The break is over, and NFL franchises have shifted gear into intensive training camps ahead of the kick-off of preseason games in August. The regular season doesn't start until September 8, but the preseason buzz is already coursing through the league as all 32 teams gear up for this exciting period. best betting sites in Canada
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With aspirations as high as the Las Vegas skyline, all 32 NFL teams envision themselves hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy come February 11 at Super Bowl LVIII. Among them, the question lingers: could this be the season another Canadian player joins the ranks of the 16 who have already triumphed in Super Bowl history?
Let's delve into 10 of the standout Canadian players currently navigating the NFL landscape, each eyeing a coveted victory in Las Vegas at the season's climax. Their ambitions are reflected in the bet lines for their teams securing the Lombardi. If you're aiming for a triumphant Vegas-like score, explore the finest odds available.
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A native of Abbotsford, British Columbia, this 25-year-old burst onto the scene with a phenomenal rookie year in 2020 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Accumulating 873 receiving yards, nine receiving touchdowns, and two rushing scores, his stats spoke volumes. The following year mirrored his yardage but saw touchdown numbers dwindle to just two in total.
Claypool made a switch to the Bears last season, but the desired impact on the scoreboards in Chicago has thus far eluded him. With the extra motivation of a contract year, he'll need to rekindle his rookie glory days to secure a lucrative deal come 2024. Repeating 2022's performance, however, means he risks fading into roster obscurity.
Last season, the Bears floundered with a 3-14 mark in the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are on an upswing, and the Minnesota Vikings asserted dominance in 2022, leaving the Bears likely staring at another year at the division's bottom rung.
The Lions' offseason highlighted by acquiring veteran defensive lineman Covington in May signifies a promising turn. After moving through the league since 2015 and landing in his sixth franchise, the Vancouver-born player carries a legacy, with father Grover Covington being the CFL's sack leader.
Despite being sidelined by injuries in 2022, Covington's past form is promising with a career-topping 52 tackles recorded in 2021. A couple of years on, there's every possibility for a comeback season.
Overcoming a .500 finish in 2022, the Lions look to recapture their playoff magic last seen in 2017 and diminish the ghosts of their Wild Card losses. Their 2023 ambition rests on bolstering a defense that must outshine last year's efforts.
Emerging from Ottawa, Gallimore proudly became the first Canadian to shine at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In 2022, despite starting just once, he notched an impressive 32 tackles.
Facing stiff competition for his spot with the 2023 Cowboys, Gallimore's eager to impress early on and maximize his playtime. Regardless of snaps, his commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
Under moniker 'America's Team,' the Dallas Cowboys have been absent from the Super Bowl arena since 1995, reaching playoffs in just five of 13 seasons. Ranking high on both offensive and defensive fronts, they're yet to transform that promise into playoff prowess. Will this be their breakthrough year?
A phenomenal rookie season crowned the Oakfield-born athlete a Super Bowl champion. While 2022 wasn’t kind to the Rams, Hoecht carved his niche, tallying 23 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
A significant proportion of those sacks punctuated the season's finale, allowing Hoecht to embrace and excel in his role. With age and experience on his side, he's poised for a career-defining third year.
The Rams' outlook for 2023 remains ambiguous following two Super Bowl visitations in five years juxtaposed against seasons trailing off form, the latest filled with understandable excuses yet disappointing finish.
Hailing from BC, this free safety sparkled during his sophomore year in 2022, amassing 77 tackles across 17 games along with two interceptions and 1.5 sacks, showcasing his team-leading skills in interceptions and sizable tackle contribution.
Despite being only 23, Holland's maturity and track record signal better performances ahead, earmarking him as a steal for the Dolphins with their 36th draft pick. As the first-safety selected, he's already living up to expectations.
Though the 2022 season faltered for the Dolphins after a promising streak against the Buffalo Bills, it marked just their third playoff foray in 21 years. This season looms brighter for more postseason magic.
Bursts of brilliance marked Hubbard's tenure at Oklahoma State in 2019, topping 2,000 rushing yards and scoring 21 times, earning the Jon Cornish Trophy as NCAA’s top Canadian standout.
Injuries and limited time defined Hubbard's rocky 2022, hindering him from replicating his promising rookie stats until it was too late in the season.
Falling on hard times for five years, the Panthers grappled with finding a stable quarterback. Despite lackluster NFC South competition, seven wins seemed dubious of improvement upon for the upcoming season.
Since debuting with the Chargers, this 23-year-old Brampton native receiver has amassed 1122 yards with 105 receptions and seven touchdowns over two years. 2022 saw a rise in receiving trust, implying he’ll be aiming for more targets in 2023.
Throughout 2022, he notched three matches with 99 receiving yards or more, eclipsing his career best by reaching 106 twice. As Justin Herbert settles into his role as the Chargers’ quarterback, it enhances Palmer’s growth prospects.
Despite recent playoff appearances being sparse, the Chargers fell in the wildcard amidst a 'middle of the road' overall record. Their 2022 wildcard outcome painted a picture familiar unless substantial change occurs.
A seasoned veteran, the Ajax-raised player transitions from the Jets after five years to the Saints for 2023, seeking new beginnings. As a Jet, Shepherd never seized the starting role, lining up only 12 times.
Compiling 16 tackles and 17 assists for the Jets last season, scoring 1.5 sacks amid ample playtime, Shepherd’s poised to recapture vitality amidst New Orleans’ changing D-Line needs.
2022 marked the Saints' least fruitful campaign since 2016 under Dennis Allen’s debut head coach year, unaligned with his defensive coordinator successes preceding it. Shepherd’s addition might be instrumental for defensive resurgence this season.
The Montreal-bred cornerback experienced collegiate football under Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, and later Minnesota's Golden Gophers due to injuries before entering the NFL.
At Commanders, two seasons logged 21 appearances, shadowed by injury. Through adversity, his tally reached 57 tackles, hinting at talent requiring unclouded injury reprieve.
Commanders’ 2022 8-8-1 record was their highest since 2016, although challenging their division with juggernauts like the Eagles and Cowboys aiming higher is another beast altogether for 2023.
The Mississauga native retraces steps with the Ravens, entering the NFL they once recruited him in the 4th round. Injuries repeatedly mar his pathway, yet Urban persevered, contributing through 16 games in 2022 despite not starting.
Rising to fill gaps left by Calais Campbell who recently transferred to the Falcons, Urban eyes increased impact amid the Ravens’ strategic shifts.
Under John Harbaugh’s command, the Ravens have visited playoffs 10 of his 15 seasons, including recent consistent entries, fostering hope for renewed postseason inclusion in 2023.
We opened with the question: Can any Canadian player secure the Lombardi Trophy this season? From our discussion on 10 players, only a select few possess feasible odds to make this dream reality.
One prime candidate is Neville Gallimore. The Cowboys have been brushing against their playoff aspirations for seasons, facing the formidable Eagles among others, yet the playoff skies look promising for at least its emergence.
Jevon Holland is keen to see the Miami Dolphins secure a spot in the playoffs this season. Their main competition for the divisional crown comes from the Buffalo Bills. Last season might have been different if the Dolphins hadn’t faced critical injuries at key moments.
The Detroit Lions have been tipped by many to make further strides this year. Their performance in 2022 marked a significant improvement and with the Green Bay Packers struggling and the Chicago Bears not posing much of a threat, another postseason appearance seems well within their grasp.
Despite being erratic in recent seasons, the Rams have made it to two Super Bowls and even took home the Lombardi Trophy once. Their 2022 season was dismal, but given the strength of players like Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Higbee, and Aaron Donald, a surprise comeback could be on the cards, offering a high-stakes return.
