Given their records, one would think the RedBlacks would be the favourite in this one, but not so fast. Ottawa took a pummeling last weekend from the lowly Alouettes, while BC slept in with a not very well earned bye. Now, if the Lions were on the road in this one, we’d likely see a tip of the scales in the Redblacks’ favour. Given BC’s record in front of their home fans though, it’ll be hard to argue the spread come Friday night.

Betting Analysis

BC enters this game with a -1.5 point cushion because of their undefeated home status leading into their last tilt with the Riders. They narrowly dropped a close decision to add a blemish to their otherwise clean home tally. Aside from their home victories though, this season has been nothing but atrocious for BC.

Aside from their mediocrity and winless tally on the road, though, the other factor tipping the scales in BC’s favour is that they need this game far more than Ottawa. While the RedBlacks continue to dominate the East, BC is at the bottom of the barrel in the West with a playoff window that is closing rapidly by the day.

Ottawa RedBlacks

For Ottawa to win this game, they’ll have to do exactly what Saskatchewan did in Week 11 against the Leos and that is be monstrous on D. The Riders recovered two fumbles and laid the pressure on Travis Lulay all night. If Ottawa wants to pick up their seventh win of the year on the West Coast this Friday, they’ll need to have a big performance from their defence.

Meanwhile, their special teams coverage will have to be great too. The Lions have had a season of regret on both sides of the ball, but Chris Rainey has truly shone on special teams. Watch for Ottawa to up their contain game this week.

BC Lions

For the Lions to pull out a win they’ll have to rely on their D as well. They’ve been consistently inconsistent all year, but now they’ll have to step it up when it matters most. They’ll need to get to Trevor Harris early and often like the Als did just one week ago.

Montreal sacked him down three times while also forcing one pick. If BC’s secondary can help out on the back end, the Lions have a great shot at beating the beasts from the East.

RedBlacks vs. Lions Prediction