The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Toronto Argonauts will face off this Sunday in the 109th Grey Cup. The action will take place on the frozen tundra of Regina, Saskatchewan.
Can the Argos slay the giant?
To say the Bombers are the favourite is a pretty big understatement. Most bookies have them at -240 faves to not only beat the Argos but to complete the Grey Cup three-peat. No team has done that since the glory days of Edmonton, winning five straight in the 70s-80s.
Winnipeg has been good for a long time but are people sleeping on Toronto? Or are the fans in Toronto sleeping on the Argos? Are people in Toronto even aware their CFL franchise is in the Grey Cup?
It will be chilli. Which is not only the traditional Grey Cup food but could also be the temperature come game time. In Saskatchewan, -2 is a spring-like temperature, so the -56 wind chill and blizzard-like conditions won’t be a factor this year.
But the significant factor will be at quarterback. Bomber’s QB Zach Collaros hasn’t been practicing and is supposedly out with an ankle injury. According to TSN, the 34-year-old Collaros will suit up and play in the big game. But will he be 100%? How mobile will he be in the pocket?
The Argos are hoping he isn’t because they have the defence that could keep this game close. The last time these two teams faced off, Winnipeg won 23-22 in a very close affair. The Argos’ defence led the CFL with 48 takeaways, and if they can give their offence chances to put up points while limiting the Bombers’ aerial attack, this will not be as one-sided as some think.
Yes, the Bombers have the most potent offence in the game, especially in the air. They also love to pound the rock with Brady Oliveira behind a fantastic offensive line. And their pass defence is legit. However, this game will come down to special teams and the running game. The Argos now have a healthy Andrew Harris in their backfield, a big game player, and their offensive line is finally healthy.
Our Grey Cup prediction:
No matter how you look at it, Winnipeg is the favourite, but this is a game that smells like an upset. The Argos have been rolling and have momentum. They’re not afraid of the Champs. This is going down to the wire, but I’m taking the Argos plus the points (+5.5, -110).
Winner: Toronto Argonauts (+200)
Secondary bet: We also like the under at 48. With it being a chilly game, the under is always the best bet at this time of year.
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