The Canadian Football League's 2010 season is underway but it's still young – young enough that we can make money on some educated football futures bets. Here's a look at all the teams to consider at your sportsbook.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES (+175 to win Grey Cup)
Montreal has the league's most consistently dangerous offensive weapon, Anthony Calvillo, taking snaps. He's quietly fourth all-time in professional football passing yards behind Damon Allen, Warren Moon and Brett Favre. The Als' schedule was supposed to be vicious, opening with three straight Western road games, but they won two of those. Go figure.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS (+275 to win Grey Cup)
Opening the year 3-0, the Riders look like a team possessed. That's no surprise considering they had their hearts broken by a too many men penalty in the Grey Cup last year against Montreal. They've been dominant so far and quarterback Darian Durant hasn't even gotten going yet.
B.C. LIONS (+500 to win Grey Cup)
So far, the Lions look like they'll waste your money if you bet on them, having dropped consecutive home games. Casey Printers was supposed to dominate the league after returning from a failed NFL stint but he hasn't rediscovered his magic. He's just 2-6 since rejoining B.C. last season and his rating this season is 75.5. My betting advice is to avoid the Lions.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS (+500 to win Grey Cup)
The Stamps look decent so far, starting 2-1 despite some tough road games, but can they overcome their offseason departures? Jermaine Copeland was a big part of their offense for years. Not sure if they can keep pace with Montreal or Saskatchewan offensively.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (+800 to win Grey Cup)
Can the Ti-Cats continue their climb back to respectability? They hosted a playoff game for the first time since 2001 last year and looked sharp in Week 3. Kevin Glenn completed his first 14 pass attempts and looks ready to take the reins and keep Hamilton in the postseason picture.
EDMONTON ESKIMOS (+1000 to win Grey Cup)
Are the Eskies set to become the West whipping boy this season? They're 0-3 and their most recent loss came because they choked in a very winnable game against Saskatchewan. It seems like Edmonton is on the decline.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (+1200 to win Grey Cup)
2010 looks like a rebuilding year for the Bombers. They struggled last year and have a new coach, general manager and quarterback (s). Buck Pierce got hurt so they'll turn to Steven Jyles now.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS (+3000 to win Grey Cup)
I know the Argos were bad last year, but sports betting fans have to question the +3000 odds. Could they really be that far behind the competition in an eight-team league? They've already surged to a 2-1 record. Given how unpredictable the CFL can be, bettors have to consider taking the flier on Toronto.
The safe bet is probably Saskatchewan this year. Calvillo's age has to catch up to him eventually in Montreal and no team will be more driven than the Roughriders after last year's heartbreak. The adventurous bettor should swing for the fences with Toronto. Why not?
