After the 21-week CFL regular season concludes, six teams make the playoffs, where football odds tighten each matchup until a Grey Cup winner is crowned.
Throughout the playoffs, CFL odds for individual games and the Grey Cup winner are available at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Below, I’ll explain when the CFL playoffs start.
When Do Canadian Football League Playoffs Begin?
The 2026 CFL playoffs start on Oct. 31. That day, two games are played: the Eastern and Western semi-finals. These games are played at 3 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, respectively.
What’s the CFL Playoffs Schedule?
Here’s the complete CFL playoff schedule:
- Oct. 31: Eastern (3 p.m. ET) and Western (6:30 p.m. ET) semi-finals.
- Nov. 7: Eastern (3 p.m. ET) and Western (6:30 p.m. ET) finals.
- Nov. 15: 2026 Grey Cup (6 p.m. ET).
How Many Teams Make the CFL Playoffs?
Six teams make the CFL playoffs. This is typically three teams from each division. However, there is one exception: the crossover.
If there’s a scenario in which the fourth-place team in one division has a better record than the third-place team from the other division, they’ll “crossover” to that division and make the playoffs.
For example, in 2014, the BC Lions went 9-9 and finished fourth in the West Division. Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts finished third in the East Division with an 8-10 record. As a result, the Lions “crossed over,” and the Argonauts were out.
How Do the CFL Playoffs Work?
To start, six teams make the playoffs, and the division winners receive a bye week in the semi-final round.
Then, the winner of each semi-final game will play the division winner in the division finals.
Following the finals, the two remaining teams play in the Grey Cup.
CFL Odds at BetMGM
BetMGM provides CFL odds and betting throughout the year, from preseason through the Grey Cup. From offseason futures to weekly betting to live odds, Canadian Football League wagering is available at the BetMGM online sportsbook.
CFL betting is currently available to residents of Ontario, Canada, and online Alberta sports betting will be offered soon as well.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
