2023 CFL Playoffs: Five players to watch

The six remaining teams are gearing up for postseason action, and we will look at a select few remaining players who fans must watch heading into the 2023 CFL Playoffs.

Zach Collaros, QB, WPG

The first player that comes to mind is Zach Collaros, quarterback for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 

Collaros led his team to a 14-4 record, winning the West Division. The 35 year old has seven years of CFL experience, and is looking for his fourth Grey Cup. 

He is not only considered one of the best players in the league, but one of the best CFL quarterbacks of all time.

This season, he led the league with 32 touchdown passes, and was second in the league with 4,252 passing yards. 

He is the best quarterback in these playoffs, and it will be enticing to see if he can keep up the great numbers and win yet another championship.

Dalton Schoen, WR, WPG

Next is another Blue Bomber in Dalton Schoen. He was Collaros’ number one receiver all season, leading the league with 10 touchdowns in 16 games. He was also third in receiving yards with 1,222 yards.

Schoen was a constant threat during the entire regular season, and he will need to show up in these playoffs.

This is just Schoen’s second season, and he is continuing to be a major threat. 

He can take over games, and even though he will likely be a major topic in an opponent's gameplan, he should still be able to perform at a high level. 

It will be fun to see if he will be able to perform at such a high level in the games that matter most.

Mathieu Betts, DL, BC

Mathieu Betts was an absolute beast all season for the BC Lions. 

This defensive lineman led the league with 18 sacks, which was six more than the second best. He also led the league in forced fumbles with four. 

He is a quarterback’s nightmare, and if BC wants a chance at beating the CFL’s best teams, he will have to be at his dominating best.

Betts played all 18 games this year, which was crucial to his team's success. He has the power to unbalance an entire offense, as he can disrupt a quarterback’s mind with his constant pressure, and make running backs fear coming toward his side of the line. 

He will play a major role in BC’s push at a Grey Cup appearance.

Chad Kelly, QB, TOR

Chad Kelly was a key piece in getting the Toronto Argonauts to a 16-2 record. 

While he is not considered the best quarterback in the league, his poise and ability cannot be denied. 

He was in the top half of the league in touchdown passes, completion %, quarterback efficiency, and rushing touchdowns. 

He is a great system quarterback, and the Argonauts need him to continue to play well.

What makes him an interesting storyline is to see if he can continue to play at the level he has all year. 

Last season, he led these Argonauts to a Grey Cup win, and he carried it right into this season. He has proven he can do it before, but now it is time for him to prove his multi-champion potential as he looks to win a second straight championship.

Marc-Antoine Dequoy, DB, MTL

Marc-Antoine Dequoy is likely not a name many people are used to hearing, but this could be a coming out party for the 29 year old. 

In his third season, he is continuing to improve, and has been a major part in Montreal’s red-hot streak. 

In their five-game winning streak, Dequoy had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a touchdown, and had two games with 4+ tackles, including matching his season high of 6 tackles.

If he can keep it up, he could play a big role in the Alouettes playoff run and could help them go deep. 

There is no question he must be feeling confident, and he could show even more in these games that are all-important. 

Keep an eye on him as he tries to help shut down three teams en route to a Grey Cup.