The BC Lions lost last week on the road, 20-34, in what was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ home opener. Now they have a chance to even the score as they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Saturday night.

Game Details:

Date/Location: Saturday, June 21 /BC Place, Vancouver, BC

Kickoff Time: 7:00:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM PT

Channel: TSN (Canada), CBS Sports (USA), CFL+ (Global)

Odds: 

Spread: B.C. +4.5 (-105), Winnipeg -4.5 (-115)

Moneyline: B.C. +184, Winnipeg -225

Over/Under: 50.5 (Over -105, Under -115)

B.C. Lions (1-1): Last week saw Nathan Rourke complete 12 of his 27 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown with 1 interception before leaving the game due to an injury to his core. After not participating in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the Lions have listed Jeremiah Masoli as this week’s starting quarterback. Masoli completed 7 of his 10 passes last week for 84 yards and an interception.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0): The Blue Bombers got the win despite being without their starting quarterback, Zach Collaros, who was serving a 1-game suspension. In his absence, Christ Streveler completed 15 of his 24 passes for 246 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception. Zach Collaros is back starting at quarterback this week. In recent years, we have at times seen Collaros play poorly after a stretch of not playing. Last season, he had a slow start to his year, not having a touchdown pass over his first 4 games after not playing in the preseason. He will be aiming for a much faster start to this year’s campaign.

Lions’ Keys to the Game

Pressure on Collaros Early

The Lions could help disrupt Collaros’ finding his rhythm in his first playing time since the preseason if they can get pressure on him and make things uncomfortable in hostile territory. They will need to do so with some tact, as Collaros is very proficient at making passes when rolling to his right.

Stop the Run

Last week, Matthew Peterson rushed for 130 yards in his CFL debut against BC. The Lions will want to limit him this week. 

More Pass Protection Schemes

Last week, Winnipeg had a lot of success with their blitz packages and BC didn’t really have an answer for it. It may be beneficial for BC to more frequently have a fullback in pass protection. Having a preset for Rourke when recognizing blitz presnap to be able to audible a receiver’s route at times to waggle in to the backfield for an extra pass blocker could also be effective.

5 Lions to Watch

#24 RB James Butler

Butler rushed 10 times last week for 27 yards. BC has to get the ground game going this week. Butler caught 5 passes for 42 yards as well.

#4 WR Keon Hatcher

Hatcher was the most targeted receiver on the Lions last week, catching 4 of his 11 targets for 150 yards and a touchdown.

#18 WR Justin McInnis

McInnis caught 4 passes for 58 yards last week.

#10 LB Micah Awe

Awe led the team in tackles last week with 10.

#1 CB Garry Peters

Peters had 5 tackles last week and an interception.

5 Blue Bombers to Watch

#22 RB Matthew Peterson

Peterson averaged about 130 yards rushing per game over his last 2 years of collegiate ball with the Edmonton Golden Bears. Last week, he rushed for 130 yards on 23 carries (5.7 average) and had a touchdown.

#88 WR Keric Wheatfall

Wheatfall was the most targeted receiver last week for Winnipeg, catching 5 of his 7 targets for 127 yards and a touchdown.

#10 WR Nic Demski

Last week saw Demski catch 4 of his 5 targets for 53 yards and 2 touchdowns.

#33 LB Tony Jones

Jones led the Bombers in tackles with 9 and also had a special-teams tackle.

#29 CB Marquise Bridges

Bridges had 2 tackles and 2 interceptions last week.

Injury Report:

Depth Charts:

Score Prediction:

Winnipeg looked like the more complete team last week. The Bombers were able to run the ball very well, whereas the Lions were getting shut down on the ground. BC seems to still be finding their way on offense, and were elevated last week to have Hatcher’s abilities shine, frequently losing defensive backs on his deep routes last week. I predict Winnipeg to win 30-20

@JonathanClink on Twitter