The Betting Perspective - HAM @ OTT

Hamilton (-7.5) @ Ottawa: TOTAL 43.5

Week 8 in the Canadian Football League season kicks off in the nation's capital Wednesday night, as the Ottawa Redblacks host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

For the Ticats, they found a way to win last week at home against the Stampeders, despite starting David Watford at quarterback and running a very simplistic offense. Hamilton ran the ball 30 times in the contest, including 10 carries from their quarterback for 35 yards. The gameplan for the Ticats was very clear last time out, get the ball out of Watford's hands early and lean on their outstanding defense. Watford ended the day 19 of 22 for 149 yards, including 17 completions that travelled less than 10 yards in the air. Hamilton's biggest issue this season has been their struggling offensive line, the Ticats only gave up two sacks to the Stamps so we might see offensive coordinator Tommy Condell continue with this minimalist approach.

The Redblacks are very much replicating the trajectory of their 2019 season, Ottawa come into Week 8 play on a four-game losing streak after a shocking season opener victory in Edmonton. Redblacks quarterback Dominique Davis has thrown for 624 yards in his last two games and will need another productive day to challenge the Ticats Wednesday night. Ottawa head coach Paul LaPolice has improved the offense already this year under the reigns of Davis, but context matters, the Redblacks have given up 51 points and 45 points in the last two games. The key for the Redblacks in this game against Hamilton will be the start, if Davis can get the offense going early it will force Hamilton to open up their gameplan.

The betting line for this one has seen some movement, the Ticats opened as 9.5-point favorites but was quickly bet down especially after Hamilton receivers Brandon Banks, Bralon Addison and DeVier Posey were going to stay on the injured list for another week.

If you can get more than a touchdown spread, the Redblacks may be the right play in this one versus Hamilton. One thing has been very clear this season, LaPolice will not give in despite the score line and will keep pushing the ball down field.

Let's hope for a backdoor cover. Take the Redblacks.

Pick: Ottawa +7.5