The stage is set for the 112th Grey Cup, Canadian football’s biggest title game, scheduled for November 16 at the Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As the playoffs approach, four teams have emerged as the most credible challengers: the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Montreal Alouettes, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the BC Lions.
Saskatchewan Roughriders: The Front-Runners
The Saskatchewan Roughriders ended the regular season with a 12-6 record, placing 1st in the West Division. They are widely viewed as the team to beat, as the latest online betting odds suggest. For example, in some places, they are priced around +200 to win the Grey Cup. Their strength lies in consistent performance, a balanced offence and defence, and the advantage of finishing at the top of their division. The challenge will be handling the pressure of expectation in playoff football. Still, their credentials make them the benchmark for the rest.
Montreal Alouettes: The Eastern Force
The Montreal Alouettes finished the season at 10-8, placing 2nd in the East Division. They remain a dangerous contender, with odds of +240 to +330 indicative of the threat they pose. Montreal’s strengths include recent playoff experience and a roster capable of stepping up under pressure. Their challenge is making the leap from contender to champion, navigating knockout games and potentially playing away from home. If momentum favours them, they could cause an upset.
Hamilton Tiger-Cars: The Eastern Hope
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats recorded an 11-7 mark to finish 1st in the East Division. They represent the Eastern Division’s most serious hope of winning the Grey Cup. Betting markets list them in the next bracket of challengers, with odds of around +265 available. Their offence has shown strong flashes, and a home advantage in the divisional final could boost their path. The main obstacle is that they must break through the “top tier” barrier of favourites and demonstrate they can win the big game, a psychological hurdle as much as a tactical one.
BC Lions: The Dark Horse
The BC Lions also recorded an 11-7 record, finishing 2nd in the West Division. Although priced longer in most places, in the +300 to +500 range, they possess significant upside. Their offensive firepower and capability to win on the road make them a dangerous wildcard. However, their path is tougher, facing likely stronger opposition and needing to maintain consistency. If they peak at the right time, they could derail the favourites.
Key Deciding Factors
- Momentum & Form: Playoff football rewards teams that hit their stride in November, rather than just their regular-season records.
- Venue & Conditions: With the game in Winnipeg in November, cold weather, travel, and adaptability will be key factors.
- Experience & Composure: Teams that have been there before may handle the pressure better than those who haven’t.
- Depth & Health: Injuries and fatigue can derail even the most promising campaigns late in the year.
Final Thoughts
While the margin between these contenders isn’t huge, all signs point to the Saskatchewan Roughriders as the team best placed to win the 112th Grey Cup. They combine the best record and favourable positioning. The Montreal Alouettes are the most credible challengers, capable of disrupting the status quo. Hamilton and BC also carry genuine threat potential. But the Roughriders are going to be hard to stop for anyone.
