CFL Betting – Lions and Stamps match-up in West division rivalry
Football odds: Calgary Stampeders (+2.5) at B.C. Lions (-2.5)
Friday, August 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET
WHAT: Canadian Football League
WHO: Calgary Stampeders (+2.5) at B.C. Lions (-2.5)
WHEN: Friday, August 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: B.C. Place Stadium in Victoria, British Columbia
HEAD TO HEAD: Lions are 11-3-1 in past 15 games against
KEY STAT: B.C. is 7-3 against the spread vs. Calgary in last 10 games
This is a great football match-up if you bet on sports, but CFL lines are favoring the hometown B.C. Lions by 2.5 points to knock off the “underdog” Calgary Stampeders.
The Canadian Football League has enjoyed some great parity this season and these teams are good examples of that. Calgary and British Columbia are both 4-3 on the season and are fighting for position in the CFL West division.
Offensively, these squads have sown about the same juice, averaging 29 points per contest. The Lions cranked out 40 points in a win over Edmonton nearly two weeks ago, but the defense and special teams can take most of the credit for that. According to the coaching staff, those units combined to be responsible for 28 points between turnovers and returns.
Quarterback Jarious Jackson threw three touchdown passes, but that was only because of great field position provided by his teammates. He was actually benched in the third quarter in favor of Buck Pierce after tossing an interception in the end zone.
Jackson will start this week. The CFL odds might favor B.C. Even more if it weren't for that tenuous situation.
Calgary, meanwhile, held off the CFL's only undefeated team in the Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-1). The Stamps got 128 yards and a touchdown from running back Joffrey Reynolds, who was key in the 30-25 victory.
The Stampeders defense looked very sharp for most of the game, but it nearly blew a 26-point fourth quarter lead. Their fourth-quarter play must improve as they likely won't be so lucky next time. The collapse is probably part of the reason CFL lines favor British Columbia.
B.C. has owned the Stampeders over the past few years, going 7-3 against the spread in the past 10 match-ups and 11-3-1 straight up. Both teams were arguably lucky to get away with wins last week, but Calgary at least managed three good quarters while the Lions offense was impressive throughout.
Guy's Pick: You can't expect 28 points from your defense and special teams every game. Calgary in a squeaker.
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A Laval, Quebec native, Guy LaPierre grew up rooting for the Montreal Alouettes. Now he gets to handicap them for a living as our resident CFL expert. Guy enjoys the game South of the Border, but three-down football is his specialty. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
