Who will be the CFL's Western Champion?
Posted on 6/17/2008 10:39:39 PM
By Guy Lapierre
Get your football picks in as CFL betting season is about to begin! Our world-class Sportsbook will give you everything you need to make great predictions this season. Below, check out our team-by-team Western Conference preview. Our Eastern Conference preview will follow next Wednesday:
BC LIONS
The Lions (+275 Grey Cup odds) were the best team in the regular season in '07 (going 14-3-1) but even as favorites they fell short in the Western Final, losing 26-17 to the eventual champion Roughriders. BC dominated all year, finishing first and points scored and second in points allowed, and they return most of the same personel this year. If either Jarious Jackson or Buck Pierce can elevate his game at quarterback and the loss of defensive coordinator Dave Ritchie doesn't have too large an impact, this team is a good bet to be dominant?and Grey Cup bound?in 2008.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
The Stampeders' (+275 Grey Cup odds) season was somewhat derailed last year when quarterback Henry Burris was hurt. Burris was in the midst of a breakout campaign, but he's added 15 pounds of muscle this season to avoid another injury. Veteran Dave Dickenson has been brought in to back him up in case of injury. Calgary lost linebacker Scott Coe and lineman Jay McNeil in the offseason. Both were valuable members to the team. The defense was already shaky (finished in the basement in the CFL in points allowed and rushing yards) and counting on the current offensive line is a big gamble. New head coach and general manager John Hufnagel might see his team take a step back before it gets better.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Edmonton (+1200 Grey Cup odds) suffered through a subpar season last year, going just 5-12-1 and missing the postseason. Despite being underdogs heading into this season, they Eskimos could be poised for a comeback season. Quarterback Ricky Ray suffered a shoulder separation last season and his accuracy suffered. He appears healthy and ready for '08, meaning the offense should have more juice. Even if he isn't, Jason Maas was reacquired to provide a suitable back up. The defense, which gave up the sixth-most points in the CFL last season, lost veteran leader A.J. Gass to retirement. Defensive end Fred Perry joins the mix, though, and he can get to the passer in a hurry. The Esks should battle for final playoff position.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Kent Austin is out and Ken Miller is in as head coach of the Roughriders (+650 Grey Cup odds). The most important change, however, is the loss of quarterback Kerry Joseph. Joseph fled for Toronto in the offseason but he was a major part of last year's championship team. Marcus Crandell?talented but unproven?will take over behind center. An offense that was second in points a year ago might take a step back, so the “D” needs to get better. That might be tough with Perry leaving for Edmonton. Defensive back Omarr Morgan has joined the mix, though, and will contribute to the CFL's best run defense. Either way, the Roughriders don't look like a good bet to make the playoffs, let alone defend their title.
The CFL betting season is upon us so start preparing your football picks. And be sure to visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook next week for our Eastern Conference preview.
A Laval, Quebec native, Guy LaPierre grew up rooting
for the Montreal Alouettes. Now he gets to handicap them for a living as our
resident CFL expert. Guy enjoys the game South of the Border, but three-down
football is his specialty. Thoughts or
questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
