2011 CFL Western Division Odds

Calgary has been the best team in the CFL’s West Division the past two years, but it was the Saskatchewan Roughriders playing in the Grey Cup both times.

Oddsmakers buy the Stampeders hype again in 2011 as they lead the odds to win the CFL West at +160 odds at 5Dimes.

It doesn’t mean the Riders are scared or are very far behind in the minds of the oddsmakers. Saskatchewan is +250, meaning a $100 wager pays out a $250 profit if they win the West final.

CFL 2010 Most Outstanding lineman Ben Archibald is gone from a Calgary that dominated offense stats in 2010. He went to BC, which gives the Lions some hope of winning the West and possibly hosting the 99th Grey Cup this year.

Regardless, Calgary is the team to beat here, despite holes in their secondary.

Lurking behind them are the Roughies, who lost 21-18 in the Grey Cup and are determined to get back there in 2011. They have a knack for getting the job done in spite of injuries and player losses and they are dangerous team here for CFL bettors.

BC is +375 and if their second half to the 2010 season is any indications, the Lions are coming on. After a 1-7 start in 2010, they went 7-3 over the final months to put a scare into every team in the Canadian Football League.

Travis Lulay has a full season at the controls as quarterback, which should help

And Edmonton, once the proudest franchise and City of Champions, brings up the rear at +425, but they are not a crazy bet as a CFL West longshot. The Eskimos have added enough pieces during the offseason to compete with teams in the West – that accounts for them not being ridiculous longshot despite being ranked 7th or 8th in many CFL preseason rankings.

Here are the odds to win the 2011 CFL Western Division at 5Dimes as of June 30.

• Calgary Stampeders +160
• Saskatchewan Roughriders +250
• British Columbia Lions +375
• Edmonton Eskimos +425