CFL Betting Lines Preview – 2011 Futures Update
After all the parity that has spread throughout the Canadian Football League over the last few years its getting hard to pick a winner in 2011. We can’t pretend that it’s the same caliber of football that we see in the NFL – but the Canadian Football League can still be fun.
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It also produces a future NFL star once in a while, from Warren Moon to Doug Flutie to Jeff Garcia to Cameron Wake.
Here’s a look at the 2011 futures for the 8-team league.
Calgary Stampeders (+250)
Oddsmakers have crowned the Calgary Stampeders the CFL’s most battle-ready team for 2011. They finished first in the West at 18-5 last season only to suffer a surprising defeat in the West Final. It looks as though the once-promising running back Jesse Lumsden is walking away from the game after one too many injuries. But the Stamps still have Henry Burris under center. They also shored up their O-line this offseason and traded up to draft coveted receiver Anthony Parker.
Montreal Alouettes (+275)
If it weren’t for Anthony Calvillo’s cancer battle, the defending champs would be favored to complete the three-peat. But his throat surgery reportedly went well and he could be at full strength. Still, the Als aren’t without question marks. Will a young wideout step up after Ben Cahoon’s retirement? Can former NFL star Ahman Green succeed in replacing Avan Cobourne, who departed for free agency?
Saskatchewan Roughriders (+550)
Can the Roughriders return to the Grey Cup without CFL receiving champ Andy Fantuz? The rangy wideout and former university star departed for the Chicago Bears. We’ll find out this season if Darian Durant can get it done in this pass-happy attack without him. Durant threw for 5,542 yards last season to lead the CFL.
B.C. Lions (+600)
The Lions battled through mediocrity in 2010, leading the West in defense and boasting three defensive All-Stars, but can they get their offense jumpstarted this season? Bettors may shy away from their futures until Wally Buono picks a starting quarterback. It looks like they Lions will try out six different guys in training camp. That doesn’t sound like a team confident in its ability to score.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+600)
The Ti-Cats 9-9 record last season was deceiving, as they started 1-4 and went 8-5 down the stretch. They had two All-Star receivers last season and newly acquired Avon Cobourne at tailback could make the offense elite. Kevin Glenn exploded for 33 touchdown passes last season.
Toronto Argonauts (+650)
Are oddsmakers underestimating the Argos? This was the CFL’s top defensive team a year ago. Half their defense made the All-Star team. They have an emerging star running back in Cory Boyd; however, if they want to reach the next level and start scoring, they’ll need more consistent quarterbacking. Cleo Lemon will face camp competition.
Edmonton Eskimos (+700)
The immediate future doesn’t look bright for the Eskies. Their defense was Swiss cheese last season but they struggled to score as well. Starting quarterback Ricky Ray had more interceptions than touchdown passes.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+1200)
Were the Bombers a bit unlucky last season? They had the league’s worst record at 4-14 but were only outscored 485 to 464 in 18 games. They also had the CFL’s leading rusher in Fred Reid and the No. 2 receiver in Terrence Edwards. If their defense can improve, so can Winnipeg, and drafting linebacker Henoc Muamba first overall was a good start.
