The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are the hottest team in the Canadian Football League, winners of five in a row and leaders of the East Division by five games with a 14-3 record. Next best in the division is Montreal, at 9-8, and then behind the Alouettes are Toronto (4-13) and Ottawa (3-14), losers of ten games in a row. In the West Division, things are starting to separate slightly. Saskatchewan leads the division with a 12-5 record, a game ahead of Calgary (11-6) and 1 ½ games ahead of Winnipeg (11-7). Edmonton is in fourth place, at 8-9, while British Columbia sits at 5-12.
If the season ended today, Hamilton and Saskatchewan would have first-round byes and host a game in the second round. Montreal, as the second place team in the East, would normally host Toronto, but the fourth-place team in the West (Edmonton) has a better record than Toronto, so the Eskimos would visit Montreal. Calgary, the second-place team in the West, would host third-place Winnipeg in the first round as well. While the playoff qualifiers are basically set in the CFL, seedings in the West are still in play. Here is your sports betting preview for CFL Week 21 action.
2019 CFL Week 21 Odds, Preview & Picks
For the last time of the regular season, our writers lock in their picks. pic.twitter.com/4CIgSehdJb
— CFL (@CFL) November 1, 2019
- Bye: Winnipeg
- Live Stream: CFL.ca
Friday, November 1
Montreal at Ottawa
- When: 7:00pm ET
- CFL Week 21 Odds: Montreal -9, O/U 51
Montreal has clinched a spot in the playoffs that begin next week, but they face an Ottawa team that has fallen off the table. Montreal had Matt Shiltz, Vernon Adams Jr and Jake Wieneke all at quarterback last week, so it will be interesting to see who starts as the Alouettes prepare for the playoffs. Tailback Jeremiah Johnson had a solid day, running 16 times for 105 yards, but the Alouettes still lost to Hamilton, 38-26.
Ottawa lost to Toronto — the other East Division basement dweller — by a 39-9 score last week. Greg Morris was only able to run for 32 yards in the loss, and Wil Arndt threw for just 194 yards and a score. The real problems for the Redblacks come on defense, though, as effort has become a real problem.
Final Score Prediction: Montreal 24, Ottawa 10
Saturday, November 2
Edmonton at Saskatchewan
- When: 4:00pm ET
- CFL Week 21 Odds: Saskatchewan -9, O/U 47.5
The Eskimos visit Saskatchewan for the other end of their home-and-home series to wrap up the season. Last week, Saskatchewan edged the Eskimos, 27-24. Quarterback Trevor Harris had a touchdown pass for Edmonton but also threw a pair of interceptions. Saskatchewan picked up 515 yards of offense on the day, so Edmonton’s defense needs different answers this time.
For the Roughriders, quarterback Cody Fajardo went 25 for 35 for 429 yards and a pair of touchdowns. His top target was Shaq Evans, with six catches for 174 yards. However, Saskatchewan’s defense also struggled, allowing 403 total yards despite ten tackles and a pick from defensive back L.J. McCray. I see Saskatchewan winning again behind another big day from Fajardo.
Final Score Prediction: Saskatchewan 30, Edmonton 20
Toronto at Hamilton
- When: 7:00pm ET
- CFL Week 21 Odds: Hamilton -12
Toronto won last week against Ottawa, as three quarterbacks combined for over 300 yards of passing and five scores. A.J. Ouellette was the top running back with 11 carries for 69 yards. Armanti Edwards caught six passes for 126 yards and a score, and Ouellette caught five passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. Nakas Onyeka had five tackles and two sacks on the game.
The Argonauts, eliminated from the postseason, travel to Hamilton, who is guaranteed a bye in the first round, so the Tiger-Cats may rest some players. Last week, Hamilton beat Montreal by a dozen, as Dane Evans went 29 for 36 for 379 yards, for scores and a pick. Brandon Banks was the top receiver with 11 catches for 201 yards and three touchdowns. You’ll want to check the latest updates to see who Hamilton is resting before locking in your wager. But if everyone starts…
Final Score Prediction: Hamilton 41, Toronto 16
Calgary at British Columbia
- When: 10:00pm ET
- CFL Week 21 Odds: Calgary -7, O/U 47
Calgary looks to finish their season on a winning note after losing at Winnipeg last week, 29-28. Bo Levi Mitchell had a tremendous game for the Stampeders, going 31 for 43 for 350 yards and four scores. The problems came on defense, as the Blue Bombers were permitted 29 points. Linebacker Nate Holley had five tackles and a pick for Calgary.
British Columbia lost at home to Saskatchewan their last time out, 27-19. Danny O’Brien went just 16 for 25 for 171 yards, a score and a pick. Saskatchewan basically had their way with the BC defense, rumbling for 355 yards. Defensive back Crezdon Butler had four tackles and forced a fumble, but the Lions are 0-9 against West Division competition. Calgary needs to win to avoid a road game in the playoffs, so I see the Stampeders winning.
Final Score Prediction: Calgary 30, BC 16
