CFL Kicks Off Final Weekend Before Playoffs Begin
Heading into the regular season's final weekend (Week 21), the CFL is now preparing for the playoffs
Four games this weekend – one on Friday and three on Saturday – highlight an action-packed schedule in the CFL that won't mean much, but may pose interesting betting opportunities.
The CFL's Week 21 of the regular season may be the toughest on the entire schedule to predict.
Many stars will see limited action. Most just simply will sit out. So, this final week's games will feature lots of second and third-stringers, as coaches try to find that uncertain balance of keeping players fresh heading into the postseason and protecting them for their upcoming playoff games.
However, for losing teams like Ottawa and Saskatchewan which don’t have any playoff future in front of them, this becomes an opportunity to evaluate talent for next season and for those who have nothing ahead of them in the weeks to come to leave a lasting impression.
Here's a glance at the Week 21 schedule:
Here's a look at the current standings heading into the final week of the regular season:
Now, let's look at the odds at SPREADS.CA on each of these games:
Finally, here's the analysis from the CFL.com website on these matchups:
BC at WPG
Fittingly, the most intriguing game on the schedule is the first one offered up to us this week. If Nathan Rourke is healthy enough to get on the field, a game that’s otherwise irrelevant to the standings takes on a ton of meaning. If Rourke could play even a half this week, it’s a great chance for him to test out the status of his foot, shake off some rust and for the Lions to determine if he could make an impact in next week’s Western Semi-Final against Calgary. The idea of Rourke playing, plus the notion of a lighter than normal Bombers squad, has many bettors leaning to the Lions.
MTL at TOR
The Argos got the win they needed last week to lock up the top spot in the East Division. This week, we anticipate rosters that lean on backups, as each team will try to move into the playoffs as healthy as possible. This could open the door for Argos’ backup QB Chad Kelly, who has tantalized Argos fans all season. Could a win this week for the Als help them in the postseason? We can all agree it wouldn’t hurt them, right? It might help take the sting out of a pair of close losses to them in their prior meetings this year.
HAM at OTT
The Ticats put their three-game win streak on the line in the regular season finale against a REDBLACKS team that won’t be taking this meeting lightly. Winless at home in 2022, the REDBLACKS will want to give their fans something to go home happy about after a season that’s had its share of sad moments. Interim head coach Bob Dyce has gotten a lot out of his team since taking over in Week 18. Despite the expected resting rosters, those making picks aren’t as sold on that streak coming to an end this season.
SSK at CGY
The Roughriders wrap up a disappointing season — and Saturday’s triple header — with a stop in Calgary, where they’ll attempt to end their six-game losing streak. Cody Fajardo was demoted a week ago, so we could see more of Mason Fine at quarterback this week, while Calgary just might turn to short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens for this end-of-season start. Whatever the cast of characters looks like on Saturday, not too many people making picks are expecting a different outcome than what we saw last week in Regina.
Finally, here's a look at the ODDS TO WIN the 2022 GREY CUP at SPREADS.CA:
