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Edgar Chaput
Lions vs. Argonauts Prediction: CFL Week 1 Point Spread, Odds
2023 was a case of so close yet so far for both the B.C. Lions and Toronto Argonauts. For the Vancouver-based outfit, they had a strong regular season, won a playoff game, but then lost the West Final like many said they would. For Toronto, 2023 concluded a whiplash-inducing climax as the club got run out of their own building by Montreal in the East Final after a mesmeric 16-2 regular season. Now, with their star QB sidelined for nine games for highly embarrassing reasons, they need to pick up the pieces.
For this Week 1 matchup, the CFL odds have the visiting Lions as -5.5 favourites.
CFL Odds and Betting
B.C. and T.O. only crossed swords once in 2023. It was a highly anticipated game in early July. At the time the Lions were vastly exceeding expectations while the Argos were in the process of dominating the league. And dominate they did that day, winning 45-24.
Despite the glowing 12-6 tally during the regular season, B.C. wasn’t especially good against the spread. Their 8-9-1 record can be largely explained by them trailing off in the final weeks of the campaign, during which they went 1-5 in the last six weeks. B.C. was just as good on the road as they were at home last season, as they went 6-3 on their travels to match the 6-3 home record.
In a display of just how overpowering the Argonauts were last year, consider that they swatted aside the old issue of teams with good straight-up records not matching it with strong ATS tallies. Their 16-2 regular season showing was supported by a fantastic 13-5 ATS record. They were a good bet in most counts last season. Notwithstanding the horror show in the East final, they were also undefeated at home, going 9-0.
BC Lions
The long road to glory begins here for the Lions. And why not them? They were a strong unit in 2023, did just enough to come back with a good roster in 2024, and their city hosts the Grey Cup this November.
Leading the charge is 2023’s top yards passer Vernon Adams Jr. WR Dominique Rhymes now plays in the Nation’s Capital, but the receiver core has a decent talent with Travis Fulgham, Alexander Hollins, and Justin McInnis. The Lions will also benefit from championship experience with former Alouettes RB William Stanback.
Unfortunately, DL Mathieu Betts, who was a monster last year, left for greener pastures in the NFL. On the flip side, they acquired DT Christian Covington, who returns to Canada after spending eight years in the NFL.
Toronto Argonauts
The shock of not having Chad Kelly under centre (not that he deserves to be given the reason for his suspension) will have to wear off quickly. Enter Cameron Dukes.
In his defence, he looked decent in 2023 when he filled in for Kelly, most notably late in the season when the East Division regular season title was wrapped up. This will be another barrel of bananas because the club’s legitimate success rests on his shoulders, at least for nine matches. His weapons include Damonte Coxie (limited in practice this week, hamstring), Davaris Daniels, and Dejon Brissett. Carrying the rock will be Ka’Deem Carey, in place of A.J. Ouellette, who is now a Roughrider.
The defence has plenty of new faces, such as rookie DB Tyshon Blackburn and former Elk and DL Jake Ceresna. Still, the word on the street is that the defence may take a back step when compared to 2023. On paper an argument can be made that the Argos are still technically the best team in the East. Will they live up to that?