Toronto Argonauts (4-14 in 2008) vs Hamilton Tiger Cats (3-15 in 2008)
These two teams invited no less than 90 new players at their training camps. Toronto wishes the acquisition of linebacker Zeke Moreno will transform their defence but will he be surrounded adequately? Nothing is less sure. At QB, the Argonauts look better off with Kerry Joseph but many will predict a very bright future to Quinton Porter, Hamilton’s quarterback. But just when is that future? These are two teams trying to rebuild and at the present time, Hamilton shows many more question marks and therefore could most likely miss the playoffs for a fifth year in a row.
Prediction: Toronto
Montreal Alouettes (11-7 in 2008) vs Calgary Stampeders (13-5 in 2008)
The Grey Cup finalists square off once more, this time in Calgary at McMahon Stadium. The nucleus of both teams is pretty much intact yet you can expect a lot of points to be scored in that game where two of the best passers in the CFL, Anthony Calvillo et Henry Burris, will face each other. The defensive line of the Stampeders remains suspect while the Als will show a rejuvenated defence that will try to play more aggressively. This could be a preview of the next Grey Cup game but for this opening night, the Stampeders, with the support of their loyal fans, should prevail. But it might very well be by a narrow margin.
Prediction: Calgary
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-10 in 2008 vs Edmonton Eskimos (10-8 in 2008)
The Eskimos may be the most improved team in the CFL and they could even end up wining the Western Conference. The Blue Bombers have also improved during the offseason and they should be pursuing the Alouettes for the Eastern Conference title. But one can still wonder if Stefan LeFors is the QB that will bring them back to the glory days in Winnipeg. If the youthful secondary of the Eskimos hangs on, their new head coach Richie Hall could celebrate his first win at the helm of this Edmonton squad.
Prediction: Edmonton
B.C. Lions (11-7 in 2008) vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-6 in 2008)
The Lions will miss defensive end Cam Wake and running back Stefan Logan, who both departed for the riches of the NFL. And that’s without mentioning the losses of tackle Rob Murphy, slotback Jason Clermont or linebacker Otis Floyd. But the Lions still have tremendous passing power and defensively they are still stronger than the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Riders are a squad who seem condemned to a year of misery, especially with many injuries at key positions for the start of this season. B.C. fans probably won’t have has many reasons to rejoice this season as in the past but at least they should celebrate a victory this week in Regina.
Prediction: B.C.
