Our Roughriders vs. Blue Bombers predictions expect Winnipeg to a much needed win as it looks to stay in the playoff race.

Rohit Ponnaiya - Betting Analyst at Covers.com

Oct 16, 2025 • 15:59 ET

• 4 min read

Photo By – Imagn Images. Brady Oliveira breaks a tackle against the Argonauts.

Week 20 of the CFL season kicks off on Friday night with a clash between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders. This line opened with Winnipeg as a 5.5-point favourite but with Saskatchewan sitting multiple starters, the spread has grown to -7.5.

With the visitors having little to play for, my Roughriders vs. Blue Bombers predictions and CFL picks are following that line movement. 

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers prediction

My Roughriders vs Blue Bombers pick: Blue Bombers -7.5 (-115 at BET99)

The Saskatchewan Roughriders clinched first place in the West Division with a 27-19 win against the Argonauts last week. That leaves them little to play for in the final two weeks of the regular season. 

Quarterback Trevor Harris and centre Logan Ferland will dress as backups this week. That means that usual backup QB Jake Maier will be taking snaps from Braydon Noll, who makes his first career start.

In addition, stud running back A.J. Ouellette, All-Star RT Jermarcus Hardrick, and their top three wide receivers have been given the night off. Their defense is missing three starters from the secondary, along with DE Shane Ray and All-Star DT Micah Johnson. 

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be far more motivated to win since they could still claim the second seed in the West or miss the playoffs entirely. The Bombers also enjoy one of the best home-field advantages in the sport and are trending in the right direction on both sides of the ball. 

The defense has made huge strides after struggling with missed tackles and blown coverages at the start of the year. Winnipeg now ranks first in second-down defense while allowing the fewest points per game (22.4). 

Meanwhile, reigning MOP Brady Oliveira has rushed for 514 rushing yards on 6.3 yards per carry over the last five games. Expect the Bombers to lean on their suffocating defense and rushing attack to pull away from a Riders side that’s focused on the playoffs. 

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers same-game parlay (SGP)

Bet99

Blue Bombers -6.5

Under 48.5

Let’s shift this spread below that key number of -7 for this parlay.

Saskatchewan won’t be able to move the ball without its starting quarterback, running back, centre, right tackle, and three best receivers. Sure, the Riders are also missing key players on defense, but they have more depth on that side of the ball and have been dealing with a banged-up secondary for weeks. 

The Bombers have struggled with turnovers all season, so expect them to play conservatively once they have a lead. That should lead to them relying on short passes and their ground game to drain the clock.

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Roughriders vs Blue Bombers odds
Roughriders vs Blue Bombers live odds

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers opening odds

Spread: Saskatchewan +5.5 | Winnipeg -5.5
Moneyline: Saskatchewan +190 | Winnipeg -240
Over/Under: Over 48.5 | Under 48.5

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers trend

The Blue Bombers are 46-8 SU and 36-18 ATS at home since 2019.

How to watch Roughriders vs Blue Bombers and game info

Location
Investors Group Field, Winnipeg, MB

Date
Friday, October 17, 2025

Kick-off
8:00 p.m. ET

TV
TSN

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers key injuries

Roughriders: KeeSean Johnson WR (Out), Dohnte Meyers WR (Out), Sam Emilius WR (Out), AJ Ouellette WR (Out), Trevon Tate G (Out), Zack Fry G (Out), Daniel Johnson OT (Out), Micah Johnson DT (Out), Shane Ray DE (Out), CJ Avery LB (Out), Rolan Milligan DB (Out), Marcus Sayles (Out), Nelson Lokombo DB (Out).
Blue Bombers: Nic Demski SB (Out), Trey Vaval DB/KR (Questionable), Michael Griffin DB (Doubtful), Dalton Schoen WR (Out), Terrell Bonds DB (Out).

Roughriders vs Blue Bombers weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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