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Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:12 pm
by ArgoRavi
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:21 pm
by gilthethrill
Only 1 team eliminated from the playoffs. More games, more injuries. Do the rosters get expanded to cover this? How does the Cross Over work? Does the CFL draft take place before the NFL draft with the start of the season being moved up?
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:30 pm
by ArgoRavi
gilthethrill wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:21 pm
Only 1 team eliminated from the playoffs. More games, more injuries. Do the rosters get expanded to cover this? How does the Cross Over work? Does the CFL draft take place before the NFL draft with the start of the season being moved up?
The crossover is done. The CFL draft will happen before the NFL one now - as it used to years ago.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:43 pm
by paulwoods13
It's a lot to take in, but my immediate reaction is two big thumbs up. I'm sure the league will get criticized for allowing 89 per cent of its teams to make the playoffs, but I'm having a hard time being upset about four more playoff games. Two extra win-or-go-home games and two top-seed first-round games that could lead to grudge matches two weeks later -- it all sound good to me. To win the Grey Cup, teams will now have to win at least three post-season games, and a couple of teams each year could play four postseason games. Two home playoff games for some teams. And I have absolutely no quarrel with starting the season in late may and ending it in early November. It will be interesting, tho, to see how the first two weeks of playoffs are scheduled. Will we have Friday night doubleaders to avoid going up against the NFL?
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:01 pm
by gilthethrill
ArgoRavi wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:30 pm
gilthethrill wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 3:21 pm
Only 1 team eliminated from the playoffs. More games, more injuries. Do the rosters get expanded to cover this? How does the Cross Over work? Does the CFL draft take place before the NFL draft with the start of the season being moved up?
The crossover is done. The CFL draft will happen before the NFL one now - as it used to years ago.
With more & more Canadian players either being drafted or signing UDFA deals with NFL teams, this will really put CFL teams at a disadvantage come draft day. Hard to get excited to see 5-13 teams getting into the post season.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:04 pm
by paulwoods13
gilthethrill wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:01 pm
Hard to get excited to see 5-13 teams getting into the post season.
Those 5-13 or 4-14 teams will need to win their play-in game or go home. If a higher seed can't beat one of them, at home, they don't deserve much sympathy. If two, or even three, higher seeds can't beat them, no sympathy at all.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:23 pm
by gilthethrill
paulwoods13 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:04 pm
gilthethrill wrote: ↑Tue Apr 28, 2026 4:01 pm
Hard to get excited to see 5-13 teams getting into the post season.
Those 5-13 or 4-14 teams will need to win their play-in game or go home. If a higher seed can't beat one of them, at home, they don't deserve much sympathy. If two, or even three, higher seeds can't beat them, no sympathy at all.
Not a fan of this "Play In" gimmick that has popped up in other leagues recently. If a team has sucked all season why do they merit another opportunity to get into the playoffs? Pack your bags and try again next year.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 5:11 pm
by Scooter McCray
An extra week of playoffs, 4 more games. Sign me up. I'll tap that @$$.
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to East vs. West, and the new format could wind up with 2 teams from same division playing in Grey Cup but with the extra games etc, the 2 best teams will be playing and added excitement, rivalries will come from this format.
And I'm on the record with supporting the new rule changes to see if they generate the additional offence etc...
All of this should bring more eyeballs to our beloved league. I credit the Commissioner and CFLPA with having the guts to try.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 5:13 pm
by Scooter McCray
An extra week of playoffs, 4 more games. Sign me up. I'll tap that @$$.
I'm a traditionalist when it comes to East vs. West, and the new format could wind up with 2 teams from same division playing in Grey Cup but with the extra games etc, the 2 best teams will be playing and added excitement, rivalries will come from this format.
And I'm on the record with supporting the new rule changes to see if they generate the additional offence etc...
All of this should bring more eyeballs to our beloved league. I credit the Commissioner and CFLPA with having the guts to try.
Re: Schedule changes and new playoff format
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 5:24 pm
by Scooter McCray
Now get that 10th team to have fully interlocking schedule. One home, One away game with each team. Seeding then becomes straightforward. Eliminate teams 9 an 10.