This is a big number for Montreal to lay. The Alouettes are 7-6. They are a playoff team, but not some dominant power.

The oddsmaker seems to believe the Alouettes will play hard against a bad Ottawa team because of home field incentive. The Alouettes would host Hamilton in the first round of the playoffs if the Tiger-Cats lose to Saskatchewan on Saturday provided Montreal defeats Ottawa. Hamilton is around a TD favorite against Saskatchewan.

What can be said for sure is Montreal and Hamilton are meeting next week in a playoff game. So this game is pretty much meaningless. The Alouettes aren't going to risk an injury just to have their starters play a full game. If Montreal were to jump out to a big lead, the backdoor would be left wide open as the Alouettes likely are going to play reserves a lot here.

Ottawa had a bye last week. So the Redblacks will be refreshed and loose this being their final game of the season. Ottawa played Toronto tough in its last game losing, 23-20, but covering as a 10 1/2-point 'dog.

Montreal has failed to cover eight of the last 11 times it has been favored. The Alouettes also are 0-6 ATS the past six times as home chalk. Ottawa has covered the past eight times when playing in Montreal.