Winnipeg, Montreal, and BC prepare for Week 2 matchups
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Weekly Predictor: Who wins in Week 2?
Week 1 Recap and Upcoming Debuts
The opening week of the CFL season delivered close contests, with two games decided by walk-off field goals. The Alouettes and Blue Bombers both secured victories to start their seasons 1-0. In the final game of the week, Justin Rankin‘s performance helped the Elks defeat the REDBLACKS 29-21. Rankin, a running back for Edmonton, was named one of the top players for Week 1 after gaining 102 yards and scoring a touchdown on 13 carries, alongside five receptions for 94 yards, including a 63-yard catch in the third quarter.
Montreal defensive back Robert Kennedy III also earned recognition for Week 1, scoring his first career touchdown with a 54-yard interception in the Alouettes’ 30-27 win against Hamilton. He also contributed a defensive tackle and a forced fumble. Winnipeg defensive lineman Jake Ceresna was another standout, achieving a career-high three sacks and adding five defensive tackles in the Blue Bombers’ 30-28 victory over Calgary.
This week marks the 2026 season debuts for BC, Saskatchewan, and Toronto, all of whom had a bye in Week 1 after three weeks of training camp. Toronto is set to open its season on Friday in Montreal, while the Roughriders and Lions will face each other in a rematch of last year’s Western Final.
Hamilton at Winnipeg
On Thursday, June 11, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will travel to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Tiger-Cats are looking to rebound after an overtime loss in Week 1, which saw costly turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown and a fumble in overtime. This will be an early test for Hamilton’s offence, which saw some star players depart in the off-season. Larry Rountree III made his debut for the Tiger-Cats, while Zach Collaros and Tim White showed strong chemistry in the preseason against Saskatchewan, with White being the only receiver to catch a touchdown pass from Collaros in Week 1.
The Blue Bombers, coming off a road victory in Week 1, will be playing their first home game of 2026. Jake Ceresna had a notable debut for Winnipeg with three sacks, and Willie Jefferson recorded two pass knockdowns and a sack. Tommy Condell, the Blue Bombers’ play-caller, is expected to heavily feature Brady Oliveira, especially after Montreal‘s success with its running game. Many anticipate Oliveira could achieve another 100-yard performance in front of the home crowd. The majority of writers are leaning towards a Winnipeg victory in this matchup.
Toronto at Montreal
Friday, June 12, will see the Toronto Argonauts begin their season on the road against the reigning East Division champions, the Montreal Alouettes. The Argonauts enter the season with many questions, and their performance will largely depend on quarterback Chad Kelly, who is making his return after a leg injury in the 2024 Eastern Final. Toronto also features a new running back combination, several new faces on both offence and defence, and a new head coach, suggesting potential early-season adjustments.
The Alouettes are coming off an impressive comeback victory in Week 1, where Davis Alexander was a key factor, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander has maintained an undefeated regular season record. Tyler Snead and Tyson Philpot are expected to be significant threats for opposing defences, and if Alexander Hollins can regain his form, Montreal could have a potent passing attack. All pick makers are favouring Montreal in this East Division contest.
BC at Saskatchewan
The marquee matchup of Week 2 is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, as the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders kick off their 2026 seasons. This game is a rematch of last year’s dramatic Western Final, which saw Tommy Nield score the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds. The Roughriders will be celebrating their fifth Grey Cup championship, adding another layer to this encounter.
The Lions‘ roster shows more continuity from the team that played in the Western Final six months prior compared to the Roughriders, who experienced significant changes due to free agency and retirements. While Saskatchewan‘s offence remains largely intact, their defence is missing four key starters, though one, recently retired Micah Johnson, is now coaching the defensive line. The Lions, who were a Grey Cup pick entering the season, have strengthened their defence with the additions of Casey Sayles and Darnell Sankey. Most writers anticipate BC will win their first game of the campaign.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened their season with a road victory at McMahon Stadium.
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Source: cfl.ca
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