Figure 1 Guess who we think will win the 2023 Grey Cup
It may seem like it’s a little early to predict the winner of the 2023 Grey Cup. The regular season doesn’t even start until the beginning of June, after all. But CFL fans will eagerly be absorbing any news about their favourite teams and players and will have their own ideas about how the next season will go.
We obviously have a lot of ideas of our own about what might happen in 2023. Not all of it will line up with what other media pundits or the sites offering online sports betting in Texas say. But we thought we would make some predictions anyway. So, with a few months still to go before the opening week of games, here is a look at how we think some of the teams will get on – and who will end up winning the Grey Cup.
2023 Winners: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Warning – this is not a shocker. We predict that Winnipeg will come back from that bitter blow last year and claim the Grey Cup once again in 2023. After back-to-back championships and a dominating regular season, the Blue Bombers were unable to make that last-minute field goal, handing Toronto the title in 2022.
But the core of the team is still there. MOP Zach Colleros is set to have another outstanding year and he will have the veteran Kenny Lawler as an extra receiving option. We fully expect the Blue Bombers to blitz the West once again – but then go all the way to win their third championship in four years (disregarding the COVID year).
Real Contender: Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton hasn’t won a Grey Cup this century. But, if the Blue Bombers don’t prevail, it could be the Tiger-Cats that enjoy celebrating a championship in front of their hometown fans. It was one and done in the playoffs last year, but 2023 could be a lot different.
The acquisition of veteran QB Bo-Levi Mitchell is a major reason why a lot of people think that Hamilton has the talent to go all the way. The end of last season was a sneak peek into what is possible with this team and new additions on both sides of the ball could result in a lot of wins.
Real Contender: BC Lions
The last time the Lions win the Grey Cup, the Blue Bombers represented the East Division. But they haven’t made it back to the championship game since. Last year suggested that BC was back though, with the team posting a winning season for the first time since 2016.
The loss of Nathan Rourke is a blow – as is the retirement of receiver Bryan Burnham. Dominique Davis has come in but it should be Vernon Adams that calls the shots for the Lions in 2023. It will be tough getting past Winnipeg to earn that Division Final berth, but BC should be in the running.
Figure 2 The season doesn’t even begin for a few months but we are already very excited
Longshot: Ottawa Redblacks
After those early years in the league, Ottawa has been something of an afterthought in recent seasons – if they are considered at all. But with a feeling that Toronto will fall backwards this year, it could be Ottawa that surprises a lot of people to make the playoffs.
From there, a lot will depend on how the regular season has gone. Jeremiah Maasoli staying fit and healthy is important but there are some other players on the roster that didn’t quite make the breakthrough last year. If there is an improvement for the Redblacks, it could be dramatic.
Longshot: Saskatchewan Roughriders
After starting off at an electrifying pace to go 4-1 last year, the regular season turned out to be something of a nightmare for the Roughriders. Only two more games were won and some poor play calling saw Saskatchewan miss out on the postseason altogether. Improvement is needed – but it should also be expected.
The acquisition of Shawn Bane Jr. could be a very important move. He could really be a major difference on the big plays and give the Roughriders a chance in what looks like a tough West Division. Once the regular season scrap is over it will be all about focusing on the main prize, a potential fifth Grey Cup triumph.
