It’s been a turbulent month for the BC Lions, but Rohit Ponnaiya explains why the Leos are poised to snap their losing streak when they visit the nation’s capital on Saturday.
The BC Lions head to the nation’s capital on Saturday night to face off against the Ottawa Redblacks.
Although these teams have been trending in opposite directions, my Lions vs. Redblacks predictions expect the Leos to snap their losing streak. Here are my best free CFL picks for August 24.
Lions vs Redblacks prediction
My best bet
Lions moneyline (-115 at SIA)
My analysis
The BC Lions are coming off a 20-11 defeat to Winnipeg, which marked their fourth loss in a row. It was a whirlwind of a week for the Lions, who had welcomed Nathan Rourke back to the team after a year and a half in the NFL.
Rourke was terrible in his return to the CFL gridiron, completing just 8-of-25 passes for 126 yards and two interceptions. However, let’s not forget that he was the league’s best player just two years ago, completing 78.7% of his passes for 3,349 yards with 32 total touchdowns in 10 games.
The Ottawa Redblacks may hold impressive defensive stats heading into Week 12, but they allowed 29 points in last week’s victory against Calgary and they aren’t as good as the numbers would suggest — especially against the pass. The Redblacks have benefited from facing several teams that were extremely banged up on offense, and they have already been exposed by Cody Fajardo, Bo Levi Mitchell, and McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Rourke should be much better in his second start. With an elite group of receivers surrounding him, he will lead the Leos to a victory on Saturday.
Lions vs Redblacks same-game parlay (SGP)
Lions moneyline
Over 50.5
Justin Hardy Over 4.5 receptions
I’m betting on Rourke & Co. to put up plenty of points, but I’m also expecting BC’s defense to give up their fair share. The Lions rank last in the CFL in opponent completion percentage (72.4%) and opponent pass efficiency rating (110.3).
The Redblacks lost quarterback Dru Brown to an injury in the first quarter of their Week 10 tie with Saskatchewan, but he’ll be back under center on Saturday. Brown was really starting to hit his stride with Ottawa and he’ll do his part to help this game eclipse the total.
In six games with a healthy Brown at QB, Justin Hardy logged at least five receptions in every contest, averaging 6.0 catches on 8.2 targets per game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Lions vs Redblacks odds
Lions vs Redblacks live odds
Lions vs Redblacks opening odds
- Spread: BC -1 (-110) | Ottawa +1 (-110)
- Moneyline: BC -115 | Ottawa -105
- Over/Under: Over 50 (-110) | Under 50 (-110)
Lions vs Redblacks spread and Over/Under analysis
- Early money came in on the Lions, shifting the spread to -2, but buyback on the Redblacks moved it back to -1 by Friday.
- The Lions began the season 5-1 SU and 4-2 ATS, but they are 0-4 SU and ATS in their last four games.
- Ottawa is coming off a 31-29 win in Calgary and has gone 4-0-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in its previous five contests.
- The Redblacks are 4-0-1 at home with an average scoring margin of +7.8 points per game, while the Lions are 2-4 on the road with a margin of -5.5 ppg.
Lions vs Redblacks trend
BC is 8-0 SU and 7-1 ATS in the last eight meetings between these teams. Find more CFL betting trends for Lions vs. Redblacks.
Lions vs Redblacks game info
| Location: | TD Place Stadium, Ottawa, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-24-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Lions vs Redblacks key injuries
Lions: Vernon Adams Jr. QB (Questionable), Pete Robertson DE (Out), Chris Schleuger G (Out), Josh Woods LB (Out).
Redblacks: Kalil Pimpleton WR (Out), Bryce Carter DE (Out), Tobias Harris DB (Out), Money Hunter DB (Out), Devonte Williams RB (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Lions vs Redblacks weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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