2025 CFL East Division Preview and Betting Odds: Will Argonauts defend Grey Cup title?
A team from the East Division has won the Grey Cup in each of the last three seasons and there are another couple of strong contenders in 2025.
Let’s take a look at each East Division team heading into the new season.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ti-Cats ended last season strong, winning four of their final five games, but fell just short of a playoff berth in large part due to their 0-5 start. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell returned to top form with a league-leading 5,451 passing yards and 32 touchdowns and he’ll look to repeat that success with a new receiving weapon to target in Kenny Lawler.
The biggest difference for Hamilton could come in the form of new defensive coordinator Brent Monson. He’ll be tasked with reshaping a defence that allowed a league-high 557 points and the second-most yards per game (382.7) in 2024. The additions of defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield and DaShaun Amos should help secure that unit.
If Hamilton can avoid another nightmare start in 2025, the team should hover right around the playoff line.
Montreal Alouettes
Montreal made a big move shipping out veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo and handing the reins of the offence to Davis Alexander. The 26-year-old was 4-0 as a starter last season and he’ll look to build off that success with a strong receiving group, including Tyson Philpot, Austin Mack, Charleston Rambo, Cole Spieker and Tyler Snead.
The Alouettes’ defence, however, remains their biggest strength. Led by the likes of veteran linebackers Darnell Sankey and Tyrice Beverette, Montreal allowed the second-fewest points in the CFL last season and it was the defensive unit that was key to the 2023 Grey Cup championship team.
If Alexander is ready to be step into the role of QB1, the Als will challenge for the Grey Cup.
Toronto Argonauts
The Argos found a way to win the Grey Cup last season, even without injured quarterback Chad Kelly. With Kelly still sidelined to begin the year, Grey Cup MVP Nick Arbuckle will once again lead the offence in Kelly’s absence.
Like any Grey Cup champion, Toronto suffered a mass exodus in the off-season. Jake Ceresna, DaShaun Amos, Jared Brinkman, Royce Metchie and Robbie Smith all walked in free agency, while Folarin Orimolade was dealt to Calgary and Ralph Holley is with the Cleveland Browns. There’s no question this is a weaker team defensively.
The Argonauts’ season will likely come down to Kelly’s ability to return to top form.
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa took a positive step forward last year in ending a three-year playoff drought, but now it’s time to actually win a postseason game. Dru Brown enters his second season as starting quarterback with positive momentum and the offence is more balanced with the addition of running back William Stanback.
Linebacker Adarius Pickett ruptured his Achilles in Week 15 last year and his absence was a notable hole in the defensive unit. A healthy Pickett and new defensive coordinator William Fields should help make the RedBlacks’ veteran defensive unit one of the best in the CFL’s East Division.
