Calgary Stampeders vs BC Lions Prediction 6-8-23 CFL Picks

The BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders meet Thursday in CFL action at McMahon Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

BC Lions Betting Preview

The BC Lions are coming off a 12-6 season where they made the West Final, and they have to think they can get over the hump this year. BC lost quarterback Nathan Rourke to the NFL, and Vernon Adams slides into his place as the starter. Adams is a playmaker who has 8,500 passing yards and 49 touchdowns, and he can be a real difference maker as long as he limits the turnovers. Leading receivers Dominique Rhymes and Keon Hatcher are still on the squad, so BC should once again be solid offensively. Defensively, Marcus Sayles returns after 68 tackles, David Ménard led the Lions with 9 sacks and Garry Peters had 5 interceptions. BC also added Shawn Lemon to the defensive front, which is a big deal. There’s no reason why the BC Lions shouldn’t make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2015-16.

Calgary Stampeders Betting Preview

The Calgary Stampeders haven’t missed the playoffs since 2004 and this isn’t a year when the streak is expected to end. Jake Maier replaces Bo Levi Mitchell at quarterback, which is an end to an era after two Grey Cups and two MVPs with the club. Maier has the usual weapons around him to be successful, as Malik Henry and Reggie Begelton remain the top receivers and running back Ka’Deem Carey has gotten more productive in each of his first 3 seasons. Defensively, Cameron Judge returns after leading Calgary with 78 tackles, Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund had 8 sacks and Titus Wall had 3 interceptions. The loss of Lemon is big up front, but there’s more than enough here to make a deep playoff run. 

Randy’s Free Pick

The Calgary Stampeders are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home, but it’s BC that’s won 3 of the last 4 meetings against Calgary, including each of its last 3 trips to McMahon Stadium. A strong argument can be made that the BC Lions are the better team, as only Winnipeg has better odds currently to win the Grey Cup. It’s a feeling out process, but right now it feels like we’re getting free points with the better team. Give me the BC Lions.