After starting the season 1-3, Nathan Rourke and the BC Lions have roared into the playoff mix over the last several weeks behind some serious offensive fireworks. This afternoon, the Lions will look to move over .500 and capture a third straight victory in a road tilt vs. the struggling Toronto Argonauts (3:00 p.m. ET, CFL+).
The Lions (5-5) are currently fourth in the West Division, a game behind the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-4). But as it stands, BC is in a playoff spot because of a much better record than the Ottawa Redblacks (3-8), who are third in the East Division. A win at BMO Field will only put more space between the Lions and Redblacks, and it will keep them within reach of the Blue Bombers and Stampeders (6-3) in the West Division.
Will BC’s offense be too much for Toronto to tame? Read on for our Lions vs. Argonauts prediction and picks and find out which top U.S. sportsbooks offer the best betting value for this contest.
BC Lions vs. Toronto Argonauts Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Lions | -3.5 (-123) | -210 | Over 55.5 (-110) |
| Toronto Argonauts | +3.5 (+103) | +180 | Under 55.5 (-110) |
Lions vs. Argonauts Prediction and Picks
While other teams may have better Grey Cup odds, does anyone want to face BC right now?
In the first five games of the season, the Lions averaged just 20.8 points per game. But since Rourke settled back in after missing Weeks 3 and 4 due to an oblique injury, he and BC’s offense have been hard to stop.
Over their last five games, the Lions have averaged 33.8 PPG and scored 30+ points four times. In that stretch, Rourke has completed 71.5% of his passes for 1,761 yards (an average of 352.2 yards per game) and 11 touchdowns.
Last week, he was 26 for 34 for 382 yards with four touchdown tosses in BC’s 36-18 win over the Montreal Alouettes.
Last Five Games for BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke
- vs. Montreal (Week 11): 26 for 34, 382 yards, 4 TD, INT; 2 carries, 31 yards
- at Hamilton (Week 10): 24 for 40, 408 yards, 2 TD, INT; 2 carries, 28 yards
- vs. Hamilton (Week 8): 20 for 27, 289 yards; 4 carries, 34 yards
- vs. Saskatchewan (Week 7): 27 for 41, 337 yards, 3 TD, INT
- at Edmonton (Week 6): 26 for 30, 345 yards, 2 TD, INT
Expect more of the same in today’s Lions vs. Argonauts matchup, if not even more. The Argos entered this week second in the league in passing yards allowed per game, but they were tied for second worst in 30+ yard completions and solo in second worst in passing efficiency and completion percentage (72.5%). Toronto also entered this week giving up the most yards after catch and as the most generous team in the league in terms of average starting field position, neither of which bode well when you are going up against an aerial attack that is firing on all cylinders.
On a positive note, Nick Arbuckle has four straight 300-yard games and has eight touchdown passes and only two interceptions in that stretch, and he’s facing a defense that has had its issues stopping big plays. So, Toronto should put some points on the board today after being held to just 20 in last week’s loss at Edmonton.
That said, it won’t be enough to keep the Lions from ending a four-game losing streak to the Argos and moving over .500 as they begin the most favorable portion of their schedule.
Lions vs. Argonauts Prediction: Lions to win
Lions vs. Argonauts Picks: 1) Lions -3.5 (-123 at BetOnline) 2) Lions/Argonauts over 55 (-110 at Bovada) 3) Lions team total over 30.5 points (-110 at Bovada)
Other CFL Week 12 Betting Information
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