2024 CFL Odds and Mid-Season Report Cards: The Alouettes are at the top of the class
With the majority of CFL teams having played nine games, we’re officially at the halfway points of the 2024 regular season. And with back to school around the corner, we’re handing out report cards and grading every team at the midway point of the year.
So, who received a passing grade and who is in danger of failing? Let’s take a look.
Montreal Alouettes
With an 8-1 record, Montreal has been the clear-cut best team in the CFL through the midway point of the season. Injuries to significant players like Cody Fajardo, Tyler Snead and now Tyson Philpot haven’t slowed the defending Grey Cup champions down one bit as they are easily the best defensive team in the league and they boast a top-three offence. From top to bottom, the Alouttes are passing with flying colours.
Mid-season grade: A
Ottawa RedBlacks
At first it seemed like the Ottawa RedBlacks were punching above their weight this season, but a 5-2-1 record entering Week 11 has proven this team is a legit contender. Starting quarterback Dru Brown went down with a leg injury in Week 10, but Ottawa has a very capable replacement in veteran Jeremiah Masoli, who will get the start in Week 11. Ottawa is league average or above in almost every major offensive statistic and they are a top-three defence. This is a consistent squad capable of beating any team in the league.
Mid-season grade: B+
Toronto Argonauts
With the possible return of reigning Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly on the horizon, Toronto could be a team that rockets up the standings in the second half of the season, but we’re focus on the first nine games. The Argos have found a way to win despite less than stellar quarterbacking from Cameron Dukes and Nick Arbuckle. Running back Ka’Deem Carey leads the best rushing attack in the CFL, while Jake Ceresna has anchored the defence with a league-high five sacks. If Kelly is reinstated, this will be a scary team in a few weeks.
Mid-season grade: B
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan has been ravaged by injuries, but a four-game win streak to start the year has kept the Riders at the top of the West Division with a 5-3 record overall. Shea Patterson threw three interceptions in last week’s bizarre 22-22 tie against Ottawa, but the offence should rebound with the imminent return of Trevor Harris under centre. Saskatchewan is a strong defensive team against the rush, but their league-worst passing defence has cost games.
Mid-season grade: B-
BC Lions
The BC Lions were kings of the West Division to start the year, but three straight losses has them falling in the standings and it’s officially concerning. The rough patch is even more worrisome considering the three straight losses have each come against sub-.500 teams. The Lions average the second-most passing yards per game in the CFL, but quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. is listed as week-to-week with a knee injury and it’s unclear exactly how long he’ll be out. Running back William Stanback will have the carry the load on offence until Adams is back slinging the football.
Mid-season grade: C+
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Frankly, it was shocking to see Winnipeg open the season with four straight losses, but they started to show some life before last week’s bye. The Blue Bombers crushed BC 25-0 in Week 9, with the pass rush finally clicking. Receiver Lucky Whitehead looked like the missing piece to the offence in his debut and Zach Collaros finally avoided throwing an interception for the first time this season. Beating the Lions on their home turf this week would go a long way to show Winnipeg’s turnaround is real.
Mid-season grade: C-
Edmonton Elks
At 2-7, the Elks are tied with Hamilton for the worst record in the CFL. Those wins, however, each came in the last two weeks and they were against quality opponents in Saskatchewan and BC. With quarterbacks Tre Ford and McLeod Bethel-Thompson both banged up, it’s been running backs Javon Leake and Justin Rankin driving the offence. And although Nyles Morgan leads the CFL with 64 tackles, he’s one of the few bright spots on this roster.
Mid-season grade: D
Calgary Stampeders
The Stampeders may as well petition the CFL to play every game at home because they look like a different team outside of McMahon Stadium. It takes a lot to give a failing grade to a 4-0 home team, but Calgary managed to earn their F with an 0-5 road record. Quarterback Jake Maier personifies the Stampeders’ 2024 season, putting up large passing yards numbers, but also causing several costly turnovers that end up sinking games.
Mid-season grade: F
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
In last week’s loss to Montreal, Hamilton’s first three drives ended in a fumble, an interception and a safety. That just about sums up their season as they are easily the worst team in the CFL this year. The frustration has clearly boiled over for the coaching staff as quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was benched after five minutes and he won’t start this week despite leading the CFL in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Mid-season grade: Z (I’m expanding the grading scale for the Ti-Cats)
