CFL Week 1 Preview: Ottawa Redblacks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders

📅 Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 🕘 9:00 PM ET | 📍 Mosaic Stadium
📉 Line: Saskatchewan -3.5 (-172) | Ottawa +3.5 (+145) | O/U: 48

The 2025 CFL season officially kicks off tonight, and we’ve got a spicy East vs. West showdown to break the ice — the Ottawa Redblacks travel west to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders under the prairie lights in Regina.

This matchup features two teams entering the season with a fresh slate but very different expectations. While both squads struggled last year (Ottawa finished 2-8 SU, Saskatchewan 4-6 SU in their last 10 games), hope springs eternal in Week 1. But let’s not get carried away — this is the Raymond Report Newsletter preview, not Ron Raymond’s personal picks. Those exclusive selections? They’re locked and loaded in the members area at ATS STATS. 🔐

📊 Raymond Report Forecast

Prediction: Saskatchewan 25.93 – Ottawa 22.96
Projected Total: 48.89
C.O.W. (Chances of Winning):

🟢 Saskatchewan: 57.97%
🔴 Ottawa: 40.58%

🏈 Key Betting Angles

📌 Ottawa Trends:

5-5 ATS in last 10 games
3-7 SU vs. Saskatchewan in last 10 meetings (on the road)
10-7 O/U vs. Riders since 1996
Strong June record historically: 9-4 ATS
Only 6-7 ATS vs. non-division opponents last 3 seasons

📌 Saskatchewan Trends:

4-6 SU in last 10 overall
7-8 ATS as a home favorite last 3 seasons
8-3 ATS vs. non-division teams
10-7 ATS vs. Ottawa since 1996
Coming off a “push” is worth watching (17-16-3 ATS)

🔍 Situational Matchup:

Both teams are 0-0 on the season, so we’re looking at historical and situational data to guide early bets. Saskatchewan has the home field, veteran roster stability, and a recent edge in head-to-head matchups. But Ottawa’s offseason moves have sparked some quiet optimism — especially with improved quarterback play expected.

The line opened at Riders -3.5 and remains steady, with the total set at 48 — right in the zone where both teams have trended slightly over in the past. A backdoor cover by Ottawa wouldn’t be shocking in a Week 1 chess match.

📬 REMEMBER:
This is the Newsletter Pick Preview powered by the Raymond Report system — not Ron Raymond’s official picks. If you’re looking to cash in tonight, Ron’s top-rated CFL picks are available now inside the members area at ATS STATS.

Ron Raymond

Ron Raymond is a well-known sports handicapper who runs ATS Stats and the Raymond REPORT. He has over 21 years of experience in the industry and provides expert analysis and predictions for various sports, including football, baseball, hockey, and basketball.