Week 7 in the CFL wraps up on Sunday with a showdown between the Ottawa Redblacks and Calgary Stampeders. Both teams are 2-3 and coming off thrilling last-second victories.
The Stamps took the previous meeting between these teams in Week 2 and oddsmakers expect them to win again, with CFL betting lines opening with Calgary as a 4.5-point home favorite. Here are my best free Redblacks vs. Stampeders CFL picks and predictions for July 23.
Redblacks vs Stampeders best odds
Redblacks vs Stampeders picks and predictions
The Redblacks are fresh off a shocking comeback victory against the Blue Bombers, where they scored 19 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to tie it up before winning on a Dustin Crum touchdown scamper in overtime.
The 2021 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Crum has taken over as Ottawa's starting quarterback after season-ending injuries to Jeremiah Masoli and Tyrie Adams. He completed 14 of 21 passes for 149 yards with a pair of interceptions, and added another 91 yards on the ground after replacing Masoli in the second quarter in Week 5.
He was even better against Winnipeg's stout D last Saturday, and while his passing numbers (completed 26-of-42 passes for 261 yards) were modest, he exploded for 102 yards and a pair of scores on the ground.
The Stamps haven't faced many mobile quarterbacks this season, and last week they surrendered 69 yards on the ground to Saskatchewan QBs Shea Patterson, Mason Fine, and Trevor Harris — none of whom are as dynamic as Crum.
The Stamps had a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter of that contest before allowing the Riders to inch ahead in the final minute. However, Calgary managed to march up the field and kick a 50-yard game-winning field goal as time expired.
Poor special teams has plagued Calgary and a 94-yard punt return from Mario Alford was a big reason the Riders got back into that game. The Stamps have now allowed a league-worst seven big play returns, which is bad news against a Redblacks team that has dynamic punt returner Brandin Dandridge.
The Stampeders beat the Redblacks 26-15 when these teams faced off earlier this season, but Ottawa was still getting mediocre quarterback play at that time. Calgary QB Jake Maier also had his best performance of the year in that contest but has generally been inconsistent and turnover-prone with seven interceptions against just four touchdowns.
In addition, Dedrick Mills rushed for 102 yards, but considering that the Redblacks are limiting opponents to a league-low 3.6 yards per carry, don't expect another big game from him.
With Crum giving Ottawa's offense a boost and the Redblacks' defense and special teams capable of making big plays, take them with the points against the Stamps.
My best bet: Redblacks +4.5 (+100 at FanDuel)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Redblacks vs Stampeders spread and Over/Under analysis
This line has bounced around, opening with the Stamps as 4.5-point faves before ticking up to -5.5 before buyback on the Redblacks moved it back down to -4.5. The total opened at 44 and has shifted slightly to 44.5.
Both of these teams have gone 2-3 straight up and against the spread this year. Ottawa's defense has actually been pretty solid this season, allowing the second-fewest points per game (20.2). That combined with the Redblacks' poor offense has led to some low-scoring contests, with the Under cashing in four of five games this season.
That said, they have been moving the ball better with Crum at the helm, and his ability to extend drives with his legs has been crucial. It's also worth mentioning that Ottawa's best defensive player, edge rusher Lorenzo Mauldin IV, is listed as a game-time decision.
The Stampeders offense has been extremely inconsistent this season, and Maier has been a big reason why. He has a pass efficiency rating of just 73.4 while throwing seven picks against four touchdowns. That said, he did throw for more than 300 yards against the Riders last week and against the Redblacks in Week 2.
Redblacks vs Stampeders trend to know
The Stampeders are 7-21 ATS in their last 28 home games. Find the latest CFL betting trends for Redblacks vs. Stampeders.
Redblacks vs Stampeders game info
| Location: | McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB |
| Date: | Sunday, July 23, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
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