2024 CFL Odds, Prediction: Can the Blue Bombers still make the playoffs?
Not many people would have predicted the four-time reigning West Division champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers would reach the halfway point of the 2024 season with a 3-6 record, but that’s where they sit heading into their Week 10 bye.
So, can Winnipeg still make the playoffs?
Bad start
It was a disastrous start to the season for the Bombers, who opened the year with four straight losses. Winnipeg averaged just 18.5 points per game in that season-opening stretch and it took the team four games to connect on a passing touchdown.
Zach Collaros
The Play of quarterback Zach Collaros has been the most glaring issue for the Bombers. It took Collaros five games to throw his first touchdown pass this season and he’s thrown twice as many interceptions (eight) as he has touchdown passes (four). There is hope, however, for Collaros, who has has started eight of Winnipeg’s nine games this season. If you split his season into two four-game halves, he’s improving.
Over the first four games, Collaros threw four interceptions with no touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per attempts. In his last four games, Collaros was also picked off four times, but he also threw four touchdown passes and averaged 9.25 yards per attempt. It’s a small step forward, but it’s positive.
Defence is saving the day
The No. 1 reason to believe the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can still make the playoffs is the play of the defence, which has done its part all season. The Bombers lead the CFL in total yards allowed (335.6), passing yards allowed (226.9) and points allowed (20.7) per game.
Winnipeg’s defence has only improved as the season has gone on. Not only did the Blue Bombers shut out the Lions in Week 9, they also held the CFL’s No. 1 offence to just four first downs and 102 net yards. A lot of the credit goes to the stingy group of defensive backs that includes Tyrell Ford, Evan Holm, Deatrick Nichols and Terrell Bonds.
Playoff prediction
Last week was a statement win by Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers’ defence will give them a chance to win every night and if Collaros and the offence can figure things out, this could be a dangerous squad. Take the Bombers to make the playoffs.