Alouettes vs. RedBlacks Prediction: CFL Week 17 Point Spread, Odds
Ahead of their Week 17 matchup in Ottawa, the Redblacks and Alouettes are both riding high after snapping long losing streaks last week. Ottawa snapped a seven-game skid with a 36-28 home victory over the Roughriders, while Montreal ended a four-game slide with a 28-11 win in Calgary.
Montreal is a 2.0-point favourite to win on the CFL odds and would clinch a playoff spot with a win. Wins by the Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders this week would eliminate the Redblacks from playoff contention.
CFL Odds and Betting
This is the third of four regular season meetings between the teams in 2023. They’ll close out the season series next week in Montreal. The Als won both previous games, downing Ottawa 19-12 in Week 1 and 25-24 in Week 11. Montreal quarterbacks Cody Fajardo and Caleb Evans each started one of the two games, while the Redblacks used Nick Arbuckle and Dustin Crum.
The Alouettes are an even 7-7 against the spread this season, but they’ve failed to cover in four of their last five games against Ottawa. Low scoring games have a been a trend for the Als lately, with the total going Under in three straight games. Montreal has been fairly successful against the Redblacks, winning five straight games in Ottawa.
The Redblacks haven’t been a great cover option this year, going 6-8 ATS overall. They’re likely happy to be at home at least as they are just 1-6 straight up on the road compared to 3-4 SU at TD Place. You can probably bank on a high scoring contest as Ottawa has hit the Over in seven straight games and nine of their last 10.
Montreal Alouettes
Fajardo did just enough to get the job done for the Alouettes last week in Calgary. The 31-year-old pivot completed 22 of 29 pass attempts, finishing with 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception. It was running back William Stanback who really shined for Montreal. Stanback had 81 rushing yards on 14 carries and also caught four passes, including a late touchdown to seal the win. Evans got in on the action as well, with the Als’ backup QB running in a pair of scores on the ground.
Montreal’s offence ranks right around the middle of the pack in the CFL. The team ranks fourth in average yards per game (359.8), fourth in QBR (92.3) and fifth in points per game (23.1). It’s the same story defensively as the Alouettes rank fourth in both average yards allowed per game (361.9) and points allowed (23.8).
Ottawa RedBlacks
Crum was the hero for Ottawa in last week’s victory against Saskatchewan. The 24-year-old Kent State product completed 21 of 26 pass attempts for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Tyrrell Pigrome added another rushing touchdown for the Redblacks, while Siaosi Mariner and Bralon Addison each hauled in a receiving TD.
Ottawa’s strong-suit on offence this season has been the run-game. The Redblacks average a league-high 135.8 rushing yards per game. On the flip side, the passing offence has been the worst in the CFL. Ottawa averages a CFL-low 212.1 passing yards per game and they also rank last in the league with a QBR of 81.9.