The Saskatchewan Roughriders will visit the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 18 of the CFL season on Friday. Saskatchewan is already locked into the postseason but will try to shake off a two-game losing streak here. Ottawa is scrapping for any remaining hope to get to the postseason and will try to get the win at home here. Before kickoff from Ottawa, continue reading to get my Roughriders vs Redblacks prediction in Week 18.
Our Roughriders vs Redblacks Pick
- Pick: Saskatchewan -3
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Ottawa Redblacks
- Date & Time: Friday, October 3, 2025, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario
- Broadcast: TSN
Roughriders vs Redblacks Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan –3 | Saskatchewan –180 / Ottawa +150 | 52.5 |
Key Storylines
- Saskatchewan aiming to halt skid: Despite owning the best record in the league at 10–4, the Riders come into this game on a two-game losing streak. They are looking to rebound and restore confidence heading into the postseason.
- Ottawa’s desperation mode: The Redblacks are 4–10 and have lost four of their last five games. Their playoff hopes are virtually extinguished, but they’ll treat this as a must-win in front of their home fans.
- Running attack vs. porous defense: A.J. Ouellette has rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and remains a focal point of the Riders’ offense. The Redblacks have struggled to stop both the run and pass at times and Saskatchewan will try to exploit that here.
- Turnover battle: Ottawa has one of the worst in turnover differentials in the CFL. Mistakes could be costly against a Riders team that has been very good on defense this year.
Quarterback Play
The Riders’ offense is expected to be led by Trevor Harris, whose last outing was solid despite the loss. In Week 17, he completed 33 of 46 passes for 351 yards and one touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions. His ability to avoid mistakes will be key if the Riders want to avoid a third straight loss. Ottawa’s Dru Brown has missed significant time this season. But he has twice as many touchdowns as interceptions and will try to be effective in this contest for his team.
Betting Trends
- In their head-to-head series in 2025, Saskatchewan won the season opener 31–26. Ottawa has not defeated the Riders thus far.
- Saskatchewan is 8-6 against the spread so far this season.
- Ottawa is 6-8 against the spread on the season.
- Saskatchewan has seen eight of their 14 games stay under the total.
- Ottawa is 7-7 on over/unders for the season.
Roughriders vs Redblacks Model Projection
Score Projection: Saskatchewan 30 – Ottawa 23
Win Probability: Saskatchewan 62%, Ottawa 38%
Final Thoughts
The Redblacks will give this game everything they have to try and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. But I don’t think that will be enough for them to get the better of the Riders. Saskatchewan’s defense should give Brown and the Ottawa offense fits and the Riders should put an end to their two-game losing streak while covering the spread.
