Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks Prediction, Expert Picks & Odds: Dreadful Defense Should Lead to Points
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are traveling to the capital to face off against the Ottawa Redblacks, and we have our top predictions for the game based on the latest CFL odds.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3) have had a tough beginning to the season, being the only winless team in the East. However, they have a chance to turn things around when they face the Ottawa Redblacks (1-1) this week, a team that recently surrendered 47 points to the Montreal Alouettes.
Although neither team appears to be a top contender based on Grey Cup odds, fans can expect an exciting game on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET (TSN/RDS, CFL+). Ottawa is favored by 1 point at home, but Bo Levi Mitchell is still considered a strong candidate for CFL Most Outstanding Player due to Hamilton’s dynamic passing offense.
Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks prediction
Over 51.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What occurs when you have two of the CFL’s weakest defenses playing against each other? Hopefully, there will be many points scored.
The offenses of Ottawa and Hamilton have shown potential, but the real reason to bet the Over in this game is the struggles of both teams’ defenses. Hamilton is giving up the most points per game in the CFL at 33.7, while Ottawa is close behind in second place with 33 points allowed per game.
Hamilton should be able to exploit Ottawa’s defense offensively. The Ti-Cats’ lack of wins cannot be attributed to their offense, as they rank second in the league in yards per game (400.7). While Mitchell may not be the same quarterback he once was when he won multiple Grey Cup MVPs at 34, he still has the ability to throw the ball effectively.
Shemar Bridges, the former Calgary Stampeders quarterback, is currently ranked third in the league for passing yards with 975. He is just one touchdown pass away from being tied for the lead. Bridges’ impressive start in his first season in Canada has allowed him to showcase his skills and perform at a high level reminiscent of his earlier days in the league.
Former Baltimore Raven is currently leading the Tiger-Cats in receiving yards with 270, ranking him fifth in the CFL. Canadian wide receiver Kiondre Smith seems to be on track for his best season in Hamilton as well, having already accumulated 208 yards in just three games.
Not to mention Tim White, who has surpassed 1,200 yards in each of the past two seasons, and Steven Dunbar, who also exceeded 1,000 yards for Hamilton in 2022. Mitchell is surrounded by talented playmakers like running back James Butler, although he might be sidelined due to a head injury.
Even in the absence of Butler, the key to defeating Ottawa is by utilizing the passing game. The Redblacks are currently giving up the second-highest amount of passing yards per game in the CFL (339.5) and allowed 393 yards to Cody Fajardo in their previous game.
Can Ottawa score enough?
The Redblacks’ offense has appeared unsteady under the leadership of new QB Dru Brown. However, it faced tough competition in its first two games of the season against the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, last year’s Grey Cup teams.
Brown should have an easier time getting into a rhythm in this game. Hamilton’s defense has been struggling, allowing an average of 286.7 passing yards per game and the second-highest quarterback rating of 112.4.
Although Brown, the ex-Bombers reserve, lacks experience, this game is ideal for him to gain some. He has a talented team to support him and exploit Hamilton’s weaknesses.
Justin Hardy, a former NFL wide receiver, had a strong season last year with over 1,000 receiving yards in the capital. He currently ranks seventh in the league in receiving yards with 254, despite playing fewer games than any other player in the top 19. Additionally, both Bralon Addison and Jaelon Acklin are experienced and reliable veterans.
One of the biggest advantages for the Redblacks in 2024 has been the addition of RB Ryquell Armstead. In his first CFL season after playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Armstead has shown potential to become an All-Star.
Because of his aggressive running style, he has been given the nickname “Rock” and is expected to deliver hard hits to the Tiger-Cats’ defensive line.
These odds suggest a 52.61% chance of the Over hitting, with a potential $19.01 payout on a $10 bet.
Top odds: -111 offered by Betway
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Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks first team to score
Tiger-Cats (-111)
This is an excellent opportunity. Typically, this market is heavily in favor of one team. However, we are receiving favorable odds on the stronger offense to score first in this evenly matched game. The Tiger-Cats not only gain more yards than the Redblacks, but they also score more points.
Given Mitchell’s eagerness to advance the ball downfield and the team’s four talented receivers, it wouldn’t be shocking if Hamilton scores on their first possession. What matters most is putting points on the board, regardless of how they come. Hamilton is poised to have a better opportunity for a long-range field goal, as Marc Liegghio has a successful track record kicking from 40 yards or more, unlike Ottawa who has yet to give Lewis Ward a chance at a 40-plus-yard kick.
Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks odds
As of 1:20 p.m. ET on Friday, the odds for the Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks game are available on Betway.
| Teams | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redblacks | -120 | -1 (-111) | Over: 51.5 (-111) |
| Tiger-Cats | +100 | +1 (-111) | Under: 51.5 (-111) |
The spread for this game is hard to dispute. With the two weakest teams in the East facing off, the home team is only a 1-point favorite, making it essentially a pick’em. While I am hesitant to bet on the spread due to the unpredictability of these teams, I would slightly lean towards taking Hamilton +1. The Tiger-Cats have shown flashes of a strong offense, but they have yet to cover the spread in three games this season, while Ottawa has covered it once in two games.
I believe that these defenses will falter once again, resulting in the Over hitting. Even though the total may seem high, the Tiger-Cats have consistently allowed 32 or more points in every game this season, and the Redblacks surrendered 47 points just last week.
Hamilton consistently falls short of covering the spread, but they have been successful in hitting the Over. The Tiger-Cats have a perfect 3-0 record in betting the Over this season.
Tiger-Cats vs. Redblacks game info
- When: Sunday, June 30 (7 p.m. ET)
- Where: TD Place (Ottawa, Ont.)
- How to watch: TSN/RDS, CFL+
- Weather: 66 degrees, 11-mph winds, 20% chance of precipitation
- Favorite: Redblacks -1 (-111 via Betway)
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