The Montreal Alouettes are truly the team to beat... at least, that’s what the bookies believe, because as the 2026 CFL season is now in full swing, they are already considered early faves to win the 113th Grey Cup. The match will be held on 15 November at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, and for a team that came so painfully close to glory last November, this position is yet to be fulfilled.
But here’s the thing: being the favourites in June is no guarantee of a victory parade in November. The CFL is a long, hard battle, and more importantly, the season has already shown that there are many hungry challengers waiting to pounce.
The Alouettes Open on Top
Montreal heads into the season with a heavy burden on its shoulders – and for good reason.
The Numbers Behind the Hype
The Alouettes started the year at +300 to win the Grey Cup, and thus have the smallest chance of winning. They opened the season at +320, meaning that a $100 bet would yield $420 in winnings if they won, plus the amount bet.
These odds had dropped even lower by the end of July. TSN reported that they were trading at +210. One of just five teams with odds of less than 7:1 to win the title.
Why the Confidence?
The arguments in favour of Montreal are compelling. Quarterback Davis Alexander has an 11–0 record in regular-season starts throughout his career. That is a remarkable statistic which underlines his importance to the team’s success. Keeping him fit is the Als’ top priority.
Most of the experienced core that won the East Division last year is back. New signing Jonathan Sutherland, originally from Ottawa, bolsters an already strong defence, whilst returns specialist DeVonte Dedmon joins from the Redblacks to add an electrifying threat to the special teams.
The Alouettes have lived up to the high expectations on the pitch. After eight games, they sit top of the East Division with a 7–1 record, including a flawless 5–0 home record. They have scored 321 points and conceded just 247 – a difference that testifies to their balance in attack and defence.
The Chasing Pack – Who Can Challenge?
Edmonton Elks – The Biggest Surprise
If there’s one team that has shocked the CFL world in 2026, it’s the Edmonton Elks. They started the season with massive odds of +1900 to win the Grey Cup and were effectively considered outsiders on the betting market. Yet, a blistering start has completely turned the situation around, as their chances climbed to +650 by mid-July, and now they have the third-worst odds in the league.
The Elks now sit atop the West Division with a 9–3 record, including a dominant 5–1 home record. They exhibited their resurgence in an 18-point comeback to win 38–28 on Labour Day against Calgary, proving their own resilience and their potential as a championship team. Vernon Adams Jr. is in sensational form, and the defence has stepped up in key moments.
BC Lions – The Dark Horse
The BC Lions started as the second-biggest favourites with chances of +350, and although their 3–5 start was truthfully disappointing, the talent is still there. If they can find consistency, they remain a dangerous play-off team.
The Long Shots – Who Could Surprise?
Beyond the top contenders for online football betting, there are other groups capable of pulling off an upset, i.e.:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Blue Bombers, who are perennial title contenders, started with odds of +750. With a record of 4–4, they are still very much in the running for the play-offs. They have the experience needed to go far.
Toronto Argonauts
Toronto started with odds of +1100 and currently stand at 4–4. Whilst the Argos have already produced some impressive performances, they need to put together a winning streak to be considered serious title contenders.
Ottawa Redblacks
The Redblacks are the longest shots, opening at +950, and since their 0-8 start has been brutal, a playoff berth looks increasingly unlikely.
