The 2012 CFL season is almost getting closer \u2013 players are prepping themselves and coaches are getting ready for training camps that start in less than a month. So what can we expect this season? <\/p>\n
The BC Lions appear, on paper at least to have a clear path to the Western Division Championship with Henry Burris and Ricky Ray having flown East. With the new additions to the Eastern Division, it is suddenly up in the air and perhaps as close to call as it has been in years.<\/p>\n
But they play the games for a reason \u2013 anything can happen!<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take an early look at the Bodog CFL Betting Odds to win the Grey Cup.<\/p>\n
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 4\/1<\/strong> \u2013 The Tiger-Cats were close last year. A 19-3 loss in the Eastern Final prevented them from participating in the 99th Grey Cup in Vancouver. Why are they favorites to win it all this year? It\u2019s simple \u2013 the addition of quarterback Henry Burris upgrades their offense immensely. Will it be enough to take them over the top? I just can\u2019t see them winning it all against….<\/p>\n B.C. Lions 9\/2<\/strong> \u2013 There has been some change for the Lions \u2013 a new coach and some new pieces on defense. But the team returns the Grey Cup MVP from last year Travis Lulay to an offense that still boasts one of the most feared receiving corps. in the league. The Lions closed out last year\u2019s regular season going 7-1 and they carried their strong play all the way through the playoffs. With the best quarterback, two of the best receivers and one of the more promising up-and-coming running backs in the league it is hard to see the Leos being denied this year.<\/p>\n Calgary Stampeders 5\/1<\/strong> \u2013 The Stamps will go with Drew Tate at quarterback for the entire season. He is a nice prospect but I expect a few growing pains before the team breaks through.\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Montreal Alouettes 5\/1<\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s pretty hard to count out Anthony Calvillo but this team proved that without a defense, winning the big prize is very difficult. However if Henry Burris stumbles in Hamilton, the Als could come out of the East.<\/p>\n Winnipeg Blue Bombers 11\/2<\/strong> \u2013 the Bombers are the polar opposite of the Alouettes \u2013 strong defense, weakish offense. With the East bulking up in the offseason this may not be the year for the Bombers.<\/p>\n Toronto Argonauts 13\/2<\/strong> \u2013 The Argos did what they had to do in the offseason \u2013 they went out and stole Ricky Ray from the Eskimos. That immediately makes them a better team. Toronto\u2019s defense is strong and with a long-awaited threat at QB, don\u2019t be surprised to see the Argos making some noise this year.<\/p>\n Edmonton Eskimos 8\/1<\/strong> \u2013 With the loss of Ricky Ray, away went their identity. It figures to be a long season in Edmonton!<\/p>\n