The two teams who met in last year’s West Division semi-final renew hostilities to open their respective 2023 campaigns, only this time to setting is switched for Calgary.

The CFL experts have placed the host Stampeders as -3.0 favourites on the CFL odds. The total is pegged at 51.0.

Lions vs Stampeders Odds and Betting Analysis

As most fans remember, it was the Vancouver-based club that ended Calgary’s season in 2022, with a 30-16 win the division’s semi-final contest at BC Place.

That happened to be the fourth overall meeting between the sides and, incidentally, the only one won by the host. The Lions took two of three bouts against the Stampeders during the regular season, both of which came at McMahon Stadium, and the only defeat being at home.

As for what betters might be concerned with, the Lions were a respectable 11-7 against the spread in 2022. They weren’t any slouches when playing on the road either, equalling their home performance of 6-3.

Dave Dickenson’s Stampeders were an okay 9-8-1 against the spread last year. Of note, they were a far superior road team than they were a home team, only mustering a 5-4 record at McMahon and coasting to 7-2 when travelling.

BC Lions

The journey to get over the West Division hump begins. They came painstakingly close in 2022, but fell to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-20 in the West final.

Rick Campbell leads the group for the fourth year in a row – not counting 2020 of course. To his credit, the club has improved steadily year after year. They were at the bottom of the division in 2019, next-to-last in 2021, and performed a huge leap forward in 2022. This year’s edition looks a lot different than last years. Out are QB Nathan Rourke and RB James Butler. In are Vernon Adams Jr. and Taquan Mizzell, the latter who played second fille last year. Adams Jr. will have a key weapon at his disposal to learn the ropes in Vancouver. WR Dominique Rhymes finished second in the CFL last season in yards receiving with 1,401 as well in touchdowns, taking 11 passes to the house.

Calgary Stampeders

The Dave Dickenson experience in Calgary – from a coaching perspective – has already paid dividends with a Grey Cup win in 2018. As such, this is about being consistent and building a legacy.

To that effect, 2023 will be an intriguing challenge for the Stampeders. Much like the Lions, they too are looking at a new chapter under centre. Bo Levi Mitchell, a staple for several seasons, is now a Hamilton Tiger-Cat. In his stead is Jake Maier. Helping become the number one guy is 1,000-yard receiver Malik Henry and running back Ka’Deem Carey. On the defensive side of the ball, several important players who put up top-10 stats last year have gone for greener pastures, but linebacker Cameron Judge is still around. He had an impressive 78 tackles in 2022. If  DL Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund can replicate last year’s effort (eight sacks), Calgary should be in a position to perform well on both sides of the ball this season.

Who Will Win Lions vs. Stampeders?