Although the BC Lions have endured a rocky second half, running back William Stanback has seen a huge uptick in his production.
With the Calgary Stampeders defense remaining highly vulnerable on the ground, my Stampeders vs. Lions predictions expect Stanback to spearhead BC's offense in my CFL picks for Friday, October 4.
Stampeders vs Lions prediction
My best bet
William Stanback Over 77.5 rushing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
My analysis
When the BC Lions acquired Nathan Rourke in mid-August, the Leos immediately jumped to the top of Grey Cup odds.
Media and fans alike believed the Leos switching from Vernon Adams Jr. to the former NFL pivot would take the Lions to the promised land, but uh... it's far from the story that's unfolded.
Since acquiring Rourke following his release from the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions have dropped four of their last six games. Rourke has really struggled in his return north of the border, holding a 79.3 passer rating through six starts, accompanied by a 4:7 TD/INT ratio. Entering Week 18 holding onto the last playoff spot in the West Division, Lions OC Jordan Maksymic could benefit from taking a more conservative approach with Rourke until further notice.
Meanwhile, the bright spot in BC's offense has been William Stanback, as the running back has dominated in his first season with the Leos, trailing only Winnipeg's Brady Oliveira in league rushing yards. Stanback has really found his motor down the stretch for BC, eclipsing 85+ rushing yards in six out of his last seven contests.
Inching closer to 2021's career high of 1,176 rushing yards, Stanback should thrive when he faces a Calgary Stampeders front surrendering a league-worst 125.9 yards per game on the ground. Back Stanback to lead the charge for a Lions squad desperately seeking to turn their season around.
Stampeders vs Lions same-game parlay (SGP)
William Stanback Over 77.5 rushing yards
Reggie Begelton Over 67.5 receiving yards
Lions moneyline
Despite Calgary's shortcomings on offense, Reggie Begelton remains one of the top receivers in the CFL, entering Friday ranked fifth in league-receiving yards.
Begelton should thrive against a Lions-decimated secondary without starting DBs Ciante Evans and Jordan Perryman, especially considering they're allowing an alarming 73.9% completion percentage to opposing QBs.
A motivated Lions team should ultimately prevail as 7.5-point favorites, with Calgary's playoff hopes extinguished. Friday night is extremely pivotal, as BC's final three regular-season games will be set on finishing above 8-7 Saskatchewan and hosting the West Semi-Final.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Stampeders vs Lions odds
Stampeders vs Lions live odds
Stampeders vs Lions opening odds
- Spread: Calgary +7.5 (-110) | BC -7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Calgary +290 | BC -370
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (-110) | Under 53.5 (-110)
Stampeders vs Lions spread and Over/Under analysis
- Calgary is 1-4 ATS in its last five trips to Vancouver.
- BC is 7-3 SU in its last 10 matchups against Calgary.
- The Under is 9-4-1 in the last 14 meetings at BC Place.
Stampeders vs Lions trend
Calgary is 1-5 ATS in its last six games overall. Find more CFL betting trends for Stampeders vs. Lions.
Stampeders vs Lions game info
| Location: | BC Place, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Friday, 10-4-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Stampeders vs Lions key injuries
Stampeders: Elliot Graham DL (Out), Bryce Bell OL (Out), Josiah Coatney DL (Out), Clark Barnes WR (Questionable), Branden Dozier DB (Questionable), Tre Odoms-Dukes WR (Questionable).
Lions: Ciante Evans DB (Out), Jordan Perryman DB (Out), Tyler Packer OL (Out), Pete Robertson DL (Questionable), Jevon Cottoy WR (Questionable).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Stampeders vs Lions weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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