast recorded October 27, 2026).

RedBlacks' Bryson Barnes does the unthinkable, wins a game for Ottawa!  Football 101: TSN's Luke Willson articulates Ottawa's plan, did the Argonauts hear it?  Winnipeg must win to be in the playoffs; Calgary's fate rests with the Lions.  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permssion, Ottawa vs Toronto game audio clip courtesy TSN; podcast recorded October 20, 2026).

Does Ottawa finally start Bryson Barnes at quarterback?  In 2027, Hamilton would qualify for the CFL playoffs, does that make sense?  Calgary misses an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with their loss in Winnipeg.  BC can still finish first in the West, Winnipeg second, and Saskatchewan could miss the playoffs.  A three-way tie in the West standings amongst Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, and Calgary will send the Stampeders packing.  (CFL on CBC opening theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded October 14, 2026).

For the second time in as many weeks, eight or more field goals lift a CFL team to victory... this time in Toronto without the aid of a touchdown.  The Western Playoff race, third through to fifth, is a wild jumble of scenarios; win and Edmonton and BC can avoid the confusion.  Winnipeg versus Calgary Saturday night is likely the first real playoff game in 2026.   (CFL on CBC oppening theme is used with express permission; podcast. recorded October 6, 2026).

The CFL Board of Governors approves a move to add Quebéc City to the East Division.  Hamilton is eliminated from the playoff race and makes a trade with the Alouettes soon after.  Does the NFL need to expand their replay centre to include reviewing pass interference calls to ddtermine if a turnover stands?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded September 28, 2026).