If the Ottawa Redblacks are able to go into Hamilton Saturday and defeat the Tiger-Cats, suddenly it’ll be a two-point difference between the final playoff spot and last place in the East — the two spots these teams currently occupy. Hamilton’s got a game in hand but at 4-5 on the season, they have been extremely disappointing. At 2-8, Saturday’s essentially Ottawa’s last hope at sneaking into the playoffs. Kickoff at Tim Hortons Field is set for 4 p.m. EST.

Hamilton is a heavy 14.5-point favourite to win on the CFL odds, with a total of 41.5.

CFL Odds and Betting

Sloppy offensive football has been a constant with Ottawa and Hamilton in 2021. The Tiger-Cats are seventh in the CFL with 19.9 points per game and eighth with 281 yards of net offence per game. Ottawa’s last in each category with 16.9 points per game and 266.7 yards of net offence.

Injuries have played roles in each offences’ lack of success. Ottawa’s got four offensive linemen on their six-game injured list, and also lost All-Star centre Alex Mateas (retirement) prior to the season. Hamilton’s had their fair share of offensive linemen injures too, along with extended periods of time without multiple quarterbacks and star receivers. As a result, Ottawa’s allowed the most sacks at 38 and Hamilton the second-most at 29.

Ottawa RedBlacks

Last week it was evident Ottawa was without several offensive linemen. They allowed 10 sacks during their loss versus Montreal, making life difficult for 23-year-old quarterback Caleb Evans. In four starts, Evans has still made the most of his opportunity with 1,003 yards and a much-needed spark of energy into Ottawa’s offence. Most importantly, Ottawa’s moving the football more consistently. That said, Evans has tossed seven interceptions already.

Going to Hamilton Saturday will be Evans’ biggest test yet. Although the Ti-Cats are 4-5, they’re second in the CFL in both yards per play against and points per game against. Look for Evans to continue finding Ryan Davis — the rookie’s had at least five catches and 65 yards in three of Evans’ four starts.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Tiger-Cats are in a rare spot, coming off a bye week after two straight home losses. Prior to the season, Hamilton’s win total was at double-digits in a 14-game season. Now twelve weeks in, the Tiger-Cats are under .500 and not in position to even host a playoff game.

The good news is Hamilton’s healthier and it showed in their last outing with 470 yards of offence. Reigning MOP Brandon Banks is the latest to return from injury, and quarterback Dane Evans is off the six-game injured list. It looks like it’ll be Jeremiah Masoli under centre, and he’ll feast on a mediocre Redblacks defence allowing 24 points a contest.

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