Esks in the box seat as media experts give their predictions for 2018

Esks in the box seat as media experts give their predictions for 2018

The preseason games are getting underway and the CFL season will start in earnest in less than two weeks time. Soon, the conjecture will be over and the action will be taking place in the middle. So the pundits have been forced to get down off the fence and give their final predictions as to which will be the teams with the best chance of achieving glory this year.

This was achieved in the shape of the first ever CFL Media Poll, which gathered the opinions of 74 media experts. Respondents were permitted to remain anonymous, so no politics here! Let’s find out what they said.

Eskimos will win the Grey Cup

17 respondents predicted that Edmonton would triumph and win the Grey Cup for the15th time in the team’s history. Calgary and Saskatchewan both had 16 votes each, while 11 backed Toronto and nine felt this would be the year for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This makes interesting reading for those who have already been consulting the online sports bookmakers for the latest promotions and tips. They see things a little differently. Most have Calgary as early favorites at odds of around 11/5, with Winnipeg at 6/1 and the Esks at 7/1. Those latter odds are likely to shorten in view of the pundits’ tips, so if you are tempted to place a bet, do so quickly.

Toronto hot favorites for the East Division

There was less controversy when the attention shifted to who would finish top of the CFL East. Toronto got more than 50 percent of the votes, with the only other team seen as having the slightest realistic chance being Hamilton. However, for an outside shot, one pundit suggested that Ottawa could pull off a surprise or two. He described Trevor Harris as a “top end quarterback” and suggested that the team could be: “a real force in 2018.”

West Division too close to call

In the West, it is a different matter, with the votes being spread almost equally between Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan. The fact that Edmonton will be hosting this year’s Grey Cup, however, could just give them the added impetus they need. As one expert put it: “Expect the Eskimos to win the trench battles, they allowed the least amount of sacks in 2017 and the addition of Alex Bazzie instantly helps the defensive line get some pressure. Not to mention, a home Grey Cup is good motivator.”

Mike is Reilly Outstanding

If the predictions about the Esks prove to be accurate, it is certain to have plenty to do with their star quarterback, so it’s unsurprising that Mike Reilly is seen as the likely candidate for the Most Outstanding Player award by more than a third of voters. It’s over a decade since Anthony Calvillo etched his name into CFL quarterback history with back to back MOP awards. Reilly has a great chance of doing the same.

Derel Walker – top receiver

He’s rapidly turning into the Jerry Rice to Mike Walker’s Joe Montana, and almost half of those polled predicted Derel Walker will lead the CFL for receiving yards by the end of the season. As one respondent put it: “The last time Derel Walker played an 18-game season he had 1,589 yards. Following the departure of Adarius Bowman and Brandon Zylstra, Walker runs away with this one.”

Back to Toronto for rushing yards

On the ground, more than half the votes went to James Wilder Jr to top the rushing yards this season. He exploded onto the scene in his rookie season, and most think that this will be the year he proves to everyone that he is the real deal.