This is a first game of a home-and-home series between these two clubs. The Tiger-Cats are battling for first place in the East division, while the Lions are hoping to land a cross-over spot, and perhaps play the Ti-Cats in the post season. Could this be a playoff preview?

Betting Analysis

This will be the first head-to-head of the season for the Tiger-Cats and Lions. Last season the two teams split the series, each winning in the others stadium. Overall, the Lions have had the Cats number. In the last five games, the Lions are 4-1 against Hamilton. The Lions have played well at BC Place going 4-1 in five games, while the Ti-Cats are 3-3 on the road, and have the same record on home turf. However, the Tiger-Cats have been road warriors as of late, going 9-2-1 in their last 11 away from Tim Horton’s Field.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Maybe the Hamilton Tiger Cats just can’t beat the Calgary Stampeders? Last Saturday afternoon, the Cats fell to the Stamps for the 14^th consecutive time in a 48-23 setback. They were very much in the game, down 20-19 at halftime, but allowed 23 second half points in the loss. The good news, they won’t have to play Calgary for the remainder of the regular season. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was “off” his game, unable to throw a touchdown pass for the first time since July 19 (vs. Saskatchewan) and was picked off two times.

The Tiger Cats did make a number of exciting plays including a Shakeir Ryan 104 yard knock return for a touchdown, and a Delvin Breaux Sr. 31 yard fumble return for a major. Of note, Brandon Banks missed last year’s game with an injury, and according to team officials will be a game-time decision in this one. If he is unable to play once again, he joins a growing list of star receivers on the sidelines, including Chris Williams and Jalen Saunders. That is not good news for a June Jones offence that loves to throw the ball down field.

BC Lions

The Lions enter this game on a modest two-game winning streak with victories against the RedBlacks (26-14) and most recently the Alouettes (32-14). But, problems have erupted at the quarterback position. Veteran Travis Lulay dislocated his left shoulder on Friday against Montreal, and is likely out the next 4-6 weeks. Former starter, now back-up Jonathan Jennings took over that game and played well throwing for 180 yards (19 of 30) one touchdown and an interception. All of the Leos playoff hopes now rest firmly on the 26 year-old from Columbus, Ohio. Jennings did have some help in Friday’s win.

Receiver Bryan Burnham played his best game of the season hauling in five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown. He has 630 receiving yards on the season and will be a main fixture in the Lions offensive attack. The Lions defence looked sharp last week as well recording seven sacks, led by Shawn Lemon who had a pair. Defensive Back Anthony Orange was named a CFL Top Performer last week as he collected two interceptions, running one of them back for a 54 yard touchdown.

Tiger-Cats vs. Lions Prediction