Calgary Stampeders vs BC Lions CFL Picks, Odds, Predictions 8/12/21

The BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders meet Thursday in CFL action at McMahon Stadium. The BC Lions look for a victory after losing their opener to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The Calgary Stampeders need a win after losing their opener to the Toronto Argonauts.

The BC Lions are currently riding a four-game losing streak. Michael Reilly is completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 203 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions. Reilly and Nathan Rourke have combined for three touchdowns and two interceptions. Lucky Whitehead and Bryan Burnham have combined for 228 receiving yards and two touchdowns while Dominique Rhymes has six receptions. The BC Lions ground game is averaging 34 yards per contest, and James Butler leads the way with 24 yards on eight carries. Defensively, BC is allowing 33 points and 305 yards per game. Victor Gamboa leads the BC Lions with seven tackles, Jordan Williams has one sack and TJ Lee has one interception.

The Calgary Stampeders have split their last eight games overall. Bo Levi Mitchell is completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 252 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Mitchell has one touchdown pass in each of his last three games. Kamar Jorden and Josh Huff have combined for 138 receiving yards and one touchdown while Colton Hunchak has one reception. The Calgary Stampeders ground game is averaging 101 yards per contest, and Ka’Deem Carey leads the way with 75 yards on 18 carries. Defensively, Calgary is allowing 23 points and 410 yards per game. Jameer Thurman leads the Calgary Stampeders with five tackles, Shawn Lemon has one sack and DaShaun Amos has one forced fumble.

The Lions are 5-12 ATS vs. a team with a losing record and 3-10 ATS in their last 13 vs. West. The Stampeders are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 home games and 0-8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall. The under is 9-2 in Lions last 11 games overall. The over is 4-1 in Stampeders last 5 games overall. The Lions are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

While we’re only one game into the season, the Stampeders didn’t look good in their first contest, especially on defense. Bo Levi Mitchell also hasn’t been the difference maker we’re used to him being over his last three or four games. The BC Lions had their chances to win their season opener and are the best passing team through one game. Also, three of the last four meetings between the Stamps and Lions have been decided by five or less points. Give me the free touchdown.