Game Details

Date/Location: Friday, October 17 / Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT
Channel: TSN, CFL+

Odds

Spread: Saskatchewan +7 (-110), Winnipeg -7 (-110)
Moneyline: Saskatchewan +240, Winnipeg -300
Over/Under: 48 (Over -110, Under -110)

Overview

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers reignite their long-standing rivalry at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday Night Football. Saskatchewan clinched the West Division title with a 27-19 victory over the Toronto Argonauts last week, finishing the regular season with a 12-4 record. Winnipeg enters at 8-8 following a loss to Edmonton and sits just two points ahead of the fifth-place Elks.

The Roughriders have dominated this season series, winning both previous matchups 34-30 in Week 13 and 21-13 in Week 14. Saskatchewan has not posted a three-game sweep of the season series against Winnipeg since 2014, and they’ll look to change that on Friday night.

Key Players

Jake Maier (QB) – Making his second start of the season after going 1-0 in his previous appearance. Maier has completed 25 of 43 pass attempts for 340 yards with two touchdowns and one interception this season. He enters with a career 1-6 record against Winnipeg.

Joe Robustelli (WR) – Has hauled in 38 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns this season. With KeeSean Johnson out, Robustelli becomes a primary target in the passing game.

Kian Schaffer-Baker (WR) – Has nine receptions for 108 yards this season and will need to step up with multiple receivers sidelined.

Brett Lauther (K) – The kicker has been solid down the stretch, connecting on 14 of 16 field goals over his last five games, including a perfect 5-for-5 performance against Toronto. On the season, Lauther has made two field goals from 50-plus yards and nine from 40-49 yards.

Mario Anderson Jr. (RB) – Gets the starting nod with A.J. Ouellette out. Anderson has rushed 17 times for 129 yards and two touchdowns this season, averaging 7.6 yards per carry.

Keys to the Game

Fine Tuning Time – With first place wrapped up, the Roughriders will balance rest and playoff preparation. The pass defence, which has allowed 286.9 yards per game, gets a boost with defensive back Tevaughn Campbell returning from injury.

Opportunities Arise – With multiple key offensive players listed as out, including receivers KeeSean Johnson and Samuel Emilus, along with running back A.J. Ouellette, opportunities emerge for Mario Anderson Jr. and receiver Shawn Bane Jr. to make an impact.

Brett Lauther’s Leg – The kicker needs to maintain his recent form heading into the playoffs. His accuracy has improved significantly, and when points come at a premium in playoff football, Lauther must be locked in.

Injury Report

Depth Chart

Score Predictions

Saskatchewan 21 – Winnipeg 27

The Blue Bombers enter as 7-point home favorites with the total set at 48. Based on the spread and over/under data, Winnipeg is expected to edge Saskatchewan in a relatively close contest. The Bombers have posted a 5-2 record at Princess Auto Stadium this season and need a win to solidify their playoff positioning. Saskatchewan has already held Brady Oliveira to a season-low 24 yards in their Week 13 matchup, limiting the league’s second-best rushing attack. However, with Jake Maier making just his second start and multiple offensive weapons sidelined, the rested Roughriders may focus more on playoff preparation than securing a season sweep. Winnipeg’s offensive line, featuring Stanley Bryant and Pat Neufeld, will aim to protect Zach Collaros better than in their Week 14 meeting. Saskatchewan is 5-3 against divisional opponents this season, while Winnipeg looks to bounce back from their Edmonton loss and secure crucial playoff positioning.