East Division

No matter which team advances to the Grey Cup final in Winnipeg this season, one thing is clear: the defence better come to play.

East Division clubs were badly outplayed by the West in most games this year and were outscored by an 859-646 margin.

The Montreal Alouettes will try to erase the memory of a disheartening 38-35 overtime loss to the Eskimos in last year's Grey Cup final. Though the Alouettes stumbled with a six-game losing streak after going 7-0 this year, their win over Toronto in the final week of the season gives them the all-important bye into the East final.

A pair of victories will put Toronto in the Grey Cup game for the second time in three seasons. The Argos' march to the title in 2004 surprised many observers as the team upset the B.C. Lions 27-19.

The Blue Bombers return to the post-season for the first time since 2003 and will try to earn the city's first Grey Cup title in 16 years. The Bombers sport the league's leading rusher in Charles Roberts, who will be tough to handle in the playoffs.