The West Division in the CFL has been beating up on each other all season long, and that will be the case again on Sunday, as the Bombers and Riders battle for first place on Labour Day Rivalry Weekend.
After a brutal 0-5 start, the Blue Bombers are back where they should be, fighting for a first-round bye. On the other side of the field, the Roughriders started the season 5-1 and are now winless in their last five games. Both teams have struggled offensively in recent weeks, while both defensives have been dominant. This is a classic rivalry, and there’s money to be made. Let’s get to it.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Winnipeg | +2.5 (+100) | Over 47.5 (-110) | +124 |
| Saskatchewan | -2.5 (-120) | Under 47.5 (-110) | -148 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders Match Details
- Fixture: Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Date and Time: September 1, 7:00 pm EST
- Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Winnipeg Blue Bombers | vs. | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 5-6 | Record | 5-5-1 |
| 21.3 | Points Per Game | 25.4 |
| 113.3 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 83.0 |
| 56.8 | Offensive Plays Per Game | 54.5 |
| 42.1% | 2nd Down Conversion | 43.7% |
| 20.0 | Points Allowed | 24.5 |
| 1.5 | Sacks Per Game | 2.5 |
| 0.7 | Interceptions Per Game | 1.3 |
| 107.4 | Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game | 74.8
|
| 222.5 | Passing Yards Allowed | 305.7
|
| -8 | Turnover Ratio | +16 |
| 31:17 | Time of Possession Per Game | 30:08 |
Key Stats
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-6)
This season has been an uphill battle offensively, especially compared to the last five years of domination. The only consistency has been RB Brady Oliveira. The running back has 809 yards on 135 carries, which leads the CFL. He has yet to score a touchdown this year, mostly due to the fact that Streveler serves as their short-yard back. Yet, he seems to carry the offensive production for the Bombers week after week.
QB Zach Collaros has had a rough few weeks under center, including last week, where he threw for 177 yards, one score, and an interception. His best play of the game came when it mattered most, completing the game-winning drive with a touchdown pass to Lawler with 21 seconds left. He’s third in the CFL this season in passing yards (2,483) but has only six touchdowns to show for it. He’s first in the league in the unwanted category of interceptions, with 12.
The defense for Winnipeg deserves most of the praise for climbing back into this season after starting 0-5. In years past, the offense has been so dominant that the defense hasn’t had to be as dominant as they are this year. They are first in the CFL in points allowed, yards allowed, and passing yards allowed. They are 8th in rush yards allowed with 107.4, but if you can stop the pass in the CFL, you have a great chance of winning.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1)
The Roughriders season has been the exact opposite of their cross-prairie rivals. They are 0-4-1 in their last five games. In the last three games, they’ve lost two by four points, and tied the third. They are right there in every game, but against this stingy defense, it’s going to be a tough task getting enough production to win.
QB Trevor Harris will start is third game since coming back from an injury that has kept him out for most of the season. He threw for 355 yards and two touchdowns in his first game back, but last week against Toronto he managed only 190 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Frankie Hickson has done an excellent job in place of injured RB AJ Ouellette, rushing for 314 yards in just four starts this season. Samuel Emilus has been the go to receiver no matter who is behind center. He’s caught 60 passes for 630 yards and three touchdowns, including 66 yards last week.
Much like the Bombers, the Riders’ defense has been the backbone of this team in 2024. They are third in the CFL in points allowed, 24.5, and second in rush yards allowed, giving up just 74.8 per game. Their pass defense has been the biggest weakness, giving up 305.7 yards per game, which is 8th in the league.
Prediction
Mosaic Stadium is going to be absolutely wild on Sunday, as Labour Day Weekend is by far the biggest weekend of the CFL regular season, where these two teams play each other every year. As much as we would like to roll with the home team for that reason, the Riders’ offense is too shaky right now, and the Bombers defense is too dominant. Take Winnipeg (+124) on the moneyline.
As good as Sasks’ rushing defense has been, Oliveira is on another level right now. His rushing number is set at 70.5 (-115) and we’re taking the over all day long. He’s hit the over six of the last seven games. Of those six games, the only two in which he ran for less than 100 yards he ran for 78 and 96.
With two of the best defenses in the CFL taking the field on Sunday, and both offenses being inconsistent at best, we’re taking the under 47.5 (-110). This game screams 21-18 or 19-16.
On Draft Kings, a really fun bet is the ‘Winning Margin’ market. Winnipeg to win by 1-6 points is +295, and for Saskatchewan to win by the same margin is +260. No matter who wins, it’s almost certainly going to be a close game.
Final Pick
Winnipeg Blue Bombers ML (+124), Under 47.5 (-110)
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
