Alouettes Grey Cup Chances After Johnny Manziel Trade
The big news in the CFL this week was the blockbuster trade between the Hamilton Ti-Cats and Montreal Alouettes that is sending Johnny Manziel to Montreal. Does this make the Alouettes contenders for the Grey Cup this season? Not quite, but the oddsmakers have shortened the Alouettes Grey Cup odds now that Manziel is on the team. If you’re interested in betting on the Grey Cup check out HowToBet.ca to learn how to bet on sports online from Canada.
Manziel was behind Jeremiah Masoli in Hamilton, and with Masoli having a solid start to the season it didn’t look like CFL fans would see Johnny Football on the field anytime soon. That all changed this week with Manziel heading to Montreal where he should step in right away as the starting QB and try to help Montreal put some points on the board after the Alouettes have only managed 69 points in 5 games this season. The Alouettes gave up a lot to acquire Manziel, but with a record of 1-4 they are still only 1 game out of a playoff spot in the East Division and if Johnny Football can deliver the Alouettes have a legitimate shot at the playoffs this season. After week 2 the Alouettes were 0-2 with odds of 33/1 to win the Grey Cup this season. After this trade the Alouettes odds have shortened to 20/1. They are still the biggest longshots in the league, but now they share that position with the BC Lions who are also 20/1 to win the Grey Cup.
Manziel is an unproven commodity in the CFL, but he’s not going to make the Alouettes any worse. His potential is there and if he can turn this offense around I think the Alouettes have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs in the East. The ironic thing about this trade is that it will likely be Hamilton that Montreal will have to pass in the standings to reach the playoffs. That said, if they can make the playoffs they have a legitimate shot at the Grey Cup. Look no further than the Argos (9-9) and Redblacks (8-9-1) to see that very average East teams who make the playoffs can still win in the playoffs.
We personally don’t think the Manziel trade makes the Alouettes a contender in the CFL this season. That said, crazier things have happened in the CFL and at odds of 20/1 I’ve seen worse punt plays for league championships.
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