CFL Future Picks come out with a different way of looking at the upcoming 2023 season. While the inevitable contenders rightfully get the spotlight, sometimes those from the bottom rise. Now, Vegas Betting asks are any of those longest shots, including Edmonton, are worth a pick. First, we will point out a little line movement along the way.
| Early 2023 CFL Futures |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Roughriders | +1000 | +900 |
| Ottawa Redblacks | +1000 | +1200 |
| Edmonton Elks | +1800 | +1600 |
Winnipeg showed a chance to see their numbers shortened, and the bookmakers did not disappoint. Bovada Vegas online sportsbook saw that +275 drop down to +185 in two weeks. Fans and bettors are not gun-shy regarding wagering on the Blue Bombers. CFL Future Picks was not surprised by their early movement among the teams.
One of the other teams making an early rise was the Calgary Stampeders. Calgary started around +700 but has seen a shortening as low as +475. Pundits point to stability and an eagerness for the free agency period that starts in two weeks. Expectations are higher after last year’s early season chaos with the quarterback position.
So, Calgary expects to improve defensively, at least. However, some numbers shifted the other way. Toronto has gone from +500 to +650, as the feeling is their chances of repeating are small at best. That is concerning when one is lumped in with Montreal (+650). Also, Edmonton went from +1500 to +1800. Even Saskatchewan slid from +900 to +1000 on Bovada but flipped from +1000 to +900 on BetOnline.
Next, CFL Future Picks focuses on keeping things simple. Placing a few dollars on Toronto at what feels like a boost is worth looking into. Please note shifts will often happen early, then calm down before Spring begins.
Edmonton and the CFL Future Picks opened in Edmonton at around +1500 earlier in January. The bells went off when this shot up to as much as +1800. No one suggests spending hundreds of dollars on the Edmonton Elks. The Elks went 4-14 last season and lost all nine games on their home field. What are the odds of that? Do not ask. This is because Ottawa did the same thing (0-9 record).
Edmonton allowed a league-high 599 points last year. Anything and everything that could have gone wrong did. From that first game against British Columbia, something was just way off. Edmonton had its share of moments. They even almost upset the eventual champion Toronto Argonauts in mid-October. The Elks came up a possession short but never gave up.
Edmonton is the craziest pick in all of football – Canadian or American. Again, free agency, along with addition by subtraction, could help. The bottom line is that the West may be a little wider open than wagerers expect. Eight wins got Hamilton into the playoffs. It is not completely impossible that Edmonton could double their win total.
The playoffs are almost a given to go through Winnipeg in the West. Edmonton likes to play in the cold weather, or at least should. One believes the Elks should be able to win several home games this year. Edmonton got close a few times in 2022. All it takes is a little luck and a miracle come playoff time. Tossing pizza money on the Elks is not the worst pick in the world.
CFL Future Picks asks the betting world to stray err run from Saskatchewan. Now, that is no misprint. It is heartbreaking to see the Roughriders fall from almost beating Winnipeg several times to also-ran. Sadly, here we are. This team began 2022 with a record of 6-5. Then, the bottom fell out in ways that could never have been imagined.
Again, playing Winnipeg three times in September damaged their psyche a little. However, losing to the Elks at home had to be a dagger teams take years to recover from. The Roughriders finished seventh in offense and scoring. Over the second half, Saskatchewan ranked dead last.
Many would be shocked if Mason Fine was somehow that guy. No one is truly sure who will be the quarterback, and Saskatchewan needs a ball handler who will turn the ball over less. Cody Fajardo led the league the past two years in interceptions (11 and 13). We forgot to mention the fumbles because they were that forgettable.
For CFL Future Picks, staying away from Saskatchewan (+1000) is likely prudent because of the expected circus that could again take place up there. Some went as far as to suggest the Roughriders may end up the worst team in the CFL in 2023. Again, Winnipeg traumatized that team badly.
Some asked what about free agency. It again is hard to believe in two weeks, and the free agent frenzy begins in the CFL. The expectation for movement is high. An extensive list is found on the CFL website. Among the notables, Cody Fajardo is a free agent. Also, McLeod Bethel-Thompson could retire after winning the Grey Cup in Toronto. The press-worthy name is Bo Levi Mitchell.
However, the biggest splash could be from Eugene Lewis. Lewis racked up 1,303 yards receiving and ten touchdowns for Montreal last year. He makes an offense instantly better. Finally, expect more shifts in the future after free agency.
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