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Friday, October 16, 2026

CFL Game Preview: Toronto Argonauts (9-7-0) vs. Ottawa Redblacks (0-16-0)

GAME ODDS: Toronto Argonauts – 11.5 Over/Under 62.5

PREVIEW:

Venue and Kickoff

Location: TD Place Stadium (also referred to as TD Place), Ottawa, Ontario.

Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET.

TV/Streaming: TSN (TSN1/5 in Canada), with additional coverage options via TSN.ca and the TSN app.

Current Weather Forecast

Periods of rain expected throughout the day in Ottawa, with a high around 10°C (50°F). Rain chances remain into the evening (around 40% for showers), with winds shifting and potentially gusty from the northwest later. Conditions will be cool, wet, and potentially impact footing, passing accuracy, and special teams.

Current Rosters and Key Players

Toronto Argonauts: Led by quarterback Chad Kelly (returning from a hand injury; season totals include strong yardage and TD production, with prior success vs. Ottawa this year). Key receivers include Damonte Coxie, David Ungerer III, Tyler Kahmann, and return specialist Janarion Grant. Running backs feature options such as Isaiah Smith and others. Defense includes standouts like Adarius Pickett (nearing a career tackle milestone). Head coach: Mike Miller.

Ottawa Redblacks: Rookie Bryson Barnes starts at quarterback (first career start; limited prior experience as a short-yardage option with some rushing TDs and limited passing). Key skill players include Kalil Pimpleton (CFL leader in all-purpose yards, approaching 3,000; strong returner and receiver) and other receivers. The roster has seen recent changes, including the release of receivers Nick Mardner and Binjimen Victor. Head coach/GM: Ryan Dinwiddie.

Both teams will field standard CFL 12-man units with depth adjustments based on injuries.

Injury Reports

Argonauts (from Week 20 reports):

Out or limited concerns: Jake Herslow (WR, head/chest), Sam Hicks (RB, foot), Da’Marcus Johnson (DL, back), Brandon Kemp (OL, leg).

Questionable: Ryan Hunter (OL, head).

Available: Chad Kelly (QB, right hand — full participant and confirmed starter), Bubba Bolden (DB), Desmond Bland (OL).

Redblacks:

Out: Mario Anderson Jr. (RB, head), Travian Blaylock (DB, hamstring), Jessie Evans (DL, ankle), Daniel Okpoko (DL, shoulder/neck), Charlie Parks (DL, elbow), CJ Reavis (DB, hamstring), Blessman Ta’ala (DL, ankle).

Questionable: Zach Barlev (OL, arm), Dino Boyd (OL, illness), Dennis Briggs Jr. (DL, ribs), Justin Hardy (WR, leg).
Recent roster moves further thinned the receiving group.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Chad Kelly vs. Ottawa secondary/defense: Kelly returns healthy and has produced well against the Redblacks this season (multiple TDs and strong yardage in prior meetings). Ottawa’s depleted secondary and overall defensive struggles (allowing high points and yards) favor Toronto’s aerial attack, especially to Coxie, Ungerer, and others.

Bryson Barnes vs. Argonauts defense: Rookie first start against a more experienced unit featuring Adarius Pickett and a solid front. Barnes’ limited experience and Ottawa’s struggling offense create a mismatch; expect pressure and potential turnovers.

Kalil Pimpleton (returns and receiving) vs. Toronto special teams/coverage: Pimpleton leads the CFL in all-purpose yards and poses a big-play threat on returns and as a receiver. Janarion Grant provides Toronto with elite return ability in response.

Line play and trench battles: Toronto’s more stable offensive line (with some question marks) against Ottawa’s injury-hit defensive front.

Recent Team Forms

Argonauts (9-7): Strong late-season stretch (won four of last five before a recent loss). Clinched second in the East. Recent results include wins over Ottawa (26-23), Edmonton, and Winnipeg, with a loss to BC Lions. Offensive production solid with Kelly; defense competitive.

Redblacks (0-16): Winless and on an extended losing streak (22+ games overall in recent context). Recent losses include to BC Lions (41-20), Hamilton, Calgary (twice), and Toronto. Offense ranks near the bottom; defense allows the most points. Home record poor.

Series History

Toronto leads the all-time series significantly (historical edge around 23-7 in modern context). In 2026, the Argonauts swept the prior meetings: 44-24 in Ottawa (June) and 26-23 in Toronto (September). Toronto has won five of the last six and eight of the last 10 overall meetings.

Betting Trends

Ottawa has covered poorly this season (failed in many games); Toronto has been solid ATS in wins. Unders have hit frequently in Toronto games recently. Large spreads against winless teams often see favorites cover or dominate. Rain may influence totals toward the under.