In tonight’s CFL action, the Ottawa Redblacks and BC Lions clash in the first game of Week 4. The Lions are off to a 2-0 start, placing them in third place in the West Division, behind the 3-0 Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Redblacks occupy the third spot in the East Division but are 0-2 and sit just ahead of the 0-3 Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Ottawa is coming off a bye, while BC destroyed the Toronto Argonauts in Week 3 44-3.
Moneyline: BC Lions @ -105
The Lions are off to the best start in their franchise’s history, scoring the most points in the first two games of any season (103) since the Argonauts put up 103 in 1992. Quarterback Nathan Rourke has thrown for 436 yards, shattering the single-game record in the CFL for most thrown yards in an outing by a Canadian quarterback. As good as the offense has been this year, BC’s defense has staggered the opposition in two games, allowing 18 points and minimizing any potential runs.
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Ottawa’s slow start to the season shouldn’t be all negatives, as they managed to keep both games close in score. They’ve lost both games by a combined score differential of nine points, but the offense will need to be much better. They’ll get some much-needed help with the season debut of William Powell after missing the last two games due to an Achilles injury. Still, it’s the Lions’ game to lose, and we fully expect them to steamroll the Redblacks. Take them to cruise to a victory and join the Stampeders and Blue Bombers as a 3-0 team.
BC First Score Method: Touchdown (+260)
It won’t be a major surprise to see BC score first with a touchdown tonight. Their offense is nearly unstoppable, and Rourke is playing out of this world. They may have taken a hit with the loss of Bryan Burnham, who will miss at least the next six games due to fractured ribs suffered last Saturday. 25-year-old Josh Pearson will step in to fill the void, and he brings a solid background as a member of the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won the Super Bowl that year.
Winning Margin: BC (13-18 Points) @ +800
Not only does BC possess a potent offense, but their defensive structure has kept the opposition at bay in both games this season. They’ll have their hands full tonight with receiver Darvin Adams entering with a 24-game catching streak. He also represents Ottawa’s best odds of scoring a touchdown at any point (+165) after catching three of six attempts for one touchdown. Putting a stop to him will give the Lions the best chance to keep the score heavily in their favour.
Odds via Bet365
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