With the new Canadian Football League season approaching, we’re taking a look at the 2022 Grey Cup winner odds to see which teams are expected to shine.
Nine sides will again battle it out for top honours, with Mosaic Stadium in Regina scheduled to host the 109th Grey Cup on November 20.
Here are our early Grey Cup predictions and CFL power rankings:
1. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS @ 3.5
The Bombers are chasing a hat-trick of title triumphs, so it’s hard to argue with them being ante-post favourites in the Grey Cup winner odds. Winnipeg have lost some key components from their past successes but wide-out Greg Ellingson looks guaranteed to be a useful acquisition. Head coach Mike O’Shea takes charge for the eighth season, he has a strong all-round squad and a fast start is anticipated, judged on our infographic assessment of the early fixture list.
2. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS @ 5.5
Potentially having home advantage for the decider will make the Roughriders a popular pick in early Grey Cup predictions. Last year, Saskatchewan went 9-5 in the regular season, edged out Calgary in overtime in the Divisional Semi-finals and then pushed Winnipeg hard. Quarterback Cody Fajardo will also be spurred on by this being the final year of his contract and big things are expected of wide receiver Duke Williams as he returns from the NFL.
3. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS @ 6.0
After twice being the bridesmaids, the Tiger-Cats will be determined to go one better this time around. Some younger legs have been brought in to freshen things up and help them get over the line but how much the departing golden oldies will be missed is open to debate. Former Texas Tech and Colorado wide receiver Tony Brown looks a nice addition, though, after just falling short of an NFL career.
4. TORONTO ARGONAUTS @ 8.0
After leading the way in the East last season with a 9-5 record, the Argonauts suffered a disappointing 27-19 defeat to Hamilton in the Division Finals. Veteran wide receiver Brandon Banks switches over from the Tiger-Cats while running back Andrew Harris joins from Winnipeg. Both are proven performers who make this team better on paper but how much do they have left in the tank at 34 and 35 respectively?
5. CALGARY STAMPEDERS @ 8.0
Bo Levi Mitchell again brings great experience at the playmaker position as he enters into his 10th season with the Stampeders, having claimed two Grey Cup triumphs, as well as picking up the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award in 2016 and 2018. Injuries have become an issue in recent years but a fit Mitchell would make Calgary hard to keep out of the play-offs.
6. MONTREAL ALOUETTES @ 10.0
The Alouettes have taken the bold decision to promote from within after losing some high-profile defensive players during the off-season, although top overall draft pick Tyrell Richards will surely assist the transition at linebacker. Montreal do have plenty of upside on offence, especially if keeping QB Vernon Adams Jr healthy this term.
7. EDMONTON ELKS @ 12.0
The Elks finished last season with a 3-11 record and again have question marks over the quarterback position. Unless Nick Arbuckle finally fulfils the promise he showed at Georgia State, this will be a big issue. Former Winnipeg wide receiver Kenny Lawler has been handed a nice pay-day, though, and that should help Edmonton at least make some improvement.
8. BC LIONS @ 12.0
Signal caller Nathan Rourke has some big shoes to fill following the departure of CFL stalwart Michael Reilly. Wide-outs Bryan Burnham and Lucky Whitehead are decent targets but Rourke could feel plenty of heat early on behind a shaky O-line. Bringing back Micah Awe will provide some useful experience on defence.
9. OTTAWA REDBLACKS @ 19.0
Former Hamilton QB Jeremiah Masoli and wide receiver Jaelon Acklin will renew their partnership in Ottawa, alongside other notable fresh faces in William Powell, Darvin Adams and Patrick Levels. If this much-changed line-up can gel together quickly enough, they could soon be racing up the CFL power rankings, but our infographic highlights how they do have a tough early schedule.
Join bwin today and receive a 100% Deposit Bonus up to $200. Terms and conditions apply.
