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. 🔐

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📊 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%

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🏈 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)

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🔍 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.

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📬 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.