The 2017 CFL campaign was a rollercoaster for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who were up and down all season long. However, they took some big swings in the offseason and the Roughriders could be set up to challenge in the West Division.
Saskatchewan Roughriders 2018 regular season win total
Over 8
Under 8
Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook.
What Happened Last Year
The Roughriders finished 10-8 on the season, which was good for fourth in the West Division. However, it was good enough to cross over to the East playoffs, where the Roughriders beat Ottawa in the Semi-Final. However, the Roughriders came up just short against Toronto in the East Final. At times, the Roughriders looked like the best team in the CFL; but other times, they badly underachieved.
Quarterback Kevin Glenn threw for 4,038 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as the Roughriders’ offense were third in points scored. Receiver Duron Carter and offensive lineman Brandon LaBatte made the All-Star team. Defensive end Willie Jefferson and cornerback Ed Gainey (CFL-leading ten interceptions) made the All-Star team for the defense, which was second in points allowed. But the Roughriders couldn’t get both sides to play well in the same game much of the time.
What Will Change This Year
Glenn is gone to Edmonton, and the Roughriders still have Brandon Bridge, who looked great at times when called upon. However, the Roughriders picked up Zach Collaros, who lost his job in Hamilton. The Roughriders also signed running back Jerome Messam, who had a great year in Calgary, to balance the offense. The Roughriders didn’t stop there in terms of signing former Stampeders as defensive end Charleston Hughes is now in green, and Saskatchewan might now have the best pass rush in the league when Hughes is combined with Willie Jefferson.
Outlook & Prediction
The Roughriders might be the most intriguing team in the CFL going into this season. Collaros was set for stardom before a torn ACL in 2015 set him back, and never looked like he was comfortable after that. If Collaros plays to his potential, head coach/general manager Chris Jones could look like a genius for trading a second-round pick for Collaros. Also, if Collaros doesn’t work out, Bridge has proven that he can do the job. The Roughriders were last in the CFL in rushing last season and Messam is coming off his second straight 1,000-yard season in Calgary.
However, the Stampeders moved on from the 33-year-old Messam. He is looking to show he still has something left in the tank. The same goes for Hughes, who is 34 years old, but he and Jefferson can really put together a pass rush and with Gainey at the back, this defense could be something special.
If everyone plays to their ability, the Roughriders can go well past eight wins and even win the West Division. Even if they don’t, the Roughriders still have the talent to get over eight wins. But this is a team that can win the Grey Cup if all goes well.
