The Ottawa Redblacks second Week 10 game comes on Canadian Thanksgiving against a well-rested Montreal Alouettes squad. The Als need the rest too, specifically Vernon Adams Jr. who played through an ankle injury in Week 9. Adams Jr.’s heroics led Montreal to an overtime win at Hamilton, the type of win that could turn around a season.

Ottawa remains in last in the East Division at 2-6 while Montreal’s itching to get back to .500 after a 3-4 start to their season. Kickoff at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium Monday goes at 1 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

Week 10 will be the second meeting between Ottawa and Montreal, and their first was the highest-scoring contest of the 2021 CFL season. Montreal won handily, scoring a season-high 51 points against the Redblacks who countered with 29 themselves. The game featured six total touchdown passes and 879 yards of offence.

The over-under, which is set at 48.5 Monday, has gone over in four of the last five Ottawa–Montreal games but under in seven of their last eight clashes at Montreal. When it comes to the total, the Als are large home favourite with oddsmakers listing the Als at -8.5. Montreal’s failed to cover in five straight home games and have lost straight up in four of those.

Ottawa RedBlacks

The Redblacks weren’t expected to make much noise in 2021, which is why the emergence of 23-year-old quarterback Caleb Evans is a big deal. In two starts Evans has 525 yards passing and another 113 on the ground to go with a 1-1 record. He’s thrown three touchdowns, but also three interceptions — two of which were returned for scores the other way.

Bottom line is Evans is showing the brightest potential in Ottawa this season. In the Redblacks’ 35-16 loss Wednesday at Toronto, Evans connected with Ryan Davis eight times for 104 yards. Veteran receiver R.J. Harris also caught four passes four 84 yards. These numbers have been rare in Ottawa this season.

Montreal Alouettes

It was third-and-20, under a minute remaining, and the Alouettes needing a score last Saturday as they stared down a 2-5 record. In triple coverage, Eugene Lewis would haul in a dart from Adams Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown. Montreal kicked a winning field goal in overtime minutes later, making for a wild comeback and some serious momentum.

The ground game should be of focus in the Als’ game plan against Ottawa. Montreal’s first in both rushing yards per game (147) and yards per rush (5.9). Ottawa’s last in rushing yards against (110.9) and seventh in yards per rush against (4.9). Expect William Stanback to crack the century mark in rushing yards, and expect the Als to control this one from start to finish.

Who Will Win RedBlacks vs. Alouettes?