RedBlacks vs. Argonauts Prediction: CFL Division Semifinals Point Spread, Odds
This will be the second meeting in the last two weeks between Toronto and Ottawa. The Boatmen got the better of the RedBlacks in Week 20 and they enter the East Division semifinals as a 6.5-point favourite to win over Ottawa. The total is set at 52.5 on the CFL odds.
CFL Odds and Betting
These provincial rivals met just twice in the regular season. Ottawa cruised to a 41-27 home victory on September 7, while Toronto won 38-31 at BMO Field on October 19. The RedBlacks’ Week 14 win broke a five-game Argos win streak in head-to-head action.
Both teams finished just above .500 this season, with the RedBlacks going 9-8-1 and the Argonauts finishing at 10-8-0. Home field advantage was the key to success for each team. Ottawa went 7-1-1 at TD Place compared to 2-6-0 on the road. The Argos were 7-2-0 at home and just 3-6-0 on the road.
Toronto finished the regular season as the higher scoring team, hitting the Over in 12 of 18 games. Ottawa split the Over/Under evenly. Keep in mind, however, cold weather football generally leads to lower scoring games.
Ottawa RedBlacks
Ottawa stumbled after beating Toronto in Week 14, losing their next five games before winning the meaningless regular season finale against Hamilton. The offence has particularly struggled, with the RedBlacks turning the ball over an absurd 22 times over their last eight games. And this is already a team that finished with the least amount of total TDs in the regular season (38) while averaging the second-fewest points per game (24.6).
One positive for Ottawa, is their offence has seemed to come alive against Toronto, scoring 72 points in two games against the Argos. The team should also benefit from the return of receiver Justin Hardy (ankle), linebacker Bennett Williams (head) and defensive back Justin Howell (knee). All three players have been full participants at practice.
Toronto Argonauts
The Argos ended the regular season hot, winning four of five games before losing a meaningless Week 21 game. Quarterback Chad Kelly has been a big reason for Toronto’s late season success. Kelly was suspended for the first nine games of the year and initially struggled in his return. But, last season’s Most Outstanding Player appears to have found his form again. Kelly went 21-of-26 for 331 passing yards and three TDs in his last start and he’s gone three straight games without throwing an interception.
The Argonauts could also get some reinforcements in the lineup. Right tackle Dejon Allen (arm), left tackle Isaiah Cage (hip) and linebacker Jonathan Jones (hamstring) are all full participants in practice. Receiver Damonte Coxie (knee) still hasn’t practiced.
Turnovers have to be a major concern for Toronto. Although Kelly didn’t thrown an interception when the teams met in Week 20, he threw a season-high four picks against Ottawa in Week 14.
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