The Johnny Football hype train in Hamilton has officially arrived to the point where the Tiger-Cats now have second highest odds to win the 2018 Grey Cup.
As per Bodog Sports, Manziel moved the needle enough to bump Hamilton from having the third worst odds at 9/1 back on November 27th (the day after the 105th Grey Cup) to trailing only the Calagary Stampedes for the second highest odds.
Here’s how the most recent slate of odds are currently set at after the 2012 Heishman Trophy winner made it official that he would be playing the next two seasons in the Canadian Football League.
2018 Grey Cup - Odds to Win
11/27/17 Current Odds (5/21/18)
Calgary Stampeders 3/1 11/5
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 9/1 11/2
Edmonton Eskimos 5/1 13/2
Saskatchewan Roughriders 5/1 7/1
Toronto Argonauts 7/1 7/1
Winnipeg Blue Bombers 7/1 15/2
British Columbia Lions 7/1 11/1
Ottawa Redblacks 10/1 11/1
Montreal Alouettes 16/1 14/1
It’s interesting to see Manziel made such an impact with the bookies considering hes very unlikely to start Week 1. Jeremiah Masoli, who threw for 15 touchdowns and 3,177 yards and only five interceptions after taking over from Zach Collaros mid-way through the campaign last season, has been penciled in as the starter.
Perhaps it will be Manziel who will be taking over Masoli’s job this season if an injury occurs or Masoli’s performance and production falls off.
You can also beat on a couple prop bets on Manziel’s potential totals in the regular season.
Johnny Manziel - 2018 Regular Season Interceptions
Over/Under 11.5
Johnny Manziel - 2018 Regular Season Passing Touchdowns
Over/Under 23.5
Johnny Manziel - 2018 Regular Season Passing Yards
Over/Under 3900
Johnny Manziel - Will he win CFL Most Outstanding Player Award in 2018?
Yes +1000 (10/1)
No -2500 (1/25)
Considering that Manziel may take some time to learn to the playbook and take snaps away from his quarterback companion, betting the under might be a wise decision, but if he does start to play, then look out.
Now the question becomes, will the Manziel be bringing back the money sign when he scores a touchdown in the CFL?
(h/t Bodog Sports)