Week 9 in the CFL kicks off on Thursday night in the nation's capital, where the Ottawa Redblacks host the Calgary Stampeders.
The home side is expected to win after Calgary ruled out quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., but my Stampeders vs. Redblacks predictions think this Stamps defense is being undervalued. Here are my best free CFL picks for this clash on July 31.
Stampeders vs Redblacks prediction
My Stampeders vs Redblacks pick: Redblacks team total Under 27 (-115 at Bet99)
Early reports indicated that Calgary Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. would be good to go despite exiting last week with a head injury. However, the MOP candidate has been ruled out and will be replaced by P.J. Walker.
That news caused the spread to swing by nine points from the opening line, shifting the Ottawa Redblacks from 4.5-point underdogs to 4.5-point favourites.
Walker struggled in relief last week, leading the Stamps to just one first down in four drives. That said, this line movement seems like an overreaction, especially since Walker has NFL credentials and should be better after taking first-team reps in practice this week.
I'm looking to fade Ottawa and targeting the team total, which moved from 24.5 to 27. The Redblacks are last in the league in points per game (21.1) and yards per play (6.15). And even with a healthy Dru Brown at QB, they've struggled to finish drives.
The Redblacks have scored more than 26 points just once this year. That was against the worst defense in the CFL in the Elks, and now they face the best in the Stampeders. Calgary has allowed the fewest ppg (19.1), yards per pass (7.15), and big plays (10), while forcing a league-high 20 turnovers.
As long as the Stamps offense doesn't give Ottawa favourable field positioning with two-and-outs and turnovers, their defense should limit them below their inflated team total.
Stampeders vs Redblacks same-game parlay (SGP)
Redblacks team total Under 27.5
Redblacks moneyline
Expect a smoother performance from Walker than his relief appearance last Thursday. That said, the ceiling of Calgary's offense is capped by a depleted WR corps that just added standout rookie Damian Alford to an IL already including Reggie Begelton, Jalen Philpot, and Clark Barnes.
This is also a tough scheduling spot for the Stamps, who — for the third time in the last 20 days — are playing on the road against an opponent fresh off a bye. I'm betting on their stingy defense to continue playing well, but I doubt they pull off the upset.
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Stampeders vs Redblacks odds
Stampeders vs Redblacks live odds
Stampeders vs Redblacks opening odds
- Spread: Calgary -4.5 (-115) | Ottawa +4.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Calgary -230 | Ottawa +190
- Over/Under: Over 52.5 | Under 52.5
Stampeders vs Redblacks trend
The Redblacks are 2-5 O/U to their team total this year, while the Stamps have held all seven of their foes to below their team total.
How to watch Stampeders vs Redblacks and game info
| Location | TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON |
| Date | Thursday, 7-31-2025 |
| Kick-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Stampeders vs Redblacks key injuries
Stampeders: Adrian Green DB (Questionable), Vernon Adams Jr. QB (Out), Damien Alford WR (Out), Jalen Philpot WR (Out), Reggie Begelton WR (Out), Clark Barnes WR (Out), Bryce Bell C (Out), Tyler Richardson DB (Out).
Redblacks: Zack Pelehos RT (Questionable), DeVonte Dedmon WR/KR (Out), Eric Starczala C (Out), Cleyon Laing DT (Out), Adrian Frye DB (Out).
Stampeders vs Redblacks weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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