Winnipeg Blue Bombers vs Ottawa Redblacks Prediction & Preview - 7/19/2026
Updated July 17, 2026
Updated July 17, 2026
Winnipeg heads to TD Place on Sunday looking to build on consecutive victories, while Ottawa is still searching for its first win of the 2026 CFL season. The Blue Bombers have leaned on one of the league's strongest defenses during their recent turnaround, allowing opponents few explosive plays while finding enough offense behind Brady Oliveira and a deep receiving group. Ottawa has shown occasional promise offensively but has struggled with consistency at quarterback and enters Week 7 after a 40-17 loss to Edmonton. Injuries also remain a storyline for both clubs, with Zach Collaros, Brady Oliveira and Nic Demski all appearing on Winnipeg's injury report during the week, while Ottawa continues to manage several injuries on both sides of the ball.
The Blue Bombers have won back-to-back games, including an impressive road victory over Hamilton followed by a convincing win against Toronto. Ottawa has yet to find an answer at quarterback, and regardless of whether Jake Maier or McLeod Bethel-Thompson starts, the offense has struggled to sustain drives against quality defenses. Winnipeg's defense has consistently forced opponents into long-yardage situations and has limited explosive scoring opportunities throughout the first half of the season.
The biggest concern for Winnipeg is health. Collaros has been limited with a neck injury, while Oliveira and Demski have also appeared on the injury report. Even if Collaros is unavailable, Dru Brown proved last week that he can run the offense efficiently after throwing for 339 yards in the win over Toronto. With the expectation that Brown will start over Collaros, we'll take the points with the Redblacks, while the Bombers should win.
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DraftKings Same Game Parlay Odds: +575
The under is appealing because both offenses have experienced stretches of inconsistency, while Winnipeg's defense continues to rank among the CFL's toughest units. Ottawa has struggled to finish drives, making a lower-scoring game a reasonable expectation unless turnovers create easy points. We will also take the points with Montreal, given the injuries that are currently plaguing the Bombers. Oliveira remains Winnipeg's offensive centerpiece whenever healthy. His combination of rushing volume and goal-line opportunities gives him strong touchdown value if he is active on Sunday.
Winnipeg enters Week 7 with a 3-2 record after recovering from a slow start. The Blue Bombers defeated Hamilton 14-13 before following that performance with a 30-21 victory over Toronto. During that stretch, the defense has limited big plays while forcing opposing offenses to earn every yard. The unit has become the foundation of Winnipeg's success.
The quarterback situation for Winnipeg remains worth monitoring until kickoff. Zach Collaros opened the week as a non-participant because of a neck injury, but Brown has already demonstrated he can keep the offense productive. His 339-yard performance against Toronto earned league recognition and now sets up an emotional return against the franchise where he spent the previous two seasons. If Brown starts, familiarity with Ottawa's personnel could provide another advantage.
Oliveira remains one of the CFL's premier running backs and continues to anchor Winnipeg's balanced attack. When defenses commit extra resources to slowing the ground game, the Blue Bombers have capable receivers who can create explosive gains downfield. Demski's health will also be worth watching after appearing on the injury report with an ankle issue.
Ottawa's season has been frustrating. The Redblacks sit at 0-5 after surrendering 40 points to Edmonton in Week 6, and uncertainty at quarterback has prevented the offense from establishing any rhythm. Jake Maier has struggled, while McLeod Bethel-Thompson remains an option if the coaching staff decides a change is needed. Regardless of who starts, Ottawa must do a much better job protecting the football and sustaining drives against a defense that thrives on forcing mistakes.
The Redblacks also continue to work through several injuries. Greg Bell has been limited during practice, while linebacker Nyles Morgan and multiple defensive backs have also appeared on the injury report. Those absences become even more significant against a Winnipeg offense capable of controlling time of possession with its rushing attack.
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