The RedBlacks used two kick return touchdowns to pound Toronto 41-27 last week, giving them a five-point lead over the Argos for second in the East Division. At 8-3-1, Ottawa is three points behind Montreal in the standings and a victory on Saturday would make them the second team, after the Alouettes, to claim a playoff spot.

Hamilton had a bye last week following a surprise 31-28 Labour Day victory against Toronto in Week 13. The Ti-Cats sit last in the CFL with a 3-9 record and they look likely to miss the playoffs for a third straight season.

The RedBlacks opened as 4-point favourites to win on the CFL odds, with the total set at 51.0.

CFL Odds and Betting

Ottawa claimed victory in the first meeting between these teams this season, winning 24-22 at home in Week 4. The win snapped a 10-game losing streak in head-to-head action and it was the seventh time the total went Under in the last 10 matchups.

The RedBlacks have been the second-best team for bettors this season, going 8-4 against the spread. They’re a sparkling 6-0-1 straight up at home, but you might want to be cautious as they are just 2-2 SU on the road. While the total has gone Under in seven of the RedBlacks’ 12 games in 2024, the Over has hit in three of the last four.

It hasn’t paid off to bet Hamilton this season as they are a league-worst 4-8 ATS. The Ti-Cats snapped a four-game losing streak two weeks ago, but they’re still just 2-4 SU at home. The Over has hit in eight of Hamilton’s 12 games, including three of their last four.

The season series between these teams wraps up on October 25 in the final week of the regular season. That final game likely won’t affect either teams’ playoff status as the RedBlacks should have a playoff spot locked up and the Ti-Cats should officially be eliminated.

Ottawa RedBlacks

Ottawa’s defence put on a clinic last week against Toronto. The RedBlacks finished with four interceptions (including two pick-sixes) and six sacks. Damon Webb had both pick-sixes, his second and third interceptions of the season. The offence also did its part, with quarterback Dru Brown completing 30 of 40 pass attempts for 349 yards and a touchdown. Three receivers topped 50 yards, including Dominique Rhymes (138 yards) and Andre Miller (95 yards, TD).

This is obviously a huge game for Ottawa as it’s a chance to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2018. After going 14-54 over the previous four seasons and finishing last in the East Division in each of those years, the RedBlacks have had much better results in 2024, although they’re still an average team statistically. Ottawa ranks fourth in the CFL in both points (26.2) and total yards (378.2) per game. They’re also fifth in points allowed (25.8) and fourth in total yards allowed (371.6).

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell improved his career Labour Day record to a perfect 7-0 with Hamilton’s surprise Week 13 win over Toronto. Mitchell went 20-of-30 for 347 yards and two TDs. He currently leads the CFL in passing yards (3,383) and passing TDs (21), although he’s thrown the second-most interceptions (12). Tim White had a massive game, racking up 180 receiving yards and two TDs. Taulia Tagovailoa, brother of Miami Dolphins superstar Tua Tagovailoa, scored a rushing TD in his first career CFL game action.

Despite sitting dead last in the CFL standings, the Ti-Cats actually average the most total yards (404.1) and passing yards (322.8) per game in the CFL. Defence has been the big issue this season, as Hamilton ranks in the bottom half of the CFL in total yards allowed (381.4), rushing yards allowed (107.0) and points allowed (32.3) per game.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win RedBlacks vs. Tiger-Cats?