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Edgar Chaput
RedBlacks vs. Lions Prediction: CFL Week 15 Point Spread, Odds
BC benefited from a bye in Week 14, a decent reward for stomping the Alouettes 34-25 in Montreal a fortnight ago. The RedBlacks were involved in yet another extremely close contest which again ended in defeat. In Week 14 it was 27-24 at home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
A lot of chalk is down for the host Lions, who sit as significant -9.5 favourites on the CFL odds. The total has been tabulated at 46.5.
CFL Odds and Betting
It’s been a very long time since the Ottawa RedBlacks got the better of their westernmost rivals. June 20, 2018, was the last date they defeated the Lions. Since then BC has rattled off seven consecutive victories, with all but one decided by fewer than 12 points. Ouch.
Ottawa’s season is getting derailed so badly that the team hasn’t even been able to cover any spreads lately. They sport a disappointing 4-8 tally for the campaign despite usually playing close games. The RedBlacks have either been slight favourites and lost or slight underdogs and lost by a point or two too many. Given that, maybe +9.5 is a good thing this week.
BC rolled like thunder earlier this season but now finds itself in tough against Winnipeg for the West Division. The Lions have fallen in three of the last five contests, and the same goes for spreads. Incidentally, they haven’t covered the last two times they were double-digit heavy favourites (Weeks 11 and 12). While -9.5 isn’t really double digits, it’s darn close.
Ottawa RedBlacks
So, the RedBlacks fought valiantly in a tight game but came up short in Week 14. What else is new? This is the story of their 2023 season.
The 27-24 defeat at home to Hamilton last Friday night put a bad dent in their hopes of finishing third in the East Division. At 3-9, it isn’t looking good. At best they would rattle off six consecutive wins to finish .500, but that seems unlikely. QB Dustin Crum is who he is. He can make some nice plays (he threw for 265 yards and added 42 on the ground) but also makes bad mistakes (1 INT). This loss was not all on him though. Ottawa had three turnovers, all of which were in vastly different situations. Devonte Williams had a great game carrying the rock (17 touches, 146 yards) and the hosts scored three rushing TDs.
The biggest issue with Ottawa is they can’t get the little things right. Protecting the ball, making a second down stop on defence, scoring on three opportunities from the one-yard line, etc.
BC Lions
The Lions are well rested heading into Saturday’s contest. As of Thursday, nobody is listed as officially out and the club is coming off a bye.
At 8-4, they can smell the West Division crown, but it’s a bit rougher lately. A shock defeat to the Roughriders in Week 11 was followed by a thrashing at the claws of Tiger-Cats in Week 12. Thankfully, they pulled themselves together two weeks ago when they landed in Montreal to defeat the Alouettes 34-25, which stopped the bleeding. WR Alexander Hollins scored two touchdowns, often torching Montreal’s once-vaunted defence. Former Als QB Vernon Adams Jr. looked good on his old stomping grounds, going 21-for-33 for 306 yards and three TDs.
BC might want to spruce up its run defence, however. Montreal ran all over them to the tune of a stunning 196 yards. Before that, the Ticats got 132 yards on them. Now Ottawa’s Devonte Williams comes to town…
OTT
BC