The 2025 CFL season kicks off on Thursday night with a clash between the Ottawa Redblacks and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Betting Unders has been a profitable play in the first week of the CFL season for decades, and my Redblacks vs. Roughriders predictions expect this game to go below the total.
Here are my best free CFL picks for this Week 1 showdown on June 5, with kickoff at 9 p.m. ET.
Redblacks vs Roughriders prediction
My Redblacks pick: Under 49.5 (-110 at BET99)
With training camps opening just three weeks before the start of the season and massive roster turnover, there's often less time to build chemistry on offense. Since 2014, Unders have gone 25-15 in Week 1 of the CFL.
There's continuity with both of these offenses, and the passing games could be dynamic with Dru Brown and Trevor Harris at quarterback. That said, injuries on the offensive line for both sides will lead to issues against a pair of strong defensive fronts.
The Ottawa Redblacks will be missing tackle Zack Pelehos, center Peter Godber, and backup center Eric Starczala.
They'll have a tough time moving the ball against a stingy Saskatchewan Roughriders stop unit. The Riders' defense turned around last year with Corey Mace at the help, and they return many of the same faces while adding interior lineman Mike Rose.
Meanwhile, the Riders will be without All-Star center Sean McEwan and guard Phillipe Gagnon. They'll likely try to air it out against a suspect Redblacks secondary. However, the immobile 39-year-old Harris won't have time to throw with the pressure that Ottawa's front four brings.
Saskatchewan is also missing receiver Shawn Bane Jr., which gives Harris one less reliable pass-catcher.
Redblacks vs Roughriders same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 49.5
Roughriders Alt Spread -2.5
I'm reluctant to bet the Riders on the spread with the line shifting past that key number of 3. However, I'll gladly play the alternate spread at the opening line of -2.5 in this SGP.
Mosaic Stadium provides one of the best home-field advantages in the sport. The Riders are 3-1 SU and ATS in their last four games at home, and the one defeat during that span came in the final week of the regular season when they rested multiple starters.
This Riders squad has fewer holes than the Redblacks, who have a porous secondary. Saskatchewan should be able to pick up a few big plays downfield while its defense smothers Ottawa's ground game and forces turnovers.
Bet on the CFL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for football betting, join BET99 and get up to $800 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Redblacks vs Roughriders odds
Redblacks vs Roughriders live odds
Redblacks vs Roughriders opening odds
- Spread: Ottawa +2.5 | Saskatchewan -2.5
- Moneyline: Ottawa +115 | Saskatchewan -135
- Over/Under: Over 49.5 (-110) | Under 49.5 (-110)
How to watch Redblacks vs Roughriders and game info
| Location | Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field, Regina, SK |
| Date | Thursday, 6-5-2025 |
| Kick-off | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Redblacks vs Roughriders key injuries
Redblacks: Deandre Lamont DB (Questionable), Frankie Griffin LB (Questionable), Nick Mardner WR (Out), Zack Pelehos RT (Out), Peter Godber C (Out), Eric Starczala C (Out).
Roughriders: Jacob Brammer OL (Probable), CJ Avery LB (Questionable), Shawn Bane Jr. (Out), Sean McEwan C (Out), Phillipe Gagnon G (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Redblacks vs Roughriders weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
