Game Details
Date/Location: Friday, October 3 / TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario
Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET, 4:30 PM PT
Channel: TSN, RDS, CFL+
Odds
Spread: Saskatchewan -3 (-110), Ottawa +3 (-110)
Moneyline: Saskatchewan -160, Ottawa +140
Over/Under: 53 (Over -110, Under -110)
Overview
Two teams at opposite ends of the standings kick off Week 18 when the Saskatchewan Roughriders head to the nation’s capital for a game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Saskatchewan’s record dropped to 10-4 with a 27-25 loss to the Edmonton Elks last week, but maintained its four-point lead atop the West Division. Ottawa was on a bye and holds a 4-10 record.
The REDBLACKS have won both of their games following a bye week this season, making them a dangerous opponent despite their record. Ottawa has a 4.24 per cent chance of making the playoffs according to the KPMG Playoff Probability. An Ottawa loss combined with a Toronto loss would confirm the West Division crossover, while a Saskatchewan win and BC loss would clinch a home playoff date for the Roughriders.
Saskatchewan leads the season series after a 31-26 victory in Week 1. The Roughriders are 5-2 on the road and 5-1 against the East Division this season. Notably, Saskatchewan last won in Ottawa on September 29, 2017.
Key Players
Trevor Harris (QB) – The Saskatchewan pivot is 9-5 against his former team and needs 244 passing yards for his fifth career 4,000-yard campaign. Harris has completed 288 of 400 passes for 3,756 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, though he has thrown four interceptions in his last three games and 11 total on the season.
A.J. Ouellette (RB) – The Roughriders running back has rushed for a career-high 1,059 yards on 204 carries with seven touchdowns, marking his second time reaching the millennium mark. Ouellette has scored a touchdown in four straight games and adds 29 receptions for 214 yards.
KeeSean Johnson (WR) – Saskatchewan’s leading receiver has hauled in 78 catches for 1,088 yards and four touchdowns. Last week, Johnson registered his fourth 100-plus yard game of the season with eight receptions for 119 yards.
Dru Brown (QB) – The Ottawa quarterback is 0-1-1 in his career against the Roughriders. In Week 1, he passed for 412 yards and two touchdowns against Saskatchewan. This season, Brown has completed 185 of 254 passes for 2,248 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Eugene Lewis (WR) – The REDBLACKS receiver needs 103 receiving yards for his fourth 1,000-yard season. Lewis has caught 63 passes for 897 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Keys to the Game
Saskatchewan’s Pass Rush – The Roughriders lead the league with 37 sacks and will try to get to Dru Brown. Defensive linemen Malik Carney and Micah Johnson have posed a threat to opposing quarterbacks this season, with the duo ranking in the league’s top 10 in sacks. Ottawa allows the fewest passing touchdowns this season with 16.
Ottawa’s Offensive Efficiency – The REDBLACKS are second in the league in time-of-possession at 31:09 per game and red zone touchdowns with 31. They face a Riders defence that has been the best at limiting the overall number of plays allowed within the 20-yard line.
Run Game Dominance – Saskatchewan allows a league-low 81.7 rushing yards per game, while Ottawa is second at 94.9. Both teams feature stout run defenses, making the ground game a crucial battleground. Ouellette faces an Ottawa defensive front that recently traded Lorenzo Mauldin IV but still features Michael Wakefield and Bryce Carter.
Injury Report
Depth Chart
Score Predictions
Saskatchewan 28 – Ottawa 25
