We decided to share with you what we think the Grey Cup Champion and runner-up will be, players to watch for MOP and what teams could surprise you.
The CFL released their power rankings on Tuesday, but I promise you they don’t determine our point of view.
Each prediction is independent of the other, given to you straight from the analysts themselves, and in no particular order. You can follow each analyst on Twitter by clicking their name.
Edmonton made some big changes to all 3 facets of the game since 2019. The addition of veteran RB James Wilder Jr cannot be overlooked. He adds a playing style that fits perfectly into the offensive scheme ran by new head coach and offensive coordinator Jaime Elizondo. And not to be left out, QB Trevor Harris makes a run at MOP once again.
The Alouettes also made upgrades to their team, and I believe they’ll drastically improve on their 2019 record, and despite the Ti-Cats Uber talented team, I think the schedule makes it easier for Montreal to come out 1st in the East.
The Toronto Argonauts are sneaky good. The offense is still packed with talent despite losing Wilder Jr. I expect them to make a run.
QB Vernon Adams returns after being the team’s MOP in 2019. He has proved over the last few years to be the most consistent QB the Alouettes have had recently, with an uncanny ability to lead the team when the pressure is really turned up. I see no reason why he won’t do it again, and he is my pick to repeat as Montreal’s best offensive player, and becomes the CFL’s MOP.
- Grey Cup Champion: Edmonton Elks
- Grey Cup Runner Up: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Most Outstanding Player: Trevor Harris – QB – Edmonton Elks
- Surprise Team: Toronto Argonauts
I have high hopes for the newly revamped Edmonton team under new head coach Jaime Elizondo. Elks starting quarterback Trevor Harris had his most productive season with Elizondo as his offensive coordinator in Ottawa during the 2018 CFL season, passing for 5,116 yards, 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and rushed 27 times for 117 yards. The two reunite in Edmonton with a very talented roster and many reliable weapons, including wide receivers Darel Walker, Armanti Edwards, Greg Ellison, and a game-changing running back in James Wilder Jr.
Trevor Harris was on pace to at least be in the conversation for Most Outstanding Player during 2019 until an injury forced him to miss the season’s final three games. Despite the time missed, Harris finished second in the league in passing with 4,027 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions. He’d also run the ball 48 times for 139 yards and 6 touchdowns. If Harris can pick up where he left off and new head coach Jaime Elizondo can get things put together, the Edmonton Elks have the potential to become the CFL’s most explosive offense in 2021.
I do not have a specific guess for players, as I am still a newbie in terms of the league. However, based on research I do see the Redblacks improving from 2019, making the playoffs. Ultimately I think the Tiger-Cats and Blue Bombers will have a rematch from 2019, this time the Tiger-Cats taking it. Not a totally elaborate prediction, but more so a safe one.
- Grey Cup Champion: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Grey Cup Runner Up: Calgary Stampeders
- Most Outstanding Player: Trevor Harris
- Surprise Team: Toronto Argonauts
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats on paper looks like the team to beat in the CFL. In a Covid world though, it might be safe to assume that anything can happen. In 2019, the Tiger-Cats finished with the top record in the CFL and were able to keep the key core players to that team. They will have some stiff competition and it wouldn’t be a surprise that even though Calgary had some key players retire, the Stampeders’ consistency of winning should continue in 2021.
Edmonton head coach Jaime Elizondo and quarterback Trevor Harris seem to be a great duo working together for the new look Elks team. Harris looks to be in top shape and poised for a huge 2021 campaign. Don’t be surprised at the end of the year to see Harris leading the league in passing.
One surprise that could come is Toronto being in playoff contention. After finishing 2019 at 4-14, the Argonauts reloaded and appear to have drastically improved from two years ago. It could be a major turnaround season for Toronto as they could see themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt.
- Grey Cup Champion: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Grey Cup Runner Up: Edmonton Elks
- Most Outstanding Player: Jeremiah Masoli
- Surprise Team: Toronto Argonauts
It’s tempting to go against chalk. And in an
unprecedented season, go against the grain, but
continuity will be king in a league where there has been a two-year layoff.
Hamilton brings back an excellent team intact with premiere players, and they get their superstar quarterback Jeremiah Masoli back at the controls. So I can only envision one end.
The 2021 CFL season will begin with Hamilton on the road reliving its worst moment in 2019, but it will end with the Tiger-Cats rejoicing as champions at home.
The CFL will share the same ending that
the NFL had last year when the Buccaneers won
the Super Bowl at home in Tampa.
- Grey Cup Champion: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Grey Cup Runner Up: Tiger-Cats
- Most Outstanding Player: Willie Jefferson
- Surprise Team: Edmonton Elks
Repeating and running it back is all the rage in the NFL (see Bucs, Chiefs *almost) and I expect to see the same this season in the CFL with Winnipeg taking it again.
Can the Hamilton Tiger-Cats pull off a home win in the Grey Cup? I’m excited to see the season opener rematch to set my standards on what to expect from both teams this season.
Also, lots of shakeups going on in Edmonton with first year head coach Jamie Elizondo seeming to be going out of his way by releasing players who aren’t a “cultural fit” for the newly minted Elks. Will all of these changes pan out? If the former XFL OC for the Tampa Bay Vipers has anything to say about it, I’m sure Edmonton will be competitive all season.
*Look for our live show following the kickoff game this week following Hamilton at Winnipeg over at our YouTube channel.
- Grey Cup Champion: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Grey Cup Runner-Up: Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Most Outstanding Player: Brandon Banks
- Surprise Team: Toronto Argonauts
Maybe I’m a bit biased because I cover the Ticats, but after they fell short of a Grey Cup against the Blue Bombers in 2019, Hamilton should have more momentum than any other team in the CFL. The Ticats are loaded with talent, and it’s hard to picture a scenario where anyone gets in their way.
- Grey Cup Champions: Edmonton Elks
- Grey Cup Runner Ups: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Most Outstanding Player: Tevor Harris
- Surprise Team: Ottawa Redblacks
Edmonton was not that far away from making a legitimate run at the Grey Cup in 2019. They hung around .500 for the better part of the season and made it into the playoffs as the crossover into the East division. There, they ran into the seemingly unstoppable Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East finals. Harris enters his second season with the new-look Edmonton team. He is also reunited with Jamie Elizondo, his former offensive coordinator in Ottawa and as of February, the Elks head coach.
The Elks have a stacked deck this season with Ellingson returning as the number one target in the passing game. They have also added James Wilder Jr. to the mix in the backfield, which gives the Edmonton offense a boost. Bringing in defensive Jonathan Rose will also improve this team’s chances of hoisting the championship cup at the end of the year.
Randy Rath
August 5, 2021 at 2:51 am
What are these guys smoking or did Covid effect them that much. Lmao