CFL Game Preview: Toronto Argonauts (0-3-0) vs. Ottawa Redblacks (1-3-0)

The Argonauts are off to a winless start in 2025, falling to 0–3 after a 39–32 loss to Saskatchewan. Despite the record, Toronto has shown flashes of offensive potential, averaging 20.3 points per game, but their defense has struggled, allowing a league-worst 32.0 points per game. The Redblacks picked up their first win of the season in Week 3, defeating Calgary 20–12 behind a dominant ground game and a strong defensive showing. Ottawa now returns home looking to snap a seven-game losing streak against Toronto, including a 58–38 loss in their last meeting.

Key Players to Watch

Toronto Argonauts

Nick Arbuckle (QB): 807 passing yards, 3 TDs – completed 73.3% of passes vs. Saskatchewan

Ka’Deem Carey (RB): 228 rushing yards – averaging 5.7 YPC

Makai Polk (WR): 245 receiving yards – top target in the passing game

Folarin Orimolade (DL): 2 sacks – key to pressuring Ottawa’s QB

Ottawa Redblacks

Dru Brown (QB): Day-to-day; if unavailable, Dustin Crum (350 total yards in Week 3) will start

Ryquell Armstead (RB): 239 rushing yards – leads CFL in rushing

Justin Hardy (WR): 195 receiving yards – reliable possession receiver

Adarius Pickett (LB): 21 tackles – defensive leader and run stopper

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Toronto	Ottawa
Record	0–3	1–2
Points Per Game	20.3	21.3
Points Allowed	32.0	27.3
Total Offense	307.0 YPG	350.0 YPG
Total Defense	378.0 YPG	402.5 YPG
Turnover Margin	–4	–4

Toronto is 7–1 SU and ATS in its last 8 games vs. Ottawa. The OVER has hit in 5 straight meetings between these teams.

Tactical Breakdown

Toronto Keys to Victory:

Protect Arbuckle and establish Carey early

Limit explosive plays from Hardy and Armstead

Improve red zone efficiency (just 4 TDs on 10 trips)

Ottawa Keys to Victory:

Control the clock with the run game

Pressure Arbuckle—Toronto has allowed 7 sacks in 3 games

Win the turnover battle (both teams are –4 on the season)

Matchup to Watch:

Ka’Deem Carey vs. Adarius Pickett – Carey’s elusiveness vs. Ottawa’s top tackler could swing the game

Expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. If Dru Brown returns, Ottawa’s offense should have the edge. But even with Crum, the Redblacks’ run game and home-field advantage give them a slight upper hand.