The road to the Grey Cup begins

The GIST: After a thrilling 21-week CFL regular season, it’s time for the reason for the season: playoffs! Three weeks of single-elimination games kick off tomorrow, culminating with the Grey Cup on November 19th.

How it works: Six of the league’s nine teams — three from the East Division and three from the West — advanced to the playoffs. The top team in each division earned a bye to the division finals, while the second- and third-place teams will face off in the division semifinals (aka the first round) on Saturday.

The top contenders: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers bested the West for the third straight year, posting an impressive 14-4 record. After last year’s title game upset, watch as the Blue Bombers dress for revenge in an effort to bring the Cup back to the ’Peg.

• Over in the East, the defending champ Toronto Argonauts finished with a 16-2 record — a team and league record — and are seeking their league-leading 19th championship. With a bye through to round two, it could be another Cup-raising year in the Six.

How to tune in: The journey kicks off with tomorrow’s 3 p.m. ET meeting between the East’s No. 2 Montreal Alouettes and No. 3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats, followed by the West’s No. 2 BC Lions vs. No. 3 Calgary Stampeders at 6:30 p.m. ET. So ready for some football.