The B.C. Lions will host the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders in a key divisional matchup that will see the winner sit in first place in the West Division following the conclusion of the game. Both teams are on 4 game-win streaks.

Game Details:

Date/Location: Saturday, July 13 /BC Place, Vancouver, BC

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

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

Odds: 

Spread: B.C. -7.5 (-106), Saskatchewan +7.5 (-114)

Moneyline: B.C. -345, Saskatchewan +270

Over/Under: 51.5 (Over -110, Under -110)

CFL Power Rankings Week 5

Predictions: CFL News Hub Writers’ Week 6 Picks

B.C. Lions: The B.C. Lions have won their last 4 since losing in week 1 27-35 to the Toronto Argonauts. The Lions are coming off a win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats that saw a lot of offensive production. Vernon Adams Jr racked up 383 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. After just 5 games Adams Jr. has accumulated 1,752 yards and 11 touchdowns with just 1 interception. He is on pace for 6,307 yards which would be 2nd all-time in the CFL.

Last week Justin McInnis led the team in receiving as he caught 10 passes for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns. Alexander Hollins also broke 100 yards receiving having caught 6 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Running back William Stanback had a big game as well rushing 14 times for 82 yards and a touchdown and catching 5 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Saskatchewan Roughriders: Quarterback Shea Patterson led the Riders to a win in his first career CFL start in the absence of Trevor Harris who is on the 6-game injured list. Patterson completed 15 of his 23 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown and added 18 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown. It was a game in which the defensive line successfully generated frequent pressure on the quarterback in the 30-23 win over Toronto and the secondary generated 4 interceptions.

Lions Keys to the Game

Quick Passing Plays

The Riders’ pass rushers are red hot right now while the offensive line for B.C. has had room for improvement. It will be important for B.C. to have quick passing plays that allow the ball to be thrown quickly.

Keep Running the Football

The first few rushes from William Stanback will be key in setting the tone of the game. If he can average 4 yards per carry over his first 3 rushes that will help build confidence for the offensive line. Additionally, if B.C. can have a high percentage of run plays early in the game it could get Saskatchewan’s defense off balance as they may be expecting a pass-heavy opponent.

Stop A.J. Ouellette

The Roughriders offensive line has really struggled in run blocking this season and the first contact is often made very early into the run. If B.C. can exploit this weakness and build on their success in stopping the run they can deny Saskatchewan’s ability to provide run support to their young quarterback.

Contain Shea Patterson

The defensive ends will have to be mindful when pass rushing of Shea Patterson’s mobile attributes and pressure in such a way that prevents him from escaping to pick up chunks of yards on the ground.

6 Lions to Watch

#13 WR Alexander Hollins

Currently leads the team in receiving with 33 catches for 573 yards and 4 touchdowns. He is 2nd in the league in receiving yards and touchdowns.

#18 WR Justin McInnis

McInnis currently is 2nd on the team in receiving yards and third in the league having caught 31 passes for 482 yards and 4 touchdowns.

#46 MLB Ben Hladik

Last week Hladik led the team with 7 tackles. He currently leads the team in tackles with 34 over 4 games and has 1 interception.

#94 DE Josh Archibald

Archibald recorded his 3rd sack of the season last week.

#93 DE Amir Siddiqi

Last week Siddiqi recorded his first sack of the season and had 2 tackles.

#99 DT Jonah Tavai

Tavai will be making his first CFL start this week. He was an undrafted free agent signing of the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 before being waived with a non-football injury designation in July of 2023. He had 148 tackles and 25 sacks in college with San Diego State.

5 Roughriders to Watch

#5 Shea Patterson

Patterson is entering his 2nd start in the CFL and will look to build on last week’s win.

#89 WR Kian Schaffer-Baker

Schaffer-Baker was the most targetted receiver for Saskatchewan last week as he caught 4 passes on 7 targets for 43 yards.

#91 DT Anthony Lanier II

Lanier was a monster last week as he frequently beat Toronto’s interior offensive line to put pressure on the quarterback. Last week he had 3 QB hits including 1 on an interception and 10 total pressures.

#50 Bryan Cox Jr.

Last week Cox generated 5 total quarterback pressures.

#0 S Rolan Milligan Jr.

Last week Milligan Jr. had 3 tackles and 2 interceptions. 2 of his tackles were solo stops against short passes.

Injury Report:

Depth Charts:

Score Prediction:

I am expecting the Lions’ offense to keep rolling while stalling the Roughriders’ offense. I predict B.C. to win 34-19.

@JonathanClink on Twitter