Who needs College Football on Saturday when we have a CFL triple-header? With an exciting game Friday night between BC and Montreal to complement the Saturday slate, bettors have many opportunities to find value.
On Tuesday afternoon, FanDuel opened up CFL odds. As the week progresses, more books will follow.
Outside of Toronto vs Ottawa, most of the betting lines should barely move until game day. Of the eight teams playing this weekend, Edmonton is the only team without a shot at making the playoffs.
Below, read about my best CFL bets for Week 14.
Kevin Davis’ Record (Tracked by BetStamp App): 31-30, -1.3% Return on Investment, +3.4% Closing Line Value
All CFL odds are current as of noon ET on Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the CFL sportsbooks listed.
BC vs Montreal Best Bet
Under 53.5 Points (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 units
Montreal +3.5 (-105) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The BC Lions are a 3.5-point favorite on the road against a Montreal Alouettes team that has only a one-game lead for the second playoff slot in the East Division. In this game, I like the Under and the Montreal spread.
The Lions’ blueprint this season has been a strong offensive run by quarterback Nathan Rourke and a suffocating defense. Since Rourke’s foot injury, BC’s offense is not as dominant, but the defense is still delivering.
In BC’s last game against Saskatchewan, which was the first full game without Rourke, BC started Michael O’Connor. After struggling, the Lions benched O’Conner and replaced him with Antonio Pipkin, who also struggled.
The running game didn’t help BC either as they rushed for only 45 yards.
I don’t know who is going to start at quarterback for BC this week, and I don’t care, because whoever plays will have a hard time lighting up the scoreboard.
Montreal isn’t that strong of a team this season but can hang with some tough teams. With a tenuous playoff lead, they need to win this week.
I would bet the Under up to 50.5 points and Montreal up to +2.5 this week.
Toronto vs Ottawa Best Bet
Toronto Moneyline (-120) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 units
Toronto is the only team in the East Division with a winning record, and Ottawa, with a 3-8 record, is only one game out of the playoffs. Both teams face each other in Ottawa this weekend, and the Argonauts opened as only a one-point favorite.
The Argos have been on a roll lately. They won their last two games both against Hamilton by 17 and 20 points, respectively. Before that, they lost to a Grey Cup-contending Calgary Stampeders team by only three points.
With a strong defense, their key to winning is through an inconsistent Mcleod Bethel-Thompson at quarterback. Bethel-Thompson is great at being aggressive, but his Achilles heel is his propensity for throwing interceptions.
Fortunately for Toronto, Ottawa’s passing defense has the fewest interceptions in the CFL and allows the second-most yards per pass. With a weak Redblacks offense, Toronto should win straight up and you should feel comfortable taking them up to -3 to cover the spread.
Saskatchewan vs Winnipeg Best Bet
Saskatchewan +6.5 (-105) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
Last week, Saskatchewan hosted Winnipeg, and they narrowly lost a game that they should have won. Saskatchewan was down 20-18 with 2 minutes left at the Winnipeg 14-yard line when Cody Fajardo threw an interception.
This week in the rematch, Saskatchewan should keep the game close and potentially win on the road in Winnipeg.
Both the Roughriders and Blue Bombers have strong defenses. Offensively, Winnipeg is the better team but winning by a touchdown is a tall order for them.
Even though the Bombers have an 11-1 record, they have an average scoring margin of only +7.4 points. While impressive, a team that wins 91.7% of their games like Winnipeg should win by more than a touchdown each game.
Saskatchewan has a 6-6 record and is a marginal playoff team. With a tough West Division schedule, the Riders need to start winning tough games to make the playoffs as a crossover team.
It will be a low-scoring defensive game Saturday, but Saskatchewan has a chance to win. I would bet their spread up to +5.5 points in this game.
Calgary vs Edmonton Best Bet
Under 50.5 Points (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: .5 units
In a rivalry between the two Alberta CFL teams, the Edmonton Elks host the Calgary Stampeders. Last week, both teams played each other, and it was an ugly game.
Despite being favored by nearly two touchdowns, the Elks led Calgary 8-7 at halftime. Then, in true Edmonton fashion, they lost the second half 19-10, but still covered a +12.5 spread.
This week in the rematch, I have no clue what the best side to take is. Calgary should cover on the road as a 7.5-point favorite, but I am reluctant to back their spread as most CFL games are decided by a touchdown or less and because of their lackluster performance last week.
Instead, I am going with the Under at 50.5 points. Calgary has a strong defense and some growing pains with their new quarterback Jake Maier. Edmonton has an awful offense and defense.
It will be a sweat, but if Calgary jumps to a large lead, I see them relying on their strong running game to end the game. With scoring down the last two years in the CFL, 50.5 points is a high bar to reach. I like the Under up to 49 points.
