If you love the CFL and can’t wait for the new season to come around, check out which teams we think could make a splash this season. We won’t bore you by picking the same teams as everyone else, instead looking at which sides could make a real impact in the CFL and why we think they’re with looking at in greater detail.

If you love online sports betting, knowing who to back is essential, which is why we think you’ll find this article so interesting.

Ottawa Redblacks

If we’re looking for a team that looks like it could have a big 2023, the Ottawa Redblacks should be high up on your list, especially if they can strengthen during the 2023 CFL Draft.

Many are expecting big things from the Redblacks, largely because of how good they’ve been over the past decade, winning the East Division three times since 2015 and winning the Grey Cup once, showing fans and critics alike why they’re such a well-respected outfit, even if they aren’t the most consistent.

While they may have a good squad that could deliver another relatively successful season in 2023, some areas should be addressed by general manager Shawn Burke. Their talented squad could be strengthened further during the 2023 CFL Draft by adding some youth to their side, especially players who can help both in possession and during defensive moments, showing that they can be versatile.

Adding some linebacker cover for quarterback Nick Arbuckle would make sense, which will help him release the ball without being sacked. On the flip side, they could go all-out-attack, strengthening out wide by adding a speedy receiver who can help during those pivotal transitional moments. On the defensive side of the game, they have looked somewhat toothless when looking to dispossess the opposition quarterback at times in 2022, so this could be an area to explore further.

Despite this, the Ottawa Redblacks should have a chance of succeeding in 2023. Even if you don’t buy into their strong squad and good opportunities to strengthen, you can’t argue against their track record of making the playoffs and going all the way in their division. The last couple of seasons look like a mere blip, and they could be back at their best in 2023.

Edmonton Elks

If you’re looking for real heritage and a history of delivering when it matters most, The Edmonton Elks have to be in with a shout for 2023. Unlike the Redbacks, these guys have been there and done it plenty of times before, even if 2022 wasn’t the best of seasons for them. There are numerous things you can try to blame for the rough 2022 season, but sometimes luck just isn’t on your side, and even the very best teams have poor periods of form.

Going into 2023 with running back Kevin Brown and quarterback Tre Ford is a reason for many fans to feel a much greater sense of optimism, showing that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. There’s no escaping the fact that 2022 wasn’t the best of years, which followed a shortened 2021 season and a completely canceled 2020 season, but there’s no reason for fans not to be excited about the upcoming 2023 CFL season.

While the Elks could do with some serious reinforcements in the CFL Draft, it’s hard to say which positions should be prioritized. The defense was clearly an area where much of the damage was done in 2022, conceding almost 600 points in just 18 games, but it’s been said that the best defense is a strong offense, and improving on the 354 points scored is absolutely essential. There’s a lot of pressure on Kevin Brown and Tre Ford to deliver, so providing them with some help could be smart.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Now that we’ve got our two outside shouts over and done with, it’s time to get to the heavyweight inclusion. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were sensational in 2022, winning 15 of their 18 regular season games, losing just three times, which was the best record in the entire CFL regular season…and by some margin! Their haul of 30 points was an entire six points ahead of a second-place spot shared by both the BC Lions and the Calgary Stampeders.

Their sensational 2022 season was so close to being perfect, losing the Grey Cup final by a single point, which saw the (some would say) lucky winners, the Toronto Argonauts, take home the gold. Even the most dedicated Argonauts fan would probably have to concede that the Bombers were terrific in 2022 and look set for an equally impressive 2023, assuming they can strengthen while they’re ahead.

Adding quality to your squad when you’re already in form is the secret to delivering sustained success on the pitch – just look at Pep Guardiola’s record and transfers at Manchester City if you need proof!

Conclusion

The 2023 CFL season looks set to be a season unlike any other, free from many of the issues that have plagued the sport over the past few years. We should finally see a more competitive level of football, reminiscent of the pre-pandemic CFL that delivered great action every week. If you fancy an outsider for the Grey Cup, the Redblacks or the Elks could be an intelligent shout, while the Bombers have shown they have what it takes to deliver consistently, no matter the opposition.