The CFL season continues with a shortened schedule for Week 5 as only six teams will take the field. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders will each get the week off while the Calgary Stampeders return to action following a bye. Meanwhile, two of the three games on the slate will feature rematches from Week 4. The schedule for this week is limited to three games, but there are some intriguing betting options on the board. Here is a closer look at the best bets for Week 5 of the CFL season with odds courtesy of BetDSI.
Calgary Stampeders @ Ottawa Redblacks
Thursday, 7:30 PM ET
CFL Betting Odds: Stampeders -3.5
After falling short on the biggest stage in back-to-back seasons, the Stampeders appear back on the path towards redemption following three straight wins to open the season. The fact that two of Calgary’s three wins have come against the teams that beat them in the last two Grey Cups hasn’t been lost on anyone. Now they return to the nation’s capital looking to pick up from where they left off before their bye. More than a third of the Stampeders points have come off a league-leading nine takeaways. If the defense continues to match the punch of the offense, then Calgary will be tough to slow down. Ottawa is coming off a big win over Montreal, but is just two weeks removed from a double-digit loss to the Stampeders on the road. Calgary will be rested and ready for this contest and should be able to double down with its second win of the year over the Redblacks.
Pick: Calgary
Toronto Argonauts @ Edmonton Eskimos
Friday, 9:00 PM ET
CFL Betting Odds: Edmonton -7.5
The first of the two games in Week 5 that will feature a rematch from Week 4 is the Argonauts visiting Edmonton on Friday night. Toronto rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Eskimos 20-17 at home on Saturday night as James Franklin threw for 217 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for the winning score. Franklin will be asked to carry the load for the Argonauts with Ricky Ray out. With a loaded cast of weapons around him, Franklin should be just fine. However, the Eskimos will be looking to respond at home to climb back above .500 on the season. Mike Reilly has been an absolute force at the quarterback position but will need to cut down on the mistakes in order for Edmonton’s offense to play to its potential. The Eskimos are capable of putting up some big numbers at home. Look for Derel Walker and Duke Williams to put on a show as Reilly and company bounce back to win and cover in the rematch with home field advantage for this Week 5 clash.
Pick: Edmonton
Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ B.C. Lions
Saturday, 10:00 PM ET
The second rematch from Week 4 will feature the Blue Bombers looking to double down on the west coast after beating BC 41-19 at home in Week 4. Winnipeg outscored the Lions 28-10 in the first half of that contest and cruised to a victory with quarterback Matt Nichols and running back Andrew Harris leading the way. Nichols looked sharp in his season debut as he threw for 162 yards and a touchdown. Harris rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown along with four receptions for 22 yards in the passing game. If Nichols and Harris perform at a high level again then the Blue Bombers will be tough to slow down. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg defense was outstanding in Week 4 including three interceptions. Can they make life miserable for Jonathon Jennings and company once again on the road in Week 5? The Lions should put forward a better effort at home, but don’t expect it to be enough to stop the Blue Bombers from winning and covering on the road to complete the sweep of back-to-back meetings.
Pick: Winnipeg
