Two weeks ago, the BC Lions produced one of the wildest results of the CFL season, as they throttled the Calgary Stampeders 52-23 at McMahon Stadium. What does today’s Stampeders vs. Lions rematch (7:00 p.m. ET, CFL+) have in store?
At one point of the season, the Stampeders appeared to be certain for at least one home playoff game, and the West Division title was still even in play just a few weeks ago.
But with three consecutive losses to Edmonton, BC, and Montreal, Calgary (8-6) looking at a potential road trip depending on how things finish for themselves, the Lions (8-7), and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-7).
While Calgary is on a downturn, things are headed in the opposite direction for BC, who has won three straight games to make it a three-way race for second.
A win in today’s matchup vs. the Stampeders would put the Lions into second with games left on October 17 against Edmonton (10:30 p.m. ET, CFL+) and October 25 at Saskatchewan (7:00 p.m. ET, CFL+). It would represent quite the turnaround for a team that was 5-7 after an agonizing loss at Ottawa on September 5.
Will BC blow Calgary away again to slide into second behind Saskatchewan? Read on for our Stampeders vs. Lions prediction and picks, which will be accompanied by the best odds from top sports betting sites such as BetOnline.
Calgary Stampeders vs. BC Lions Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Stampeders | +3.5 (-105) | +180 | Over 56 (-110) |
| BC Lions | -3.5 (-115) | -210 | Under 56 (-110) |
Stampeders vs. Lions Betting Trends
- The Stampeders are 6-2 SU and ATS as an underdog this season, including 3-2 SU and ATS as a road underdog.
- In Calgary’s road games this season, the under is 4-2.
- There is an even split of four overs and four unders when the Stampeders have been an underdog this season, including three unders and two overs when they have been a road underdog.
- The Lions are 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS as a home favorite this season and 4-3 SU and 3-4 ATS overall at home this season.
- Overall, BC is 5-5 SU and 4-6 ATS as a favorite this season.
- The over has hit in eight of BC’s last nine games, including four of their last five home games.
Stampeders vs. Lions Prediction and Picks
Prediction: Lions to win
Propelled by strong defensive play and impressive showings against the CFL’s better teams, the Stampeders looked like one of the top Grey Cup contenders for much of the season.
But what is Calgary when that defense drops off? A team whose offense is not good enough to make up for it.
In their last three games vs. the Elks, Lions, and Alouettes, the Stampeders have given up well over 1300 yards, a dozen touchdowns, and 120 points. They were overwhelmed through the air by Nathan Rourke and Davis Alexander and on the ground by Edmonton’s Justin Rankin and BC’s Zander Horvath.
At the same time, Vernon Adams Jr. has not been very good, and while running back Dedrick Mills has continued to be productive, he is not the dynamic threat as both a runner and receiver as some of the CFL’s other top backs are.
BC’s offense didn’t have the expected output against Toronto last week but did enough to secure a 27-22 win, and while they might not hit 50+ points and 500+ yards against Calgary again, it should be another good evening for the Lions on offense.
If the Stampeders play to the level that they are capable of, they certainly can contend for the win in Vancouver. But based on the direction that both teams are going, it’s hard to see anything other than a win for the home team.
Stampeders vs. Lions Picks
1) Keon Hatcher Over 88.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at Lucky Rebel)
Hatcher fell just short of this number last week, catching four passes for 87 yards against the Argos. But he had eight catches (on eight targets) for 147 yards vs. the Stampeders in Week 16 and has put up a lot of yards in the Lions’ last four home games. In that stretch, he has 25 catches (from 27 targets), 457 yards, and three touchdowns.
Look for Hatcher to keep his home hot streak going and have another big game against Calgary.
2) Justin McInnis Over 70.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at Lucky Rebel)
McInnis has gone over this number in each of his last four games and had six catches for 88 yards and two touchdowns when the Lions rolled vs. the Stampeders in Week 16.
3) BC Lions Team Total Over 30.5 Points (-115 at Bovada)
Last week, a run of seven straight games with 33 or more points ended against Toronto, but a new streak should start today. Calgary’s defense is better than it has shown in recent weeks, but when the rot starts, it can be hard to stop.
The Stampeders will no doubt feel that they have something to prove in this rematch vs. the Lions, but you can be sure that BC will be out to show that the win in Calgary was no fluke.
Other CFL Betting Information
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