There’s already a scent of intensity in the air as the Canadian Football League (CFL) 2024 season is in full swing! This year is filled with many storylines, returning stars, and even hungrier contenders looking for a seat at the table in this game of Canadian football. Let’s get to the teams, the players, and, of course, the predictions that will run Canada’s gridirons.

East Division

• Montreal Alouettes (2023 Grey Cup Champions): Can the Als repeat? They have a balanced team and are equally good under center with Vernon Adams Jr. as their quarterback, who has a great presence in the league, with a potent receiving corps with the explosive Eugene Lewis. If only their offensive line solidifies, the championship aspirations can come true.

• Ottawa Redblacks: Smarting from the sting of the 2023 finish and just 4-8 over their last 12 games, the Argos will look for redemption. All eyes will be on McLeod Bethel-Thompson to bounce back at the quarterback position, and the defense leader being back in Chris Agholor should further solidify the secondary.

• Hamilton Tiger-Cats: The Ticats’ most significant hope is the return of a healthy Bo Levi Mitchell. That veteran presence, if healthy, can genuinely be what propels an offense that is rather prolific with much talent, which includes star running back Don Jackson.

• Ottawa Redblacks: These guys need a quick resurgence fresh off their new head coach. All eyes for a game raise right on Nick Arbuckle, from the quarterback position along with his young receiving core.• Saskatchewan Roughriders: On their way up from being dethroned champions. Cody Fajardo has proved himself to be their prospective savior at quarterback, and they need their young receiving corps to take a step forward.

West Division

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers: The current Grey Cup runners-up simply ran with a stingy defense, but can they still be the same with Andrew Harris retired and losing leadership? Zach Collaros is a proven winner at quarterback, but the emergence of a reliable running back will be vital.

• BC Lions: Knocking on the Grey Cup door for two straight years, the Lions hunger for a championship on home soil. Nathan Rourke looks on the verge of a big year at quarterback, while the receiving duo of Bryan Burnham and Dominique Rhymes is a nightmare for defenders.

• Calgary Stampeders: The departure of Bo Levi Mitchell has created a void for sure. Now, will Jake Maier take over at quarterback and lead the way? With the return of a healthy Ka’Deem Carey at running back, the offense looks to be more efficient. But the jobs of the offensive line need to be strengthened.• Edmonton Elks: The Elks have a veteran quarterback in Trevor Harris, but their success relies on a new-look offensive line and the impact of their new special teams weapons.
• Saskatchewan Roughriders (West): They find themselves in the same boat as their East counterparts in that they are on the rise, with a promising young nucleus, but also very much in need of steady, professional-level quarterback play.

Key Players

• James Vaughters (WR, Montreal Alouettes): A fully healthy Vaughters—with Eugene Lewis—can once again be an unstoppable tandem.
• Chris Jones (DL – Winnipeg Blue Bombers): The reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player, remains, ever, quite the force.
• Mike Reilly (QB, BC Lions): The veteran gunslinger could make a surprise return, adding another layer of intrigue to the West Division.

Predictions

That is vastly debatable, but currently, the two favorites, as for the case with the East Division, are Montreal and Toronto. It is Montreal that has that experience, as well as a very explosive offense, so it’s a slight edge to the Als. In the West, Winnipeg remains a force, but the BC Lions’ hunger and home-field advantage may tilt the scales.

A Gander at CFL Betting

The same buzz that is being created around the upcoming 2024 CFL season is also being heralded by sports bettors for a very loaded year. Here is a look at what to expect:

Major wagers on leading CFL betting platforms include selection of a winner, or money line, selection of a point spread, or the number of points that a team is expected to score, or the over or under number of points that the bookmakers predict for the game, and many others. Wildly popular CFL betting also includes futures, both on its league champion clubs, division title champions, and individual leader awards.

As noted, Montreal and Toronto are the favorites up to this moment in the East. On the other hand, Winnipeg, BC Lions are the favorites in the west. This, however, may change in time. These will always be up for change based on injuries, team performances, and surprises that may be in return.

Savvy bettors will work even further to look at the matchups between two teams, injury reports, and weather conditions to expose hidden value. Statistics analysis can also be part of the play in identifying trends in sleeper teams. Ultimately, the 2024 CFL season promises to be a thrilling display of athleticism, strategy, and passionate competition. Buckle up, football fans, the fun has only begun!