The Grey Cup race is warming up as the 2024 Canadian football season enters its final stages. Teams are fighting for playoff positions in Week 12 and also to send a message before their postseason campaign begins. Montreal Alouettes and BC Lions have been listed as favorites, but other clubs and outstanding players are determined to make their presence felt. These players and teams are going to be important moving towards the championship game, whether it is an experienced quarterback leading from the front or emerging young talents at the right time.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch in Final Weeks
Montreal Alouettes (9-1-0)
The Montreal Alouettes have been the standout team this season, leading the East Division with an impressive 9-1-0 record. Much of their success can be attributed to the outstanding play of quarterback Cody Fajardo, who has been pivotal in their dominant run. Fajardo’s leadership and ability to execute in crucial moments have placed the Alouettes as the top contenders for the Grey Cup. Additionally, the defensive unit, led by playmakers like linebacker Avery Williams, has been a force, consistently shutting down opponents and creating rapport.
BC Lions (5-5-0)
The BC Lions have had an up-and-down season, but they remain a formidable contender for the Grey Cup, with odds currently at +300. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in high-pressure situations. If the Lions can find consistency in their performance, especially on the offensive side, they could very well challenge the Alouettes for the title. Defensive end Mathieu Betts has also been a key contributor, leading the defense with his relentless pass rush and ability to disrupt the opposing quarterbacks.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-4-1)
The Roughriders are sitting in a strong position in the West Division, thanks largely to the solid play of quarterback Mason Fine and the stalwart defense led by Larry Dean. Dean has been a standout, providing leadership and making critical plays in key moments. With odds at +750, the Roughriders are well-positioned to make a deep playoff run, particularly if their defense continues to perform at this level.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-6-0)
After a slow start, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are beginning to find their rhythm. Quarterback Zach Collaros, a seasoned veteran, has led the team back into playoff contention with back-to-back victories. Collaros, combined with the standout performances from wide receiver Dalton Schoen, has given the Blue Bombers a fighting chance, reflected in their +550 odds to win the Grey Cup. The team’s recent momentum suggests they could peak at just the right time.
The Race for the Grey Cup: Odds and Favorites
As we approach the 2024 end of the CFL season, competition for hoisting the grey cup has heightened. The current odds reflect the best performances witnessed throughout, while anything can go wrong between now and then before we finally have our champions by the end of the day; here are more details on the main candidates carrying their chances.
Montreal Alouettes (+180)
In any case, they have been consistent enough to maintain a record of 9-1-0 throughout this season, thus making Alouettes stand out in such a competitive league as well as Eastern Division being referred to as heavy favorites among those listed for this year’s Grey Cup (odds are +180). These odds show that their strong defense, balanced offense, and leadership from key players are something worth noting and taking into consideration. It will be important to see if Montreal can keep up their winning streak and stay healthy through the rest of this campaign so that they will qualify for the finals game, too, once it opens up more opportunities later on.
BC Lions (+300)
The BC Lions are currently at +300 and have, at times, revealed brilliance, especially when it comes to offense. They may not be at the top of the table with a 5-5-0 record, but on any given day, they can stand up against any team in the league. This is why their odds reflect the possibility that with consistency in this last stretch of games, they could go deep into the playoffs. Look out for their high-scoring offense as one of the driving forces towards a possible Grey Cup.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+550)
However, much of Winnipeg’s season has been a roller coaster ride; they still remain among the top contenders with an odd of +550. This team had a difficult start to the season but seems to have finally found its groove, winning twice in a row. The Blue Bombers have shown that they time their best performances well, and this may be them being underdogs for this year’s Grey Cup race. Their vast experience in critical games makes them an interesting team to watch.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (+750)
Roughriders at +750 are very much part of it, largely thanks to their formidable home record. As such, if they can continue shutting opponents down, title chances are realistic for them since defense has been their mainstay throughout this year’s campaign. Nonetheless, recent injuries may hinder them, and thus, that form will need to be maintained as much as possible until the end of the season to overcome all these factors. However, once again, they might shock many teams during playoffs.
Toronto Argonauts (+600)
On paper, the Toronto Argonauts come with odds set at +600, which is another reminder of why people should keep an eye on them, also known as the dark horse team, for the Grey Cup victory, even though they are inconsistent this season when Toronto is hot no squad within CFL has got what it takes to stop them whatever it takes during these final weeks everyone begins feeling pressure which may affect their performance especially in the postseason where important players are expected to be available and deliver.
Ottawa Redblacks (+950)
Although Ottawa has odds of +950 for this year’s Grey Cup, they still have a chance, considering how resilient they have been despite being underdogs. Therefore, although not favorites for the championship, Ottawa could spring up some surprises against top teams if they continue improving, even if slightly, as in the case of their young talents who might take over. The road to Ottawa reaching the final will certainly be tough, but that makes CFL playoffs interesting and full of suspense, as anything can occur.
Edmonton Elks (+4000)
Elks had a hard time this season, symbolized by their +4000 odds; however, there were positive developments recently that may yet see them qualify for playoffs. However, while it is unlikely that the Elks will win the Grey Cup, they could become spoilers down the stretch, possibly affecting the playoff positions of other teams.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+30000)
The Tiger-Cats are also one of those teams at +30000 and playing with everything to prove to themselves after another disappointing campaign. They languish at the bottom of this table with only two wins, making it extremely difficult for them to get into postseason play this year. However, since in the CFL, you never know what will happen during games, no one expects anything from Hamilton, given its current form. Sometimes, that can lead to unexpected results if nothing else than an attitude alone should be considered here.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the 2024 CFL season nears its conclusion. The last weeks will be a thrilling ride for fans, with top teams jostling for position and star players stepping up. As they will undoubtedly shape their way to Grey Cup, keep an eye on key matchups and standout performances.
