The Betting Perspective - MTL @ WPG

Montreal @ Winnipeg (-12.5): TOTAL 45

In the Week 14 finale, the Montreal Alouettes get their biggest test of the season, going against the dominant Blue Bombers in Winnipeg.

Saturday night's matchup between the Als and Bombers is the first half of a home-and-home with things concluding in Montreal next week.

The Alouettes are coming off a loss to the Riders at home that knocked them out of first place in the East division. Another Als defeat and the road to the Grey Cup could get really tough, really fast for Montreal considering they would probably need two road victories in the playoffs to get to the title game in Hamilton. Just weeks after general manager Danny Maciocia acquired veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, it looks like the torch has already been passed, Harris will start versus Winnipeg. The former Elk hit 12 completions on 15 attempts for 132 yards and a touchdown last week, replacing Matthew Shiltz. As for the Als defense, the pass rush continues to get after opposing quarterbacks including last week where that group recorded six sacks, adding to their league best 44 on the season.

The Bombers have already clinched first place in the West, but continue to destroy opponents, like the 45-0 drumming of the Lions a few weeks ago. Winnipeg are coming off a bye week and are riding an eight-game winning streak. The defending Grey Cup Champions are easily the best team in the league and it's frankly not even close, they've scored the most points and have allowed the least amount of points against, 66 fewer than the next best defense. Quarterback Zach Collaros has chucked 18 touchdown passes in 2021, against six interceptions and he continues to strive for his first career Most Outstanding Player Award.

For the third week in a row, the Bombers are laying double digits, they've split those games against the spread. Winnipeg are 5-1-1 in their last seven games ATS following a bye week, so Mike O'Shea will certainly have his team ready to go at IG Field Saturday night.

However, the -12.5 is the biggest spread the Bombers have laid all year and Trevor Harris is getting his first start as Montreal's quarterback, so this might be a unique opportunity to roll with the road team.

It might be nonsense, but eventually a team, with nothing to prove has to have an off week, the 12.5 leaves some room for a cover.

Pick: Montreal +12.5