If you have tuned in to a BC Lions game in recent weeks, you would have gotten your fill of entertainment and excitement. Unfortunately for the Lions, being a part of end-to-end thrills doesn’t always lead to wins. However, it will need to tonight in Ottawa as they visit the Redblacks in a key CFL Week 14 contest. Lions vs. Redblacks is the lone CFL game on U.S. television this week, with broadcast time on CBS Sports Network set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
This is the first of back-to-back games between these two teams, with the rematch taking place next Friday in Vancouver (10:00 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network). It’s an important double dip for BC and Ottawa, with both teams fighting for a playoff spot. The Lions (5-6) enter this week fourth in the West Division, a game behind the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-5). But due to the CFL’s playoff format, they currently occupy what would be the No. 3 seed in the East Division, as they are ahead of the Toronto Argonauts (4-8) and Redblacks (3-8).
For BC, two wins would be ideal, but even a split would leave them in a decent position entering the final six weeks of the season.
Ottawa, however, may need to sweep to maintain a realistic shot at making a playoff push down the stretch with a schedule that sees the Redblacks face the Blue Bombers (home), Roughriders (home), Alouettes (away and home – with Davis Alexander likely back by then), and Tiger-Cats (away).
Who will pick up a vital victory tonight at TD Place Stadium? Read on for our Lions vs. Redblacks prediction and picks. Also, find out which top online sportsbooks offer the best betting value for this Friday night faceoff.
BC Lions vs. Ottawa Redblacks Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Lions | -6.5 (-120) | -265 | Over 54.5 (-120) |
| Ottawa Redblacks | +6.5 (+100) | +219 | Under 54.5 (+100) |
Lions vs. Redblacks Betting Trends
- The over has hit in each of the Lions’ last five games.
- The over has hit in four of BC’s six road games this season.
- BC is 2-4 SU and ATS as a favorite this season, including 1-2 SU and ATS as a road favorite.
- The over has hit only once in Ottawa’s five home games this season.
- The Redblacks are 2-6 SU and 4-4 ATS as an underdog this season, including 0-3 SU and ATS as a home underdog.
Lions vs. Redblacks Prediction and Picks
Prediction: BC Lions to win
After being off last weekend, the Lions should have a winning return to action. Last time out, they started brightly at Toronto as they aimed for a fourth straight road win, but the Argonauts used a 25-point second quarter to overhaul an early 14-3 deficit on the way to a 52-34 win.
It was a step back for the Lions, whose defensive deficiencies were on full display in Toronto. They allowed standout performances by QB Nick Arbuckle (27 for 34, 443 yards, 4 total TD), RB Spencer Brown (85 yards rushing, 34 yards receiving), and receivers Jake Herslow (five catches, 149 yards, 2 TD) and Dejon Brissett (four catches, 118 yards).
That defense, which is statistically one of the worst in the CFL in several key categories, is the thing separating BC from being a potential Grey Cup contender.
But the Lions are going to be in most games that they play and could make some postseason noise because of their outstanding offense, which had another productive performance in Toronto and should move the ball well vs. the Redblacks.
If Dru Brown was suiting up for Ottawa, I might be more inclined to consider the home team here. But there’s a step down from Brown, who remains sidelined this week with a knee injury, and backup Dustin Crum. I don’t see Ottawa’s defense being able to do enough to offset that.
Lions vs. Redblacks Picks
1) BC Lions -6.5 (-120 at BetOnline)
The Redblacks are just 1-4 at home this season, and all four losses have come by double digits. That includes their most recent game, a 30-20 loss to the Edmonton Elks in Week 12. BC’s defense could very well keep Ottawa in it, but the Lions should win by at least a touchdown.
2) Nathan Rourke Over 330.5 Passing Yards (-115 at Lucky Rebel)
In the Week 12 loss to the Argonauts, Rourke landed just under this number. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 326 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
But in nine starts this season, he has gone over that number five times and averaged 334.7 passing yards per game. Now, it is worth noting that the Redblacks have allowed more than 330 passing yards just once this season. But Rourke, who is one of three CFL QBs averaging at least 10.0 yards per attempt, should have the ball in the air and in his receivers’ hands enough to get this one over the line.
3) BC Lions Team Total Over 30.5 Points (-120 at Bovada)
Over their last six games, the Lions have averaged 33.8 points and scored 31 or more points five times. In that stretch, their lowest output is 27, which came in a Week 8 loss to the league’s top team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The Redblacks have allowed 30 or more points seven times this season, and I don’t see them keeping the Lions from hitting this number tonight.
Other CFL Betting Information
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