The Toronto Argonauts wrap up an incredible season on Saturday against the Ottawa Redblacks. With a victory the Argos would tie the CFL record for the most regular season wins but they have little else to play for since they clinched a first-round bye more than a month ago.
Likewise, the Redblacks are playing for nothing but pride since they are doomed to finish at the bottom of the division for the fourth straight season. CFL odds opened with the Redblacks as 0.5-point home favourites with the O/U at 48.5 for this Week 21 showdown. Here are my best free CFL picks and predictions for Argonauts vs. Redblacks on October 28.
Argonauts vs Redblacks best odds
Argonauts vs Redblacks picks and predictions
The Toronto Argonauts will rest star quarterback Chad Kelly with backup Cameron Dukes making his second career start. Dukes played extremely when he started in Week 17 and also replaced Kelly in the fourth quarter last week completing 10 of 15 passes for 113 yards to spark a comeback victory.
While Dukes is a promising backup he won't have Toronto's three best receivers with DaVaris Daniels, Damonte Coxie, and Kurleigh Gittens Jr all ruled out. The Argos are also resting 1,000-yard rusher A.J. Ouellette and left tackle Trevon Tate.
That means that we should see a far less explosive Argonauts offense than the one we are used to. Especially since it appears that third-string QB Bryan Scott will get some burn as well.
Scott has struggled to stick around in even a backup role at this level and he went 0-4 when he replaced Dukes in that previously mentioned Week 17 contest against the Bombers. While the Argos offense might not be as dominant as usual, their defense is loaded with depth and the majority of their stacked front seven will suit up.
Toronto has racked up a league-leading 65 sacks with an incredible eight players racking up five or more. That kind of depth on the defensive line is practically unheard of and regardless of how they rotate players up front, they'll put pressure on Ottawa's quarterback.
The Redblacks have the lowest-graded offensive line in the league according to PFF. That unit became even worse after All-Star guard Drew Desjarlais wound up on the IL and right tackle is a mess as well with starter Dontae Bull injured and backup Zack Pelehos a game-time decision.
The Argos are missing a few key starters in their secondary but Ottawa doesn't have the weapons to exploit that and their quarterbacks won't have enough time to find open receivers. Take the Under in what could be a snoozer here.
My best bet: Under 48.5 (-105 at Bet99)
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Argonauts vs Redblacks spread and Over/Under analysis
Oddsmakers didn't release lines for this Saturday game until both teams had released their depth charts on Friday evening. The Redblacks opened as slim 0.5-point home faves with the O/U at 48.5.
The Argos have been an absolute juggernaut this season going 15-2 SU and 12-5 ATS with an average scoring margin of +11.2 points per game. That said, both defeats this year came in games where Kelly was given the night off or exited early with an injury so his absence might cost them this one.
There was a lot of excitement in Ottawa after rookie QB Dustin Crum led the Redblacks to back-to-back upset wins in Weeks 6 and 7. That excitement was short lived however since their terrible defense and lack of playmakers on offense has resulted in them going just 1-9 SU and 3-7 ATS over their last 10 games.
While the Argos have nothing to play for in this contest and will try to avoid injuries, the Redblacks might also have a tough time finding motivation. They are coming off a bye and getting back mental focus for a meaningless season finale in another losing season can be tough, especially for American players eager to head home.
Argonauts vs Redblacks trend to know
The RedBlacks are 6-16 ATS in their last 22 games against a team with a winning record. Find more CFL betting trends for Argonauts vs. Redblacks.
Argonauts vs Redblacks game info
| Location: | TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, October 28, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Argonauts vs Redblacks key injuries
Argonauts : A.J. Ouellette RB (Out), Andrew Harris RB (Out), Kurleigh Gittens Jr. WR (Out), DaVaris Daniels WR (Out), Damonte Coxie (Out), Dewayne Hendrix DT (Out), Wynton McManis LB (Out), Robertson Daniel HB (Out), Qwan'tez Stiggers CB (Out), Tarvarus McFadden DB (Out), DaShaun Amos DB (Out), Henoc Muamba LB (Out).
Redblacks: Zack Pelehos RT (Questionable), Dontae Bull RT (Out), Drew Desjarlais LG (Out), Brandin Dandridge DB (Out), Deandre Lamont DB (Out), Sherrod Baltimore DB (Out), Cariel Brooks DB (Out), Abdul Kanneh DB (Out), DeVonte Dedmon WR/KR (Out), Jeremiah Masoli QB (Out), Tyrie Adams QB (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
