Depth Charts, Keys to Victory, and Predictions

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game #5

Visiting Team: Ottawa Redblacks (1-4, T-3rd in the East division)

Home Team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2, 2nd in the East division)

Date and Time: Saturday, July 12th at 7 pm EST

Location: Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton, Ontario

Where to Watch: In Canada, TSN/RDS/CTV In the US and International, CFL +

DraftKings Betting Line: Ottawa Redblacks (+5.5), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-5.5), O/U 55.5 points

The race to the top of the standings in the CFL East division is heating up early this season. Recently, the once-dominant Montreal Alouettes have lost two games in a row, and at the same time, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have won back-to-back games. This week, the Tiger-Cats are in a prime position to pull into a tie with Montreal for the top spot in the East if they can win their third game in a row.

To accomplish that feat, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2) will need to continue their two-game hot streak against an Ottawa Redblacks (1-4) team that is struggling with a large number of injuries. Last week, the Tiger-Cats pulled themselves into 2nd place in the East by picking up a big win in the Battle of the QEW against the Toronto Argonauts. On the other hand, the Ottawa Redblacks come into this game still wincing from a loss that allowed the Edmonton Elks to win their first game of the 2025 season.

Offensively, the Tiger-Cats and the Redblacks are two of the top teams in the CFL when it comes to passing proficiency, with quarterbacks Dru Brown and Bo Levi Mitchell both having outstanding performances this season. In addition to both teams passing the ball well, there is an element of familiarity with Redblacks offensive coordinator Tommy Condell, who had spent several years as the Tiger-Cats offensive coordinator under former Hamilton head coach Orlondo Steinauer. While both teams have passed the ball well on the offensive side of the ball, the Redblacks have struggled with turnovers and mistakes on special teams.

In the CFL, familiarity breeds resentment, and that would describe this matchup very well due to many former Tiger-Cats being on the current Redblacks roster. The outcome of this game will be determined by each team’s running game, forcing turnovers on the defensive side of the ball, and executing well during all aspects of special teams play. Along with the prior relationships between Hamilton and Ottawa players and coaches, this game is vital for both teams as they try to overtake the Alouettes and set themselves up for a post-season run during the second half of the season.

The Redblacks and Tiger-Cats come into this game with vastly different injury situations. Ottawa has ruled 14 players out for this game, similar to the Toronto Argonauts last week, which fell to the Tiger-Cats, partially because of a large number of injuries. Conversely, the Tiger-Cats will be missing five players officially, and running back Greg Bell will also be out after being ruled questionable and removed from the Tiger-Cats’ depth chart for this week.

Ottawa Redblacks Depth Chart

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Depth Chart

Key to Victory #1: Protect the Passer

During the Tiger-Cats’ 2-2 start this season, Hamilton quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has played great football, accumulating over 1,200 passing yards and nine touchdown passes with only one interception. Redblack quarterback Dru Brown has also had a solid start to the 2025 season with 729 passing yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions. Brown has struggled with injuries this season, and if the Tiger-Cats front seven can get their pass rush going early, they could force the Redblacks quarterback into making some bad decisions in this game. Tiger-Cats quarterback Mitchell is a pocket-passer, and therefore, he is dependent on excellent pass protection, which means it is vitally essential for the Hamilton offensive line to play their best football every week.

Key to Victory #2: Shutdown Top Wide Receivers

The Redblacks have boosted their offensive production for 2025 by signing former Elks wide receiver Eugene Lewis. Lewis has produced 294 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, while the other Redblacks receivers have done a great job of continuing to play their role and bring consistent production. Hamilton has hit a new high with their passing game. That improvement is a result of outstanding chemistry between the latest wide receiver, Kenny Lawler, who has posted 493 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. Defensively, both teams need to apply a game plan to shut down their opponent’s top receiver. The defensive unit that comes the closest to shutting down their opponent’s top playmaker will give their team a significant edge in this game.

Key to Victory #3: Establish the Running Game

To consistently win games in the CFL, offensive units must have the ability to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball effectively. The Redblacks’ offensive line has successfully allowed Ottawa to establish its running game, averaging 105.6 rushing yards per game. Hamilton struggled to get their running game going early this season, but in their two wins, they did run the ball effectively against Montreal and Toronto. This week, the battle at the line of scrimmage along the offensive line will play a significant factor in determining which team wins this game.

Key to Victory #4: Shut Down their Opponents Running Game

In addition to playing well along the offensive line, another factor that will affect the running game of each team is the performance of their defensive front seven. While the Tiger-Cats front seven has taken a wealth of criticism during recent seasons, Hamilton’s 2025 front seven has done a much better job controlling their opponent’s running game, only allowing 93.5 rushing yards per game. The emergence of linebacker Devin Veresuk has been a significant improvement at the linebacker position for the Tiger-Cats. If either of these teams can shut down their opponent’s run game, then they would have a considerable edge, which should make winning the game an easier task for the team that can shut down the other team’s running game.

Key to Victory #5: Create Touchdowns Off of Turnovers

Another non-traditional statistic that has become a factor during CFL games this season is the ability to force turnovers on the defensive side of the ball and special teams. Not only do the winning teams for turnovers, but they also find a way to turn those into points. The Tiger-Cats posted two defensive touchdowns against the Montreal Alouettes, and Ottawa has tasted the agony of defeat by allowing defensive and special teams touchdowns this season. The defensive squad that can take the ball away and return those turnovers into immediate touchdowns and superior field position.

Game Prediction:

Hamilton Tiger-Cat 35, Ottawa Redblacks 23

For more football content check out Football Scientific

Follow me on X: @AaronSauter7