While the 2-1 Ottawa Redblacks are riding high after a dramatic win over Hamilton, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have hit rock bottom, entering Friday on the back of four straight losses.
It's the worst start in franchise history since 2012, and even at home, my Redblacks vs. Blue Bombers predictions expect Winnipeg's losing ways to continue in Week 5.
Read more in our CFL picks for July 5.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers prediction
My best bet
Redblacks +2.5 (-102 at FanDuel)
My analysis
After successfully advancing to the Grey Cup in four consecutive seasons, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have stumbled out of the gate this year, with their 0-4 record already matching their total amount of 2023 losses.
The defending West Division champs will seek their first win on Friday when they play host to the 2-1 Ottawa Redblacks, but it won't be an easy task considering the lack of health plaguing the home team.
Injuries hit the Blue Bombers immediately when wide receiver Kenny Lawler fractured his arm in the season opener, and it hasn't stopped there. No. 1 WR Dalton Schoen is done for the year following a non-contact injury suffered in Week 3, while Keric Wheatfall, who racked up 111 receiving yards in their Week 2 loss in Ottawa, is currently nursing a leg injury and remains sidelined.
It all reached a breaking point in Week 4 when two-time MOP quarterback Zach Collaros took a big hit before halftime. Chris Streveler replaced him but struggled mightily, completing only 14 of 24 passing attempts. Collaros was listed as a DNP (thorax) on both Tuesday and Wednesday's injury report, so his chances of starting on Friday don't look promising.
While Winnipeg's passing offense continued to falter, the ground game didn't fare any better. Brady Oliveira rushed for just 26 yards on 10 carries last week and enters Week 5 averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt — a far cry from last year’s 5.9 mark.
Meanwhile, Ottawa’s run defense has been stingy up until this point, allowing just 70.3 rushing yards per game (10.5 fewer than the league average).
Ottawa has taken the last two meetings against Winnipeg, including prevailing 23-19 as seven-point underdogs in Week 2. Although the Redblacks' passing attack is hardly flashy, a high-scoring output won't be necessary considering the state of the Bombers' offense.
Take the Redblacks and the points on Friday night.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers same-game parlay (SGP)
Redblacks +2.5
Ryquell Armstead Over 67.5 rushing yards
Along with our best bet, let's take Redblacks running back Ryquell Armstead to eclipse 67.5 rushing yards.
A former fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 27-year-old Temple product has been highly efficient in his first CFL season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, which is tops among all starting RBs. Armstead’s also best game of the season came against Winnipeg, rushing 16 times for 95 yards (5.9 avg).
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers odds
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers live odds
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers opening odds
- Spread: Ottawa +2.5 (-105) | Winnipeg -2.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Ottawa +125 | Winnipeg -150
- Over/Under: Over 46.5 (-115) | Under 46.5 (-105)
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Winnipeg is 0-5 ATS in its last five games.
- Favorites are just 8-8 SU entering Week 5.
- The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings between these two teams.
- The Under is 4-0 in the Blue Bombers' last four contests.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers trend
Ottawa is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 games against Winnipeg. Find more CFL betting trends for Redblacks vs. Blue Bombers.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers game info
| Location: | Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, MB |
| Date: | Friday, 7-5-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers key injuries
Redblacks: Ty Cranston DB (Out), Tyron Vrede LB (Out), Jeremiah Masoli QB (Out).
Blue Bombers: Zach Collaros QB (Questionable), Asotui Eli OL (Questionable), Evan Holm DB (Questionable), Kenny Lawler WR (Out), Dalton Schoen WR (Out), Keric Wheatfall (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Redblacks vs Blue Bombers weather
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