Week 9 has the potential to create even more separation between the CFL’s contenders and pretenders. Three teams enter the week riding significant momentum, while several others are dealing with quarterback changes, defensive injuries, or difficult road spots.
Here are our picks against the spread using odds from bet365 for every CFL Week 9 matchup.
BC Lions @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-7.5)
Pick: Blue Bombers -7.5
Blue Bombers -7.5
The Blue Bombers are in a favorable bounce-back spot at home despite Zach Collaros remaining sidelined. Dru Brown has proven capable of operating Winnipeg’s offense, and he benefits from one of the league’s best offensive lines and a defense that consistently creates pressure.
BC, meanwhile, enters the week with uncertainty under centre after making a quarterback change of its own in favour of Kaidon Salter over Nathan Rourke. That’s a difficult situation against a Winnipeg defence that excels at forcing mistakes and controlling the line of scrimmage.
Winnipeg’s rushing attack should also take pressure off Brown, allowing the Bombers to dictate the tempo throughout the game. Unless BC creates multiple explosive plays, it’s difficult to see the visitors keeping this within one score.
Montreal Alouettes (-6.5) @ Ottawa Redblacks
Pick: Alouettes -6.5
Alouettes -6.5
Montreal continues to look like one of the CFL’s hottest teams after winning four straight games. The Alouettes have been remarkably balanced, pairing efficient quarterback play with a defense that consistently makes life difficult on opposing offenses.
Ottawa has shown flashes offensively but has struggled to finish drives against quality defences. That’s a concern against a Montreal unit that excels in the red zone and has been forcing timely turnovers throughout its winning streak.
The Redblacks are capable of keeping games competitive at home, but Montreal simply has too many advantages entering this matchup. Their defence should limit explosive plays while the offense methodically wears Ottawa down over four quarters.
Laying less than a touchdown with the league’s hottest team is a price worth paying.
Calgary Stampeders (-5.5) @ Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Pick: Stampeders -5.5
Stampeders -5.5
Calgary has quietly developed into one of the CFL’s most complete teams. The Stampeders have consistently protected the football, played disciplined defence, and generated enough explosive plays offensively to separate from opponents with Vernon Adams Jr. off to a superb start (20 passing TDs, 0 INTs).
Hamilton has been competitive this season but remains inconsistent, particularly against stronger defensive fronts. Calgary’s ability to pressure the quarterback without blitzing heavily should force Hamilton into several difficult passing situations, and that’s a big problem with QB1 Bo Levi Mitchell on the shelf with a long-term injury.
The Stampeders also hold an advantage in the running game, which becomes increasingly important on the road. Sustained drives should allow Calgary to control possession while limiting Hamilton’s opportunities.
Unless the Tiger-Cats win the turnover battle decisively, Calgary has the more reliable roster from top to bottom and should cover this number.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (+1.5) @ Edmonton Elks
Pick: Roughriders +1.5
Roughriders +1.5
This line feels like an overreaction to Edmonton’s recent improvement. While the Elks have played much better over the past month, Saskatchewan remains one of the CFL’s most complete teams and has the experience to bounce back after a disappointing performance.
The Roughriders have consistently won the battle at the line of scrimmage this season, and that physicality should be the difference in a game expected to be decided by only a handful of points. Their defence has also been one of the league’s best at generating pressure without having to blitz heavily, allowing the secondary to keep explosive plays in front of them.
Offensively, Saskatchewan has enough balance to attack Edmonton in multiple ways. If the Elks commit extra defenders to slow the running game, the Roughriders have the playmakers to capitalize through the air. Conversely, if Edmonton sits back in coverage, Saskatchewan is content to control the clock with sustained drives.
Although Commonwealth Stadium gives Edmonton a home-field edge, getting points with the more proven team is simply too good to pass up. Even if this game comes down to a late field goal, Saskatchewan covers the spread—and potentially wins outright.
