With just six weeks of the season in the books, playoff spots in the CFL are still up for grabs. However, if the latest Grey Cup odds are any indication, three teams have separated from the rest of the league. But with the bulk of the season still to come, no one is theoretically out of the picture.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers 0pened the season as the betting favorite, but the latest odds of winning the Grey Cup tell a different story.
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Grey Cup Odds 2023: Bombers Begin Season Favored to Win 110th Grey Cup
Odds are current as of July 18 at four of the top sportsbook apps in the country:
| Team | FanDuel | BetRivers | Caesars | BetMGM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Argonauts | +230 | +200 | +210 | +220 |
| Winnipeg Blue Bombers | +260 | +250 | +280 | +260 |
| BC Lions | +330 | +350 | +350 | +300 |
| Hamilton Tiger-Cats | +1100 | +1500 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Calgary Stampeders | +1200 | +1500 | +1000 | +1200 |
| Montreal Alouettes | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Saskatchewan Roughriders | +1600 | +1500 | +1000 | +1300 |
| Ottawa Redblacks | +1900 | +2500 | +2000 | +2200 |
| Edmonton Elks | +9500 | +12500 | +17500 | +10000 |
Since the bulk of last season’s excellent team came back, it was not surprising to see the Blue Bombers open the season as the betting favorite to win the Grey Cup. So far, despite dropping two games, they have proven that they are still contenders. However, the loss to a poor Ottawa team last week is discouraging, leaving bettors to wonder if the late-game breakdowns were isolated incidents or signs of future trouble.
With how Toronto has bulldozed its way through the competition so far, the Argonauts have jumped to the top of betting boards. But with the schedule they have played, it is fair to wonder just how good they are. Two of their wins were against the worst teams in the CFL, but they did record a dominant win over the BC Lions.
If Chad Kelly can continue to play lights out, Toronto could be the team to beat this season. But BC could give them a run for their money, despite being dominated by the Argos earlier in the season, 45-24. Had Vernon Adams not thrown an uncharacteristic six interceptions, the game may not have been so lopsided.
Grey Cup Odds: Best Bet/Value Pick/Longshot
In recent years (since 2011), the preseason betting favorite has won the Grey Cup just twice (Calgary in 2014 and 2018). Most of the winners were teams expected to be contenders, but the team with the longest preseason odds did go on to win the Cup once (Toronto in 2017).
What should this tell us? Bettors should not overlook anyone.
The following are our best bet, value pick, and longshot to win the Grey Cup as the 2023 CFL season gets underway:
- Best Bet: Toronto Argonauts +230 (FanDuel)
Bettors can make a solid argument for Winnipeg, BC, and Toronto. But for now, we’re going with the Argonauts as the best bet. Chad Kelly is playing lights out, much like he did at Ole Miss. If he can continue to play like he has, and the Argos don’t lose anyone to injury, they’ll be in contention come playoff time.
- Value Pick: Calgary Stampeders +1500 (BetRivers)
We see some value in the Stamps despite their 2-3 record and even though they have allowed more points (124) than they have scored (111). Why?
Because, with the exception of last week’s dreadful outing against the Roughriders, Calgary has the best run game in the CFL. It has allowed them to control the clock and remain competitive when they play the better teams in the league. Should the passing game continue to develop under Jake Maier, there is a chance the Stampeders could have the most dynamic offense in the CFL.
- Longshot: Ottawa Redblacks +2500 (BetRivers)
It’s hard to get behind a team that has struggled as much as the Redblacks have this season. But the offense showed signs of life late in last week’s win over Winnipeg in the fourth quarter. If Dustin Crum continues to be the dynamic dual-threat he was in that game, Ottawa’s offense could become dangerous.
Their defense ranks second in the league in scoring defense (20.2 PPG allowed). So, it will come down to what the offense can do as the season advances.
Where Can I Bet On CFL/Grey Cup Odds Online?
Every mobile sports betting app that operates in the US will carry CFL odds and Grey Cup odds. Your ability to bet will depend on which state you live in and if your state has legalized sports betting.
Best Promo Codes for CFL/Grey Cup Odds Betting
The following table contains the welcome promos for several sportsbooks:
Grey Cup Odds: History
The reigning champion will usually open as the betting favorite for the following season, but that has not always been the case. The following table contains a list of Grey Cup winners from 2000 to 2022, their preseason odds (where available), and the preseason betting favorite (when available):
| Season | Grey Cup Winner | Odds (preseason) | Preseason Favorite | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Toronto Argonauts | +600 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | +250 |
| 2021 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | +375 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | +300 |
| 2020 | No Winner (Covid) | NA | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | +340 |
| 2019 | Winnipeg Blue Bombers | +450 | Calgary Stampeders | +400 |
| 2018 | Calgary Stampeders | +275 | Same | Same |
| 2017 | Toronto Argonauts | +1800 (L) | Calgary Stampeders | +350 |
| 2016 | Ottawa Redblacks | +700 | Edmonton Eskimos | +250 |
| 2015 | Edmonton Eskimos | +550 | Calgary Stampeders | +333 |
| 2014 | Calgary Stampeders | +400 | Same | Same |
| 2013 | Saskatchewan Roughriders | +650 | BC Lions | +350 |
| 2012 | Toronto Argonauts | +650 | BC Lions/ Calgary Stampeders/ Hamilton Tiger-Cats | +450 |
| 2011 | BC Lions | +600 | Calgary Stampeders | +275 |
| 2010 | Montreal Alouettes | |||
| 2009 | Montreal Alouettes | |||
| 2008 | Calgary Stampeders | |||
| 2007 | Saskatchewan Roughriders | |||
| 2006 | BC Lions | |||
| 2005 | Edmonton Eskimos | |||
| 2004 | Toronto Argonauts | |||
| 2003 | Edmonton Eskimos | |||
| 2002 | Montreal Alouettes | |||
| 2001 | Calgary Stampeders | |||
| 2000 | BC Lions |
Grey Cup Appearances and Record
| Team | Appearances | Wins | Losses | Last Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 27 | 12 | 15 | 2021 |
| Toronto Argonauts | 24 | 18 | 6 | 2022 |
| Edmonton Eskimos/Elks | 23 | 14 | 9 | 2015 |
| Hamilton Tiger-Cats | 22 | 8 | 14 | 1999 |
| Saskatchewan Roughriders | 19 | 4 | 15 | 2013 |
| Montreal Alouettes | 18 | 7 | 11 | 2010 |
| Calgary Stampeders | 17 | 8 | 9 | 2018 |
| BC Lions | 10 | 6 | 4 | 2011 |
| Ottawa Redblacks | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2016 |
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