Week 13’s CFL slate begins with the one and final meeting of the season between the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Redblacks. Sorry Ottawa, but at 2-9 the Redblacks are all but eliminated from playoff contention, so we can rule out that Grey Cup aspiration and get the 2022 auditions started early. This means Devlin Hodges could get his first start under centre, or Ottawa could continue to roll with Caleb Evans who is experiencing major growing pains.

For Calgary, picking up a win Friday is crucial as they’re situated in a log-jammed West Division. At 5-6 the Stamps are both a game out of a home playoff game, or missing the playoffs entirely.  Kickoff at TD Place goes at 7 p.m. EST.

Calgary is an 11-point favourite to win on the CFL odds, with a total of 42.5.

CFL Odds and Betting

Quarterback play has been an issue for both teams this season, and that’s whether Stamps fans want to hear it or not. It’s factored in to both teams going 7-4 to the under this season. So if you’re a fan of interceptions, you’re in for a treat Friday evening. Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is the only player this season with double-digit interceptions (13) while Evans, Ottawa’s presumable starter, leads the CFL with a 7.3 per cent interception rate on 124 pass attempts.

Calgary’s defence is playing very well as of late which makes an offensive shootout in this contest even less likely. The Stamps are in the top three in the CFL in opponents’ points allowed and touchdowns. Ottawa’s the only offence without double-digit touchdowns this year.

Calgary Stampeders

With Mitchell’s struggles the Stamps have been riding running back Ka’Deem Carey who’s eclipsed 60 rushing yards in four straight weeks. Ottawa’s run defence gives up a league-worst 116 a game so don’t rule out triple-digit yardage for Carey.

On defence cornerback Tre Roberson is set to make his 2021 debut after an NFL stint. Roberson had seven interceptions during the 2019 CFL season and is an elite playmaker in the defensive backfield. Calgary’s sixth in the CFL with 16 takeaways, so Roberson’s addition is welcome.

Ottawa RedBlacks

With three points of offence in just under three quarters last Saturday at Hamilton, Paul LaPolice elected to pull Evans under centre and insert Hodges. Evans was 12 of 15 for 138 yards at the time but made two costly turnovers. Hodges then went eight of 16 for 49 yards and one interception. Expect Evans to continue to start for the Redblacks, but both to see playing time.

Want to know how rough this season has been for Ottawa? They’re last in all of points for, offensive points for, touchdowns, and offensive touchdowns. And then it’s the same on defence.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Stampeders vs. RedBlacks?