We’re set for a four-game slate in Week 15 of the Canadian Football League season and below are our predictions for two of those contests.
Week 15 CFL betting odds and picks: Best bets for Toronto vs. Montreal, Ottawa vs. BC Lions
We have four games over two days again this week, and I’m honed in, first and foremost, on a rematch of a Week 14 matchup that didn’t go according to plan due in part to a key ejection. I’m also looking at a scenario where some points could pile up for my second game.
Friday, Sept. 15: Toronto Argonauts at Montreal Alouettes – 7:00 p.m. EDT
This rematch has me in the camp of an Alouettes cover for a second straight week, even after my Week 14 prediction of Alouettes +10.5 fell through. However, there were certainly extenuating circumstances, considering Cody Fajardo’s top target, Austin Mack, got himself ejected in the first quarter.
That unquestionably derailed a Montreal pass-catching corps that was already playing short-handed and helped lead to a 39-10 loss in which the Als never recovered from a 23-7 halftime deficit.
Nevertheless, the scene switches to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium for this second go-around, and I see the Als keeping this a lot closer. Montreal actually averaged more yards per play (6.8) than Toronto (6.6) in Week 14, and Cody Fajardo threw just three completions on 24 attempts against the Argos’ highly vulnerable pass defence.
Additionally, the injury pendulum could be swinging in the Als’ favour. Receiver Kaion Julien-Grant, who last played in Week 8 due to a hand injury, was able to practice in full this week and will be back in the lineup. So too will three impactful defensive starters, plus new addition Darnell Sankey.
On the other side, Kurleigh Gittens (hip) and Cam Phillips (groin) have both been ruled out of the receiving corps for Toronto.
Given the factors cited, including the expectation Montreal will have Mack available for a full game, I like the Als to bounce back with a cover.
The Pick: Alouettes +6.5 (-110 or better)
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Saturday, Sept. 16: Ottawa Redblacks at B.C. Lions – 7:00 p.m. EDT
These two teams have yet to meet this season and the Lions will be up against an unfamiliar attack helmed by the highly mobile Dustin Crum.
Crum has certainly had his ups and downs as a starter but has also shown his fair share of upside. The Kent State product threw for 265 yards and rushed for another 42 while also scoring a rushing TD in Week 14 against the Tiger-Cats. He’s now over 2,350 total yards in 12 games (eight starts).
The Lions naturally have no shortage of offensive upside and are well-rested coming off a bye. B.C.’s 309 points are the third most in the league. Meanwhile, quarterback Vernon Adams checks into Saturday’s contest with four straight 300-yard efforts and 21 total touchdowns.
Twenty of those scores have come through the air, which bodes well against an Ottawa defence that has given up a league-high 325.8 passing yards per contest and 22 completions of 30+ yards.
The Lions do have an imposing defence that’s given up a co-league-low 20.2 points per game. However, Ottawa is averaging a respectable 22.9 points per contest and is healthy on offence.
This total isn’t inordinately high, and there are enough playmakers on either side for it to be exceeded. The Lions should also have fresh legs as alluded to earlier and face too enticing a matchup not to enjoy above-average offensive success.
The Pick: Over 46.5 points or less (-110 or better)
