More CFL Predictions for 2009

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The CFL will see a couple of things new for this 2009 season. There won't be any new teams as of yet, but new players, new coaches, and even some new rules.

We don't know if there will be a new Grey Cup Champion, which is why we all love to give our own predictions. That's what keeps our minds busy while we wait for the season to get underway.

Here's my predictions for the standings in the CFL for the 2009 season.

CFL EAST

Montreal - The Als didn't lose many players this year, and although their motivations may not be the same, Montreal has as good a chance as anyone to go back to the Grey Cup. People will say there is motivation for 2009 because they lost the Grey Cup last November.

If that were true, they should have more than just one Grey Cup in the last decade. Including last year, they have lost five Grey cups since 2000. Plus, Montreal had the comeback by Calvillo that was extra motivation last year.

That usually only works for one year. But, this year brings a team that is just going to have to go out and win football games and do it for themselves as a team. Last year they just got beat by a better team. It may happen this year, but they have as good a chance of winning as they did last year, if not more. RECORD - 12-6

Toronto - Toronto dug its own grave at the beginning of last season bringing two No. 1 quarterbacks into camp. Even after "fixing" the problem, the infection had spread to many places of the dressing room. Players got hurt, coaches were fired, and rookies got chances to show themselves—but didn't.

The team had one of its worst seasons in recent memory, and it was hard to watch. This season looks much more promising. It's a clean slate with one quarterback designated as the starter, some big acquisitions like Rob Murphy, and a new system to work around.

I think there will be a big change in attitude, and this will bring wins. RECORD - 8-10

Hamilton - I've been talking for years about the reason the Hamilton Tiger-Cats haven't been a good team. I feel that right now they're at least moving in the right direction.

We've talked about the past a lot, and with a 3-15 record, no one needs to talk about why they were bad last year. Let's look at why they will be better this year.

I've been talking about the need for Hamiton to add solid O-Line help, and until this year, it hasn't been there. This year adding Dan Goodspeed and drafting Simeon Rottier instantly made the O-Line better.

There will be bigger holes for Kenton Keith to run, and more time for receivers to get open before the pressure gets to the quarterback.

Add a schedule that might not turn out too bad, and I'm thinking they will move into the third spot, and maybe a playoff spot. RECORD - A VERY Generous 7-11

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