The 2022 Canadian Football League season is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start taking a look at CFL futures odds, which are available at many Ontario sportsbooks these days.
When it comes to CFL futures, there’s no doubt that picking the Grey Cup winner is the most popular wager type out there. But there are other CFL bets to begin taking action on, as some Ontario mobile sportsbooks take things a step further with odds for the East and West divisions.
While the odds and potential payouts aren’t as high compared to Grey Cup futures, taking a division winner before the season begins still comes with plus odds and a rooting incentive that lasts the entire season. These bets also have a higher likelihood of winning since you’re breaking down the nine-team league into groups of four (East) and five (West).
2022 CFL East Division Odds | Toronto, Hamilton sit atop the board
The fact that Toronto and Hamilton sit atop the odds board at every major sportsbook is unsurprising considering the two teams duked it out for the division last season. Oddsmakers see these teams as level with one another, so much so that sportsbooks vary on which one is the favorite.
Toronto has made a key offseason addition in multi-time CFL All-Star Andrew Harris, who is also a three-time Grey Cup champion and brings the type of pedigree that could push the Argonauts to the next level. Meanwhile, the Tiger-Cats () are starting a new era with Dane Evans taking over for Jeremiah Masoli at quarterback.
Montreal’s position beneath the Argos and Ticats is fitting, considering it finished in third place within the division in 2021 with a 7-7 mark. First and foremost, the Als () have a quarterback question to settle with the trio of Dominique Davis, Vernon Adams, and Trevor Harris set to battle for the starting job.
The Redblacks () draw even with the Alouettes for the longest odds to win the division after producing an abysmal 3-11 record last season while allowing a CFL-high 384 points. Ottawa imported a pair of 2021 Grey Cup participants in Masoli and Jaelon Acklin this offseason, but whether that will be enough to lead to exponential improvement remains to be seen.
The Argonauts () seem like a rock-solid pick as the favorites thanks to the additions of Harris and Brandon Banks, but there could certainly be value with the Alouettes, especially if Trevor Harris wins the starting quarterback job.
2022 CFL West Division Odds | Winnipeg and then everyone else
The defending champion Blue Bombers () are rightfully pacing the market after winning their second consecutive Grey Cup title last season. The loss of Harris could certainly be felt, but Winnipeg successfully navigated his extended absences last season.
The Stampeders () occupy the second position on the odds board at most sportsbooks, but you can’t discount Saskatchewan as the Bombers’ biggest threat in the West.
The Roughriders () could also best value of the three teams after going 9-5 last season and retaining many of their key pieces this offseason.
Edmonton () offensive talent with James Wilder along with newcomers Kenny Lawler and former NFL wideout Martavis Bryant, but an unproven signal-caller in former Oklahoma State QB Taylor Cornelius.
The Lions () are also an intriguing but longer-shot value play based on the odds alone, as BC could surprise if second-year QB Nathan Rourke proves to be a quick study in his first full season as the starter.
Stay tuned for more CFL betting content from 3DownNation as the 2022 season nears!
