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I love predictions. When you’re right, you look great. When you’re wrong, there are millions who are right there with you.
West Division:
1) B.C. Lions: There is no reason to believe this team will take a dip after an outstanding 2012 season, following a 2011 Grey Cup Championship. They still have the best quarterback in the West Division and a powerful defence led by head coach Mike Benevides. The linebacking corps alone is one to fear.
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2) Saskatchewan Roughriders: The offence should be good but this defence could be something special. Last year, the defence did nothing to help the offence. Turnovers and big plays were at a minimum but this defence is made for big plays and give the offence a short field to work with. In comes an arsenal around Darian Durant that could put up impressive numbers.
3) Calgary Stampeders: This may look disrespectful but I think there isn’t much separating the Lions from 3rd place Stampeders. Drew Tate is still an unknown to me. Injury problems are a concern, especially with a shoulder for a quarterback. The defensive line will continue to wreak havoc and have this team in the discussion.
4) Edmonton Eskimos: Sorry, but with an offensive line that has some concerns and already Matt Nicholls injury hurting their quarterback depth, I just don’t know what to expect from the Green and Gold’s. Like last year, there will be games the defence outscores their offence and why they win nearly half their games. Crossover may again be in play.
East Division:
1) Toronto Argonauts: The Argos found their rhythm late last season and will carry their momentum over to this year. Plus, I think there are three teams in the East they can beat almost every time and their division record will be impressive. Ricky Ray, Chad Kackert and Chad Owens are quite the trio to have back following a Grey Cup year.
2) Hamilton Tiger-Cats: WHAT? Yes, I believe this is the year we see the Black and Gold back near the top of the East. Their offence shouldn’t take that much of a dip. They’ll find another big play guy for Chris Williams or just spread the ball around a bit more. And that defence just has to shave three or four points off every game and the Ticats will win a lot more then they lose.
3) Montreal Alouettes: It’s got to end sometime, right? They’ve missed the last two Grey Cups but now they take a further step away from the title of beast of the East. While they’ve gotten somewhat younger, we will see if the leadership can keep up this pace.
4) Winnipeg Blue Bombers: They had a tough pre-season and it is simply to hard too rank them higher. Tim Burke has been one of the most successful coaches in football but we will have to see if he has the horses to keep up in this race.
Grey Cup Prediction:
B.C. Lions beat Toronto Argonauts: 31-25.
