There are only two weeks left in the regular CFL season, and five out of the six playoff spots have been decided. Winnipeg, BC, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal will be in the playoffs.
For the final spot, both Saskatchewan and Hamilton are tied in the standings. The Ti-Cats are a heavy favorite this weekend, and the Roughriders are a small underdog.
Below, read about my best CFL bets for Week 20.
Kevin Davis’ Record (Tracked by BetStamp App): 45-43, +0.5% Return on Investment, +3.3% Closing Line Value
All CFL odds are current as of 10 a.m. ET, on Oct. 20, 2022, at the CFL sportsbooks listed.
Ottawa vs Hamilton Best Bet
Hamilton -5.5 (-110) at BetRivers Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 Units
Hamilton is a weird team. They won the East Division in each of the last two CFL seasons, only to lose to Winnipeg in the Grey Cup. This year, they have a 6-10 record, but they have been hot lately.
If you ignore their record and their -3.9 average scoring margin, based on personnel alone, they might be almost as good as the first-place Toronto Argonauts. They have a decent quarterback in Dane Evans, who has been banged up this season, and a strong defense that has also dealt with injuries.
The Redblacks are a different story. Ottawa hasn’t been good in ages and they recently fired their head coach Paul LaPolice. Even though they are playing better since they fired their head coach, I don’t know how they beat Hamilton in this spot.
The Tiger-Cats need to win this weekend to make the playoffs, and I don’t see how they don’t win big at home. I like Hamilton, and I would bet them up to a -5.5 spread.
BC vs Edmonton Best Bets
Edmonton +7 (-110) at BetRivers Sportsbook
Edmonton (+235) Moneyline at Caesars
WAGER: 0.75 Units Each
The closing line of the BC Lions vs Edmonton Elks game will depend on BC quarterback Nathan Rourke’s injury status.
Without question, Rourke has been the best player in the CFL this season, even if some people argue that Zach Collaros of Winnipeg has been better. In nine games this season, Rourke has 3,281 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 304 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns.
Rourke has been so good, that even though he has missed half the season, the Lions are in second place in the West Division because of him.
If he plays this weekend, BC wins, but I don’t think he plays because the playoffs start in two weeks.
That is why the Edmonton spread and moneyline is worth a shot. If Rourke doesn’t play, Edmonton should keep it close at home and potentially win. They are starting Tre Ford, who is their only decent quarterback, and it’s possible that he has a big game.
Toronto vs Montreal Best Bet
Under 47.5 Points (+102) at BetRivers Sportsbook
WAGER: .75 units
Who is going to win between Toronto and Montreal Saturday? If Toronto wins, they clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs. If Montreal wins, they can potentially get a first-round bye if Toronto loses next week and Montreal wins.
I can’t figure out who will win, but what I can figure out is that it should be a low-scoring game.
Both teams have strong defenses and average offenses. The Argos have a quarterback in McLeod Bethel-Thompson who is good at piling up passing yards but is interception prone. The Alouettes have a quarterback in Trevor Harris who is decent, but not electrifying.
A 47.5-point total is typical for the CFL, and I would take the Under up to 46 points.
Calgary vs Saskatchewan Best Bet
Calgary Moneyline -141 at BetRivers Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I love the Saskatchewan Roughriders even though I have never been to Saskatchewan. They are publicly owned, so I decided to pay the $250 Canadian to become a shareholder.
Despite my love for the Riders, I must concede that they suck.
Saskatchewan has struggled to beat anyone good, and their offense has been lackluster under Collaros. The Riders are going with backup Mason Fine this week, but Fine is anything but fine as a quarterback.
In what little action I have seen from Fine this season, he has been interception prone and not very aggressive as a passer.
Calgary on the other hand has seen its offense flourish since making Jake Maier the starting quarterback in late August. Outside of his last two starts, he has been one of the better quarterbacks in the CFL.
Against Fine and the Riders, Maier and the Stampeders should have a big game, and I would either take their moneyline up to -135 or the spread up to -3.
