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CFL Preseason Highlights: 5 Key Aspects to Monitor in the 2024 Season
We're just days away from the start of the 2024 CFL season, with the opening match featuring the Montreal Alouettes, who are defending their Grey Cup title, as they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this Thursday.
Canadian sports enthusiasts, especially those atOntario betting sites – are currently fixated on the Stanley Cup playoffs. A particular interest is in whether the Edmonton Oilers can finally lift the cup, something Canada has not seen for 31 years, despite being the sport's origin.
The 2024 CFL season is laden with exciting narratives. Here are five prominent tales we look forward to witnessing until November 17, when the BC Place will host the 111th Grey Cup.
Can Montreal Succeed in Defending Their Grey Cup Title?
Jason Maas had an outstanding debut season as the head coach of the Montreal Alouettes. Previously coaching in Edmonton, he led the team to an impressive 11-7 record, their best effort since 2019. Yet, their ambitions exceeded mere success, as they managed to defeat the 16-2 Toronto Argonauts in the Eastern Final and surprised Winnipeg in the Grey Cup. For more insights, check ourCFL betting guide section for advice on betting for the 2024 CFL season.
Last season marked a milestone for quarterback Cody Fajardo in Montreal, as he joined the team as a free agent after a successful stint with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He completed 70.9% of his passes and amassed 3,862 yards over 16 games. His playoff performance was even more remarkable, as he achieved a 73% completion rate, notably throwing 21 of 26 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns during the Grey Cup, ultimately earning MVP honors for delivering the decisive score in the final moments. This victory secured the Alouettes their first championship since 2010.
For Montreal to repeat, oddsmakers atPinnacle Ontario Sportsbook Experts believe that to replicate last year's success, the Alouettes will have to face and conquer the same two teams in this year's playoffs. They currently hold odds of +550 for a repeat championship, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are favored at +215, with the Toronto Argonauts closely following at +300.
Winnipeg’s Drive For Five In A Row
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have consistently showcased excellence in the CFL, appearing in the last four Grey Cup games. Quarterback Zach Collaros, who has previously won back-to-back Most Outstanding Player awards, threw for a career-high 4,252 yards last season. Now approaching his 36th birthday in August, there are no signs of him slowing down.
AtBetMGM Ontario Sportsbook Collaros is a leading contender for this season's Most Outstanding Player award, with his odds set at +650, making him one of the top choices alongside Vernon Adams, whose odds are slightly better at +550.
Sports Interaction's oddsmakers have predicted a total win count of 12.5 for Winnipeg this season, offering odds of -135 for exceeding that number (+105 for falling short). Additionally, the Blue Bombers are also favored at -130 to clinch their fourth consecutive West Division title.
Will Toronto Thrive Without Chad Kelly?
Chad Kelly had an exceptional first year in the CFL as a starting quarterback, passing for 4,123 yards and 23 touchdowns, which earned him the league's coveted Most Outstanding Player accolade.
Regrettably, repeating that stellar performance may be improbable as he faces a minimum nine-game suspension imposed by the league due to violations related to gender-based violence. Kelly must complete required counseling, and it's possible that his suspension could extend beyond nine games.
Cameron Dukes has taken over as Toronto's starting quarterback during the preseason, with Nick Arbuckle as his backup. There are reports that the Argonauts are expected to sign John Matocha, who played college football at the NCAA Division II level last year and recently participated in a rookie minicamp with the NFL's Denver Broncos.
Certain sportsbooks consider the Argonauts to be among the contenders this season. However, the oddsmakers have set Toronto's win total for the 18-game season at a modest 8.5, with odds of -136 on the over (+106 on the under). The Argos are currently listed as the third favorite in the East at +420.FanDuel Ontario Sportsbook If any team poses a threat to the Blue Bombers in the West Division, it could very well be the B.C. Lions, who are striving to earn the chance to host the Grey Cup in November. The last championship victory for the Lions took place at BC Place in 2011.
Can B.C., Hamilton End Title Droughts?
For the Lions to fulfill this aim, they will need another standout performance from quarterback Vernon Adams, who led the CFL last season with 4,769 passing yards. The betting line has set his passing yards over/under for the 2024 season at 4,250.5, with odds of -110 for exceeding and -115 for remaining below that mark.
The Lions' odds to win the West are placed at +300, while the Blue Bombers stand at -135. Additionally, B.C. is positioned as the fourth favorite to win the Grey Cup with odds of +650.DraftKings Ontario Sportsbook However, B.C. does not hold the record for the longest championship drought in the league. That title goes to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who last claimed a title in 1999.
Following their appearances in Grey Cup Finals in 2019 and 2021, the TiCats have endured two consecutive seasons with 8-10 records, falling to Montreal in the East Division semifinals each time.
Maintaining the health of quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is vital for Hamilton to break their championship drought. The seasoned quarterback faced a challenging season last year with an adductor strain and a broken leg, limiting him to just six games. Nevertheless, he seems to be prepared for the 2024 season, demonstrating readiness with a performance of 10 completions on 16 attempts for 139 passing yards in a recent exhibition match against Ottawa.
Experts express skepticism that this will be the year Hamilton finally overcomes their championship drought, as they are given odds of +1200 to win the Cup, which matches those of Saskatchewan. Only the Edmonton Elks (+2500) and Ottawa RedBlacks (+2800) have longer odds for the championship.
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Attempts to establish a franchise in Atlantic Canada have met with resistance from officials in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. While the league may continue to hold games in the region to promote the sport, actual expansion remains a distant prospect.
Is Expansion Still In The Cards?
Quebec City has potential as a site for a CFL expansion franchise; Commissioner Randy Ambrosie referred to it as a \"great football city\" last fall.
Steve Bittenbender is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of expertise in reporting on gaming, sports, politics, and business. He has contributed to notable outlets such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and The Louisville Courier Journal, among others. Based in Louisville, KY, Steve has extensively covered the rise of sports betting in the U.S. and other key gaming issues. He shares his knowledge on OntarioBets and various platforms.
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