Last Friday, the BC Lions let a potentially important road win slip away in the final seconds at Ottawa. The Lions can’t get that win back, but they can at least get some measure of makeup tonight in a rematch vs. the Redblacks (10:00 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network).
In last week’s matchup at TD Place Stadium, the Lions led 27-10 late in the third quarter and appeared well on the way to evening their season record at 6-6. But from there, they were outscored 24-6, and after a late field goal miss kept the door open, the Redblacks duly took advantage, scoring the game-winning touchdown with 17 seconds left in a 34-33 win.
Even with the loss, the Lions (5-7) are still in a playoff spot for now. In fact, their record is equal to that of the Montreal Alouettes, who are in second place in the East Division.
But with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at 6-6 and Zach Collaros sidelined again due to his latest head injury, last week’s loss in Ottawa, the Lions would have an opportunity to claim third in the West Division all to themselves this week had they closed out the win last Friday.
Can they avoid a similar slip-up tonight and at least manage to move level with Winnipeg in the West? Read on for our Redblacks vs. Lions prediction and picks and get the best value odds for our best bets from BetOnline or other top sports betting sites.
Ottawa Redblacks vs. BC Lions Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa Redblacks | +8.5 (-110) | +354 | Over 56.5 (-110) |
| BC Lions | -8.5 (-110) | -455 | Under 56.5 (-110) |
Redblacks vs. Lions Betting Trends
- The Redblacks are 2-4 SU and 4-2 ATS on the road this season.
- Ottawa is 3-6 SU and 5-4 ATS as an underdog this season, including 2-3 SU and 4-1 ATS as a road underdog this season.
- The over is 4-2 in the Redblacks’ six road games this season.
- The Lions are 2-3 SU and ATS at home this season.
- BC is 3-5 SU and ATS as a favorite this season, including 2-2 SU and ATS as a home favorite.
- The over has hit in the Lions’ last six games.
- The over is 3-2 in BC’s home games this season, with hits in each of the last three.
Redblacks vs. Lions Prediction and Picks
Prediction: BC Lions to win
If the Lions had a defense that was even just serviceable, they would have at least two more wins at minimum and could be challenging the Calgary Stampeders for second in the West Division.
Instead, because their defense could not put together stops when needed against all three Ontario-based teams, the Lions’ last three losses have come in games in which they scored 33, 34, and 33 points.
That puts extra pressure on the offense to be prolifically productive every time out. In last week’s loss vs. the Redblacks, Lions QB Nathan Rourke threw multiple interceptions for the first time this season, threw only one touchdown pass, and was held under 300 yards.
Still, he and James Butler, the CFL’s leading rusher, did enough to almost have the win in the bag.
That is, until veteran kicker Sean Whyte picked the worst possible time to miss just his second field goal in 32 attempts this season.
To compound it, his missed 46-yard kick was returned out to the Ottawa 33, then an unnecessary roughness penalty tacked on an extra 15 to put the Redblacks at the 48 with 42 ticks left and down 33-27.
From there, it took just two plays and 25 seconds for Ottawa to get the go-ahead touchdown, with the back-breaking play a 52-yard hookup between Dustin Crum and speedster Kalil Pimpleton, who had the missed field goal return the play prior.
That was a masters-level disasterclass in “How to Beat Yourself 101” by the Lions, to put it mildly. But this team is very talented, and with the offense they have, it’s easy to keep the faith this week at home.
Redblacks vs. Lions Picks
1) Nathan Rourke Over 330.5 Yards (-120 at Bovada)
Rourke has missed the over on his passing yards total in BC’s last two games, but a big night is right around the corner. Look for him to light it up tonight.
2) James Butler Over 68.5 Rushing Yards (-120 at Bovada)
In last week’s Lions vs. Redblacks matchup, Butler had 77 yards on 18 carries. He has run for more than 68 yards seven times this season, including each of his last five games. The Redblacks have the league’s best run defense, but Butler should still hit this.
3) BC Lions Team Total Over 33.5 (-113 at Lucky Rebel)
The Lions have scored 33, 41, 36, 34, and 33 points in their last five games. Expect more of the same tonight.
Other CFL Betting Information
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