Argonauts vs. Blue Bombers Prediction: CFL Week 19 Point Spread, Odds
The Blue Bombers dominated the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton last week, winning 31-10 as they moved one step closer to locking up top spot in the West Division. The Toronto Argonauts had a 37-31 statement win against Montreal before last week’s bye, but the Boatmen are still battling Hamilton to secure the East Division’s final playoff spot.
Winnipeg opened as a 3.5-point favourite to win on the CFL odds, with the total set at 49.5.
CFL Odds and Betting
Before the season, this looked like it could be a potential Grey Cup preview, but the Bombers and Argos have each stumbled at various times in 2024 and it seems unlikely both teams will reach the title game. Toronto came out on top with a 16-14 overtime win back in Week 8 despite starting quarterback Chad Kelly continuing to serve a nine-game suspension.
The Argonauts are just 6-9 against the spread this season, but it’s worth noting they’ve covered in two of their last three games. High scoring affairs can generally be expected as they’ve hit the Over in 10 of 15 games, including their last two. You might want to be cautious when it comes to Toronto this week, however, as they’re 2-5 straight up on the road compared to 6-2 SU at home.
The Bombers are an even 8-8 ATS in 2024, but they’ve been money over the last month or so, covering five straight games. They trend more towards lower scoring games, with the total going Under in 13 of 16. No team has been hotter since the start of August as Winnipeg is riding a CFL-best eight-game win streak that has seen them cover the spread in all but one of those contests.
Toronto Argonauts
It probably wasn’t the way they drew up the game plan, but the Argos secured a much-needed win two weeks ago against Montreal. Toronto relied heavily on kicker Lirim Hajrullahu, who was a perfect 8-for-8 on field goals, tying a CFL record. Hajrullahu scored 25 of the Alouettes’ 37 points in the game and now leads the CFL in total field goals made this season (49) and he is second in field goal percentage (92.5).
The concern for the Argonauts right now is the play of Chad Kelly, the CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Player. Kelly returned from suspension in Week 12, but in six starts this season, he has thrown for multiple TDs in a game just once and he still threw four interceptions in that game. Kelly has a negative TD-INT ratio (6-8) and his completion percentage of 66.0 is one of the lowest among starting quarterbacks. If Kelly doesn’t return to last year’s form, it’s tough to see the Argos making any noise in the playoffs.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Bombers have been the hottest team in the CFL over the last couple of months and no player has been hotter than running back Brady Oliveira, who rushed for a season-high 147 yards and a touchdown last week. Oliveira leads the CFL with 1,254 rushing yards and he is a top contender on the CFL futures board to be named Most Outstanding Player. Despite rushing for 100-yards or more six times this season, Oliveira didn’t run in his first touchdown until a two-TD performance in Week 16.
One player who might be a little overshadowed by Oliveira and Winnipeg’s team performance, is defensive back Tyrell Ford, who ranks second in the CFL in interceptions (seven). Ford is a key piece of a Blue Bombers defence that leads the CFL in average total yards allowed (339.4), passing yards allowed (234.6) and points allowed (20.3) per game.
TOR
WPG