The Montreal Alouettes head to the nation's capital to face the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday. The Als could clinch a playoff spot with a victory in this Week 17 showdown, while the Redblacks could be facing elimination with a defeat.
Oddsmakers are expecting a close contest between these East Division rivals with CFL betting odds opening with the Als as 2.5-point favourites. Here are my best free Alouettes vs. Redblacks CFL picks and predictions for September 29.
Alouettes vs Redblacks best odds
Alouettes vs Redblacks picks and predictions
The Ottawa Redblacks are coming off a home victory against the Roughriders. However, that snapped a seven-game losing streak and they've already been defeated by the Montreal Alouettes twice this season. Ottawa's offense has shown improvement under rookie quarterback Dustin Crum but lacks playmakers at receiver and its offensive line is the lowest-graded in the CFL, according to PFF.
On the other side of the ball, the Redblacks have one of the worst defenses in the league and rank last in yards allowed per play (7.05) and yards allowed per pass attempt (10.1).
The Montreal Alouettes are a team that Thanos would love because they are perfectly balanced, as all things should be. The Als are 7-7 straight up, 7-7 against the spread, and 7-7 to the Over while ranking fifth in the CFL (exactly in the middle of the league) in yards per play and yards allowed per play.
They're fresh off a 28-11 win on the road against Calgary and we know exactly who they are: A team that isn't good enough to hang with the cream of the crop but that consistently beats the teams they should. The Als are 0-7 SU and 1-6 ATS against the Argonauts, Blue Bombers, and Lions while going 7-0 SU and 6-1 ATS against the other five teams in the league.
The Als don't stand out in any one area but they are solid in pretty much every phase of the game and with a veteran QB in Cody Fajardo they should be able to take advantage of this vulnerable Ottawa secondary.
It also helps that they have a short trip to Ottawa and that the Redblacks haven't benefitted from home-field advantage in recent years. The Redblacks are 9-23 ATS in their last 32 games at home and the Als have won eight straight games at TD Place.
My best bet: Alouettes -1.5 (-110 at SportsInteraction)
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Alouettes vs Redblacks spread and Over/Under analysis
This spread hit the board with the Als at -2.5 and the Over/Under at 47.5. The line has slimmed to -2 at most books with some lowering it to -1.5. The total has ticked up to 48 at some books but is still available at 47.5 at others.
The Als have consistently beaten and covered the spread against teams with a losing record but when faced by the top three teams in the league they've been getting blown out. They did manage to keep things close when they lost to the Argos by three points as a 6.5-point underdog two weeks ago but they were clobbered in Winnipeg the previous week.
It is worth mentioning that Montreal wideout Austin Mack is doubtful for Saturday due to a thigh injury. Mack leads the league with 1,057 receiving yards and he would have been a massive factor against a Redblacks defense that gives up plenty of big plays.
Ottawa's offense was barely watchable through the first month of the season but has made strides with the mobile Crum under center. With an improving offense and a defense that remains one of the worst in the league, the Redblacks have been a money-maker for Over bettors, with nine of their last 10 games going above the total.
Alouettes vs Redblacks trend to know
The Alouettes are 5-1 ATS in their last six games against a team with a losing record. Find more CFL betting trends for Alouettes vs. Redblacks.
Alouettes vs Redblacks game info
| Location: | TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, September 30, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Alouettes vs Redblacks key injuries
Alouettes: Kordell Rogers DB (Out), Austin Mack WR (Doubtful), Chandler Worthy WR/KR (Out), Najee Murray DB (Out), Reggie White Jr. WR (Out), Landon Rice OT (Out), Greg Ellingson WR (Out).
Redblacks: Drew Desjarlais G (Out), Sherrod Baltimore DB (Out), Nate Behar WR (Out), Abdul Kaneh DB (Out), Jeremiah Masoli QB (Out), DeVonte Dedmon WR/KR (Out), Tyrie Adams QB (Out), Lewis Ward K (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
