Week 9 in the CFL kicks off on Thursday night with a marquee matchup between the BC Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Lions became the first West Division foe to beat the Bombers at IG Field since 2018 when they dominated in Week 3 but they’ll have a tough time pulling off the upset again with backup quarterback Dane Evans under center.
CFL betting lines opened with the Bombers as 4.5-point home favorites before growing to -5.5. Here are my best free CFL picks and predictions for Lions vs. Blue Bombers on August 3.
Lions vs Blue Bombers best odds
Lions vs Blue Bombers picks and predictions
The BC Lions hammered Winnipeg at IG Field earlier this year but the Bombers will be in a great spot for revenge. Coming off a bye, Mike O’Shea should have the Bombers much better prepared to deal with BC’s ferocious pass rush this time around.
After all, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers‘ offensive line is still an experienced unit that ranks second in the league according to PFF. Whether they use an extra blocker to help against Mathieu Betts, employ quicker throws for Zack Collaros, or simply execute better, don’t expect another nightmare performance in pass protection.
Collaros was held to just 191 yards in that first meeting against the Lions but the two-time MOP has thrown for more than 300 yards in back-to-back games.
It also helps Collaros that Kenny Lawler is back in the lineup. The star wideout led the league in receiving yards in 2021 but played in Edmonton last season and missing the first six games of this year due to an immigration snafu. Lawler immediately picked up 93 yards in his season debut against the Elks in Week 7 and he gives Winnipeg’s explosive attack another weapon.
On the other side of the ball, the Bombers also have a terrific pass rush which will generate plenty of pressure against Dane Evans. Evans is a solid backup but he can be turnover prone which is bad news against a Winnipeg stop unit that thrives on making big plays and taking the ball away.
The Lions demolished the Elks on Sunday but they’re playing on a short week and CFL teams are just 2-6 straight up and against the spread when playing on just four days of rest this year. Granted, they were in a similar position versus the Bombers earlier this year but this time Collaros and Winnipeg will make them pay.
My best bet: Blue Bombers -5.5 (-115 at FanDuel)
Not intended for use in MA.
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Lions vs Blue Bombers spread and Over/Under analysis
The line opened with the Bombers at -4.5 but has ticked up to -5.5 while the total has stayed steady at 44.5.
The Lions are fresh off a 27-0 beatdown of the Elks on Sunday. That was the second time they shut out the Elks this season and improved their record to 6-1 straight up and 5-1-1 against the spread.
They dominated the Bombers 30-6 as six-point road underdogs in Week 3 with their defense sacking Collaros seven times. That strong defense has also helped the Under go 5-2 in BC’s seven games this season.
The Bombers are 5-2 SU and 4-3 ATS this season with their last game coming in Week 7 when they beat Edmonton 28-14. After a couple of high-scoring shootouts to begin the year, the Under has gone 4-1 in Winnipeg’s last five contests.
Lions vs Blue Bombers trend to know
The Under is 7-1 in the Lions last eight games on the road while going 21-8 in Winnipeg’s previous eight contests at home. Find more CFL betting trends for Lions vs. Blue Bombers.
Lions vs Blue Bombers game info
| Location: |
IG Field, Winnipeg, MB |
| Date: |
Thursday, August 3, 2023 |
| Kickoff: |
8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: |
TSN |
Lions vs Blue Bombers key injuries
Lions: Vernon Adams Jr. QB (Questionable).
Blue Bombers: Dalton Schoen WR (Questionable), Celestin Haba DE (Out), Janarion Grant WR/KR (Out), Malik Clements LB (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Lions vs Blue Bombers weather
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