The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have taken control of the East Division – but they have a road-heavy stretch on the horizon, beginning with Saturday’s encounter in Ottawa. The Tiger-Cats pulled out a 35-34 home triumph against B.C. last time out to improve to 5-0 at home – and they can only hope to replicate some of that success as they embark on a stretch of five road games in a six-game span. Ottawa is coming off an uninspiring 16-12 loss at Edmonton last time out.

CFL Odds and Betting

Ottawa opened as a four-point home underdog, which is understandable given the Redblacks’ ugly 1-3 home mark on the season. But the line has since dipped to Ottawa +2.5, perhaps due in part to the fact that the Tiger-Cats have not been a great recent road cover (1-4 ATS in their past five). Ottawa, on the other hand, has been sensational vs. the spread against divisional opponents, entering the weekend with a 5-1 ATS mark in their past six encounters.

The total has also seen measurable movement this week, dropping from a 52.5 open down to 49. Ottawa has gone a sizzling 13-6 to the under in its previous 19 games against the East – but the rest of the notable trends favour the over. Hamilton is 7-1 O/U in its past eight road games, and has gone above the number in nine of its last 11 against divisional opponents. In addition, the last eight meetings in Ottawa have finished over the total.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

How the Tiger-Cats fare during this wild stretch of road games could depend largely on the health of their No. 1 receiver. Brandon Banks returned from a one-game absence due to turf toe and was simply sensational in the win over the Lions, hauling in nine catches for 137 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But the 31-year-old’s toe injury is likely to be an impediment throughout the rest of the season, and he might have to miss more time as a result.

Ottawa RedBlacks

How desperate are the banged-up Redblacks? They’re bringing in a 38-year-old to help with kick and punt return duties. Stefan Logan will join the team roughly a month after being cut by the Montreal Alouettes, and should see some action Saturday with regular punt and kick returners Rafael Araujo-Lopes and DeVonte Dedmon both dealing with injuries. That wasn’t the only notable roster move, with Ottawa also releasing starting wideout Julian Feoli-Gudino.