While the NFL may be the most popular football league in the world – with everyone eagerly awaiting the new season to see if Tom Brady can still pull miracles out of nowhere – the CFL is equally popular here in Canada. The new season just kicked off, following last year’s cancellation, and there are plenty of surprises when it comes to the favorites.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers took the Grey Cup home in the last season played and now, after a year without any matches, the CFL returns bigger and better than ever. Millions of fans are eagerly awaiting to see who makes it to the Grey Cup. And it’s not just here that the CFL is growing in reputation. Having a wager on the football is very popular across the border, especially now that several states have opened up to legal sports betting.
Both punters and fans are pretty excited about what’s to come. Can the Blue Bombers get a second title in a row or will the Tigers-Cats take it home? There will surely be thrilling action this season which will culminate with the 108th Grey Cup scheduled for December 12.
Who’s the Top Favorite?
There are two teams that bookies consider favorites this season – the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. As for the others, they’re dark horses at best. That doesn’t mean they don’t have a chance and, if you bet on the Alouettes or Lions to win, you might earn a small fortune in return.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Tiger-Cats are the outright favorite to snatch the Grey Cup this year. Bookies have them at +300, which isn’t a surprise considering the team’s latest run. In 2019, they only came a win short of getting their first title after 20 years. Fans were disappointed, but the Tiger-Cats can make amends this year.
With the world’s sternest defense and plenty of star power, they can certainly challenge for the title. If Simoni Lawrence and Ted Davis play to the best of their abilities, the Tiger-Cats can win it all.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Roughriders fell to the champion Blue Bombers in the 2019 playoffs, just like the Tiger-Cats. However, the squad has certainly improved this year, especially in offense. QB Cody Facardo is an explosive offensive machine that will surely be a big star. He has Kyran Moore and Shaq Evans by his side, making the Saskatchewan Roughriders the second-best favorite at +450.
Darkhorse Favorites
Montreal Alouettes
At +850, the Alouettes may not be among the top favorites, but they can certainly compete. The team has kick returner Mario Alford as a leader, and should build up on 2019’s playoff run. If you think the Alouettes can win it all, there’s solid money to be made on the +850 odds.
BC Lions
The Lions are just behind the Alouettes among dark horse CFL 2021 favorites with most bookies give them odds of +900 to win the Grey Cup. The team has vastly improved its defense after handing coach Rick Campbell the double reins this year, and the 1st overall pick in 2020 draft, Jordan Williams, is set to make a splash as well.
That’s a dangerous combination, and could make the Lions a serious contender.
Surprising Outrights
Edmonton Elks
The Elks may be a leader in terms of CFL titles with 11, but they’re still a far cry away from competing like they did in the past. At least bookies think so, giving the Edmonton-based team odds of +1,100.
Apart from the recent name change, the Elks have changed the coaching staff too, bringing in Jamie Elizondo as the new coach. The team will certainly be competitive with QB Trevor Harris, but as for the trophy, bookmakers believe there are teams with a much better shot.
However, keep in mind that the Elks have 11 titles, and with such a resume, you can never count them out to win.
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