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Lions vs. Blue Bombers Prediction: CFL Week 9 Point Spread, Odds
As the CFL regular campaign develops, three clubs have begun to stand out from the pack. In the East are the Toronto Argonauts, who have a comfortable divisional lead. In the West, it’s certainly the number one BC Lions and number two Winnipeg Blue Bombers. They battle for the second time this season on Thursday.
The CFL odds have placed the Blue Bombers as -5.5 favourites, with the total set at 45.0.
CFL Odds and Betting
The Lions and Blue Bombers return to the scene of one of the most surprising games this year Back in June when most still believed Winnipeg to be the superior outfit, the Lions feasted on their rivals 30-6, announcing their intent to fight for the West Division. It marked the club’s second win over Winnipeg in the last five chances, playoffs included. It was also the first time in four games that a road team won a head-to-head matchup.
BC is flying high so far in 2023. Not only are they a stellar 6-1 in the standings, but they’ve rewarded betters for placing faith in them with a 5-1-1 record against the spread. The under has been more beneficial on the year, going 5-2.
As for Winnipeg, things are a bit tighter ATS, as the club has mustered a respectable if unspectacular 4-3 record. They were 4-1 but failed to cover their last two chances, neither of which came against teams with winning records (Ottawa and Edmonton). In their case, the under has also won out most of the time, going 4-3.
Of note, Blue Bombers WR Dalton Schoen is listed as questionable. Lions QB Dane Evans will get the start even though officially Vernon Adams Jr. is listed as available.
BC Lions
One can only play the team in front of them on the schedule. Few would dare make a case that the Lions were seriously tested last week in Edmonton, but they took care of their business efficiently and without stress.
The 27-0 victory spoke to both how strong BC is this season and to be perfectly honest, also how miserable the Elks are. The defeat also compounded the Elks’ historic home-field futility in North American sports, with BC happy to oblige. The visitors outgained the hosts by an incredible 425 to 219 margin, passed for 306 yards to Edmonton’s 174, and rushed for 119 yards while Edmonton could only gain 45. Dane Evans continued to prove his value as a backup (maybe one day a starter), throwing 25-for-32, 330 yards and two TDs. Running back Taquan Mizzel had a terrific day, surpassing the century mark and averaging 5.3 per tote. Everyone put up nice numbers on both sides of the ball, but again, it’s important to consider the quality of the opposition.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Blue Bombers are coming off their first bye of the season. Technically they haven’t had to go anywhere if they didn’t want to since two weeks ago they hosted the Edmonton Elks and Thursday they stay at home to play the Lions.
It’s a bit funny to write previews for two teams who most recently played the same opponent, one experiencing a notoriously bad season. In the case of the Blue Bombers, their outing versus the Elks was a more testy affair. It ended 28-14 in Winnipeg’s favour, but the hosts had to erupt in the second half to pull away. At halftime, the contest was surprisingly deadlocked at 6-6. Zach Collaros was his typical ruthlessly efficient self, tallying a 20-for-24 day for 308 yards, two majors, and an interception. Brady Oliveira continues to be a key ingredient in this offence as he skipped to the tune of 110 yards and a 6.5 average per carry.
If we refer ourselves to the game between the Lions and Bombers in June, the question is can Winnipeg’s offence get it going in the face of a punishing BC defence?
BC
WPG