Lions and Blue Bombers Face-Off in Saturday Night Showdown
In a battle of two unbeatens, the BC Lions will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the most-anticipated game of the CFL season, so far.
The Western Conference is loaded. After four weeks of play, there are still three unbeaten teams — including the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calgary Stampeders, and BC Lions. The Blue Bombers and Lions square off Saturday night in British Columbia in what most would consider the premium matchup of the season up to this point.
At SPREADS.CA the Lions are a -3 favourite hosting the defending Grey Cup champions. The total has been set at 48.5.
The big question is – can and will Winnipeg slow down BC?
It won't be easy. The Lions average an astounding 520 total yards of offense and 45.7 points per game through the first three contests. Both of those marks are the best in the CFL, by far.
The Lions defence has also roared. The BC stop unit is allowing a CFL-low 270.3 yards game while yielding just 16.3 points per game, which is second only to....drum roll please....Winnipeg.
Something has to give.
As for Winnipeg, this team may be 4-0, but they have looked very ordinary much of the season. They almost blew a 14-point lead last week, edging out an ugly win versus Toronto.
The reason for the Blue Bombers' success and unbeaten streak has been defence, which is still one of the toughest units in the league. It may be time to start worrying in Winnipeg as the Blue Bombers rank only fifth in scoring per game (21.8) and an ugly eighth in total offense (at 324 yards per game). Those are horrific numbers for a team that's been the class of the CFL for a while.
Noteworthy injuries for the Bombers: Receiver Nic Demski (foot) and linebacker Kyrie Wilson (Achilles) won’t play on Saturday.
Predictions (powered by Pointspreads.ca):
Expect the Blue Bombers' multiple weaknesses and a general lack of motivation to be exposed here in a big home game for BC.
The Bombers rank only fifth in scoring (a mediocre 21.8 points per game) and hold a downright ugly eighth ranking in total offense. Those are horrific numbers for a championship team.
This line has the Lions favoured for a reason. Look for a major statement to be made here and a possible shift in the West as BC gets the win, remains undefeated, and (more important for us) gets the cover.
The pick is BC Lions -3.
