Following an off year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the CFL is busy making plans for a return to action for the 2021 season.
The nine-team league will play a modified 16-week regular season schedule starting on Aug. 5. Following 14 regular-season games and two rounds of playoffs, the annual Grey Cup Championship will be played on Sunday, Dec. 12.
Tiger-Cats Favored to Win 2021 Grey Cup
Working through quite a bit rust and numerous changes to coaching and player personnel, the CFL futures odds to win this season’s title still point to the East Division’s Hamilton Tiger Cats as the team to beat. Their betting odds top the list at +300.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have the best odds to win the 2021 Grey Cup in the West Division at +375.
The Tiger-Cats appear to be the most talented CFL team on paper heading into summer training camps. Veteran quarterback Jeremiah Masoli is joined by Dane Evans and David Watford on the depth chart.
Defense could be Hamilton’s strong suit with a good mix of returning players and some quality acquisitions in recent months. It is going to take some time to see how everything comes together following the long layoff. However, the value in this team’s odds offers an excellent return at +300.
The Blue Bombers start the 2021 season as the defending 2019 Grey Cup Champions after beating Hamilton 33-12 in the title game. Just like every other CFL team, there are quite a few new faces on either side of the ball.
Head coach Mike O’Shea has the ability to get this team working on the same page from Day 1. That is going to be crucial for any CFL team this season coming off such a long delay.
Also adding value to this team’s betting odds is Zach Collaros at quarterback as long as he can stay on the field. He has been plagued with injuries over the course of his CFL career but he has also been able to play at a high level when healthy. The return of Andrew Harris at running back is another big plus to add balance on offense.
Much like Hamilton, with so many unknowns heading into the new season, Winnipeg offers some consistency that many of the other teams may not have. This is another play with solid value in the +375 betting odds.
If you are looking to stretch the odds a bit, Calgary at +550 would top my list. This has been the premier franchise in the CFL for the past several seasons. The Stampeders have had their issues meeting those lofty expectations as favorites to win championships with tough losses in the postseason. But, the year layoff may actually work in their favor.
I also like the fact that Bo Levi Mitchell remains the starting quarterback in Calgary. He could be the best pure passer in the CFL. The addition of rookie wide receiver Kam Williams is another big plus in the passing game.
The bar has been set lower than normal for this season making the Stampeders my best value bet on the board given their elevated +550 odds.
2021 CFL Grey Cup Futures Odds
Hamilton Tiger-Cats +300
Winnipeg Blue Bombers +375
Calgary Stampeders +550
Saskatchewan Roughriders +550
Toronto Argonauts +850
Edmonton Elks +900
British Columbia Lions +1000
Montreal Alouettes +1000
Ottawa Redblacks +1800
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