Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game #18
Visiting Team: Ottawa Redblacks (4-13, 4th in East Division)
Home Team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-7, T-1st in the East Division
Date and Time: Friday, October 24th at 7 pm EDT
Where to Watch: In Canada, TSN/RDS In US and International, CFL+
DraftKings Betting Line: Ottawa Redblacks (+15.5), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-15.5), O/U 53.5 points
Week 21 is decisive for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-7), who can secure the top seed in the East Division with a win over the Ottawa Redblacks (4-13). This matchup not only determines playoff positioning but also represents Hamilton’s last major obstacle on the path to their first Grey Cup since 1999. The Redblacks, meanwhile, hope to end a tough season with an upset.
During Week 19, the Tiger-Cats missed the opportunity to clinch the top seed in the East Division with a win. The Tiger-Cats missed a chance to clinch the top seed in the East Division by losing 37-20 to the Calgary Stampeders in Week 19. This defeat allowed the Montreal Alouettes, who beat Ottawa in consecutive weeks, to draw even with Hamilton in the standings and a bye week for the first round of the playoffs. So while the Ottawa Redblacks are simply trying to play out their season, the Tiger-Cats need to approach this game as if it were a playoff game. That means the Tiger-Cats need to come off their bye week looking polished on the offensive side of the ball and prevent an Ottawa Redblacks team from having the opportunity to spoil the Tiger-Cats’ championship opportunity.
This week’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks game will determine if Hamilton claims the East’s top spot and a crucial playoff bye.
The CFL Injury Report for Week 21 highlights the significant impact of injuries, as the Redblacks have struggled to a 4-win season so far. This week, the Redblacks have ruled out defensive backs Bennett Williams (knee), Charlie Ringland (quad), Alonzo Addae (triceps), linebacker Les Maruo (knee), defensive linemen Chase McGowan (calf) and Kene Onyeka (hamstring), and offensive linemen Daniel Okpoko (knee) and Eric Starczala (head). In addition, Redblacks quarterbacks Dru Brown (knee) and Dustin Crum (head) are listed as questionable, along with defensive back Robert Priester (load management). On the other hand, the Tiger-Cats roster is the most healthy that it has been in several weeks, with only defensive back Lawrence Woods III (shoulder) listed as out for this week’s game.
Ottawa Redblacks Depth Chart
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Depth Chart
Key to Victory #1: Exploit Ottawa’s Offensive Line
Throughout the 2025 season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ defensive front seven has played exceptionally well when pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Hamilton’s defensive line has recorded 35 quarterback sacks this season, including 11 sacks by Julian Howsare. In contrast, the Tiger-Cats’ defensive line has struggled against opposing running games, allowing Hamilton’s opponents to control the tempo of the games throughout the season. This week, the Tiger-Cats’ defensive line faces a Redblacks line decimated by the battle of attrition this season. If Hamilton is a legitimate championship contender, it will need to dominate the line of scrimmage against the Redblacks’ offensive line.
Key to Victory #2: Double-Cover WR Eugene Lewis
One bright spot for the Ottawa Redblacks this season has been the outstanding play of wide receiver Eugene Lewis. Lewis has established himself as one of, if not the best, American wide receiver in the CFL. This season, Lewis has caught 74 passes for 1000 receiving yards and six touchdowns despite the Redblacks having a revolving door at the quarterback position due to injuries throughout the season. This week, the Tiger-Cats’ defensive secondary must commit to shutting down Lewis by pairing a low and a high defender on the Redblacks’ top offensive playmaker. In addition to double-teaming Lewis, the Tiger-Cats will need to tighten down their pass coverage against the other Ottawa receivers.
Key to Victory #3: Establish the Run Game vs. Ottawa
The Tiger-Cats have had a season marked by both winning and losing streaks. Early in the season, the Tiger-Cats put together a six-game winning streak, along with another two-game winning streak. However, the Tiger-Cats also experienced multiple losing streaks this season, and the difference between winning and losing has not necessarily depended on the Tiger-Cats’ passing game. When the Tiger-Cats have produced over 100 rushing yards in a game, they are undefeated this season. In the games where Hamilton has lost, they have failed to establish their running game. With that in mind, it is imperative that the Tiger-Cats establish their running game with Greg Bell early and often against Ottawa.
Key to Victory #4: Play with Discipline
Another area where the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have struggled this season is with penalties. Throughout the season, the Tiger-Cats have found themselves in compromised positions due to penalties. This is an area where the Tiger-Cats need to have the most growth heading into the post-season. When Hamilton is given the task of facing some of the top teams in the CFL, it cannot afford to consistently put itself at a disadvantage due to undisciplined plays and poor decisions.
Key to Victory #5: Maintain Leverage Defensively
The next area where the Tiger-Cats need to win when facing the Ottawa Redblacks is their ability to understand and utilize defensive leverage effectively as a strength against Ottawa. Making one-on-one tackles in space can be a difficult proposition in the CFL, and the best defensive teams in the CFL understand how to work together to contain their opponents’ offensive weapons. Hamilton’s defensive front seven and secondary have struggled with leverage during the games when they were unable to get stops against the CFL’s top offensive units. This is an area where the Tiger-Cats need to be dominant against Ottawa.
Game Prediction:
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 30, Ottawa Redblacks 24
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