Quarterback injuries have run rampant through the CFL this season, and the Ottawa Redblacks are the latest victim.
Now Ottawa has to travel to McMahon Stadium in Calgary to take on the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (TSN/RDS, CFL+) as a 3.5-point underdog across our best sportsbooks in Canada.
Despite being down starting QB Dru Brown, Ottawa has shorter Grey Cup odds than Calgary for a reason as we breakdown why it can still make this game competitive in our Redblacks vs. Stampeders prediction.
Redblacks vs. Stampeders odds
Redblacks vs. Stampeders odds via Betway as of Wednesday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
| Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stampeders | -175 | -3.5 (-111) | Over: 49.5 (-111) |
| Redblacks | +145 | +3.5 (-111) | Under: 49.5 (-111) |
Redblacks vs. Stampeders prediction:
CFL picks confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.
Redblacks +3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
If Brown was suiting up for this game, Ottawa would likely be closer to a 1.5 to two-point underdog on the road. But even without him, I think this Redblacks roster is strong enough to keep this one close – remember, Ottawa beat Calgary 33-6 with Brown two weeks ago.
It’s not as if Brown has been a CFL Most Outstanding Player odds favorite all season or anything. He’s been a steady hand behind center but has only thrown for the eighth-most touchdowns in the league (6) and sixth-most passing yards (1,936).
Bob Dyce’s team is built on a ground and pound approach, its feisty defense, and superb special teams. Leading the charge on offense has been former NFL running back Ryquell Armstead.
Known as “The Rock,” his bruising style has perfectly fit this team and he’s fifth in the league in rushing yards (427). And with Dustin Crum getting the start with Brown out, we can expect plenty of QB runs – Crum has 880 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs the last two seasons.
That’s going to be tough to stop for a Stampeders defense that allows the second-most yards on the ground in the league (104.7) and the most yards per carry (6.2).
Defensively, the Redblacks are among the best in the league. They allow the third-fewest rushing yards (80.8), passing yards (263.2), points per game (23.6), and the second-fewest total yards per game (344).
While Jake Maier has been solid at QB for Dave Dickenson, Calgary puts up the fourth-fewest total yards per game (365.4) and the second-least points per game (24.1).
If the Redblacks can cover and lose by a field goal or less, a $10 bet pays a $9.01 profit.
Odds: -111 via Betway | Implied probability: 52.63%
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Redblacks vs. Stampeders game info
- When: Thursday, Aug. 14 (9 p.m. ET)
- Where: McMahon Stadium (Calgary, Alberta)
- How to watch: TSN/RDS, CFL+
- Weather: 66 degrees, 10-mph winds, 30% chance of precipitation
- Favorite: Stampeders -3.5 (-111 via Betway)
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