Yes, I am an Als fan but I do agree with you,EastVanMary, the Als will surprise. I can't understand how or why some predict that Ottawa will finish ahead of Montreal. Based on what? Last season, the Als had the most All Stars in the East and they are all back. Time will tell,but I definitely expect the Als to have a winning record in 2014.
Richard
You know I would have to agree. everyone seems to have huge doubts about Troy Smith becase some other big names have came from NCAA/NFL and failed but the whole league is full of NFL/NCAA QBs and he looked very good to end last season.
The defense is awesome.
Finally have decided to use a punting specialist and have gotten a solid returner inLT.
If a young returner should beat him out but they will not be counted on. Finally a veteran Canadian Rec who is an actual threat.
Well, at least no one could accuse you of being a homer. :cowboy:
What is the reason for your pessimism?
Just a general feeling mostly. Don’t remember well all the changes, but as they were happening I was losing confidence. QB issue has me concerned in particular.
I really believe in ED top two QBs and I just feel they will be notably better than last year.
I expect more from WPG as well but it could be they still finish last.
always one team fails to deliver as expected and I think BC is it this year.
Okay,how's about this for a bold statement(prediction)the REDBLACKS will stun everybody in the league by winning their first 3 games played(@Wnp/@Edm/Tor)to start out of the gate at 3-0,then level off and go 5-10 the rest of the way of the season.All 3 victories will be squeakers by a touchdown or less,but the RB's will be the talk of the league after their impressive start to their inaugural season.Ottawa though will then go on a 5 game losing stretch against(@Ham/Sask/@Calg/Edm/Calg)before snapping their losing streak with a win in Mtl to finish up the 1rst half of the schedule at a respectable 4 wins/5 loses.
You wanted bold 
well let's just see how bold(crazy?)this prediction is...ps...as always this bold prediction is subject to change. 
Without prejudice CFL Picks 2014
West
BC 11-7
Cal 10-8
Sask 10-8
Edm 9-9
Win 6-12
Quote Surprise team could be Winnipeg
East
Ham 12-6
Tor 9-9
Mon 8-10
Ott 6-12
Quote: Many changes in TO. Ricky goes down, Argos tank!
Really no big surprises in above picks. Good luck to all
In watching the Calgary game It reminded of a receiver who I thought really played great coming in after an NFL TC.
Jeff Fuller will be Calgary's top receiver and among the dominate receivers in the CFL.
Nik Lewis will fade this season as Calgary's young receivers overtake him
Nik Lewis, WTF! happened to him. Looks like a beached whale.
Stampeder67 - "Thick Nik" has been putting on a lot of weight over the past 3 seasons or so. I think that he is still only on your team because of his savy and route knowledge. He can still get open on short routes and he is a tank to try and tackle. I don't think he will ever high hurdle anyone again like he did when he was young. I do think that his numbers will drop off significantly but he will still be a clutch 2nd down receiver who can get you 5 or 6 yards when that is what you need. I cannot see him playing into the 2015 season however and he may be replaced even this year.
The REDBLACKS do not have a kicker right now, they cut all three. After seeing the new REDBLACK offense manhandle Montreal and toy with Saskatchewan why would they need a kicker?? they can fill that extra position with an International player 
Age, injury,and a career of wear and tear.
Fuller
McDaniel
West
All are likely better right now. Fuller may be back to the NFL for more than just a look.
Competition between some very talented Canadian receivers
He has played in 9 straight seasons with relatively great health and 9 straight 1,000 yard seasons until last year, his 10th season. He has earned the right to see if he can recover but it may not happen. That is just the harsh reality of football. Credit Huf as always for have depth and talent just waiting in the wings
Bold statement/prediction is this: I believe Nik Lewis will released by the Stamps before Labour Day.
Don't mean to upset/offend Stamps fans - just a hunch.
i can see that. Lewis came straight to the CFL out of a small School where he was a small school All American.Ran off 9 straight 1,000 yard seasons and in year 10 injury struck. He may just not ever be the sameplayer again and appears much out of shape.
mcDaniel had a 1,00 yard season,Maurice price has waited his turn and broke out last year. Joe West is in that same mold, and Jeff fuller hit the ground running joining the Stamps mid later in the season. and the stamps gave him a contract extension.
Right now they have 4 import receivers on the 46 and is he better at this point then McDaniel, Price, and Fuller?
jabari Arthur was lewis’ unlikley replcement last year and finally broke out but is now on the 6 game IR. Sinopoli, Parker, and CC( a new comer are of that bigger receivers from the National part.
watch tonight’s Lions game, sigh