Lions vs. Roughriders Prediction: CFL Division Semifinal Odds

Jordan Ramsay | Updated Nov 01, 2024

The Roughriders dominated the Lions just weeks ago and they'll look to do the same on Saturday when the two teams meet in Saskatchewan for the West Division semifinals.

BC
9-9
AT
November 02, 2024, 6:30 PM ET
Mosaic Stadium

Saskatchewan and BC both struggled to find consistency during the regular season, but they’ll need to be at their best on Saturday if they want to earn a shot at facing the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West Divisional final.

The Roughriders are 3.5-point favourites to win on the CFL odds, with the total listed at 50.5.

CFL Odds and Betting

YouTube player

The home team won each meeting between the teams during the regular season. BC won 35-20 on July 13, with Vernon Adams Jr. throwing for a season-high 451 yards. With Adams out of the lineup, Nathan Rourke threw two interceptions and no TDs in the Lions’ 39-8 blowout loss against Saskatchewan on October 12.

The Riders and Lions each finished with nine regular season wins, but Saskatchewan earned the higher seed because they also had a tie. Home field advantage is obviously key. Each team finished the year with a winning home record, while BC was just 3-6 on the road.

A couple of things point to the Roughriders being the play on the spread. First, Saskatchewan went 11-7 against the spread in the regular season, while the Lions were 8-10 ATS. And second, the Riders have covered in three of the last four head-to-heads.

When it comes to game totals, the teams trend in opposite directions. Saskatchewan hit 10 Overs this year, while BC played the Under 12 times.

BC Lions

The big story in BC this year has been the quarterback battle. Vernon Adams Jr. was on pace to finish with historic numbers before a knee injury sidelined him in Week 9. The Lions signed Nathan Rourke to a contract that will make him the highest paid player in the league next season, but he’s struggled this year with just four TD passes and nine interceptions. Adams regained the starting job and looked solid in Week 20, throwing for 385 passing yards and two TDs, although he was picked off twice.

One player to circle on Saturday is receiver Justin McInnis, who led the league in receiving yards (1,469) and finished tied for third in receiving TDs (seven). McInnis was a big reason why BC’s offence averaged the third-most passing yards per game (283.3) during the regular season.

There’s some good news for the Lions on the injury front. Receiver Jevon Cottoy (ankle), offensive lineman Tyler Packer (hamstring) and defensive back Adrian Greene (knee) are all back at practice.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Riders had a bit of a weird year. They started 5-1, then went winless in seven straight, followed by a four-game win streak and finally a meaningless loss against Calgary to close out the regular season. You can likely point to Saskatchewan’s defensive injuries in the middle of the season as a big reason for their struggles. Overall, they’ve been very strong defensively. The Roughriders’ plus-26 turnover ratio led the CFL in the regular season and was better than the next four teams combined. That could be huge, considering Vernon Adams Jr. has thrown nine interceptions in eight full games.

Saskatchewan has also been strong defensively against the run. They allowed the fewest rushing yards per game (80.3) and they were particularly successful against BC running back William Stanback, who was held to just 49 total rushing yards in two games.

Speaking of running backs, Ryquell Armstead (shoulder) is back practicing. Offensive lineman Peter Godber (ankle) and linebacker Adam Auclair (knee) have also returned to practice for the Riders.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Lions vs. Roughriders?

CFL Predictions
SportsInteraction