The BC Lions aim to end a 4-game losing slide as they travel to Ottawa to take on the RedBlacks. Ottawas currently holds the 2nd best record in the league and has not lost since week 5. Nathan Rourke will look to get back to his 2022 form that saw him win Most Outstanding Canadian.

CFL Power Rankings Week 11

Predictions: CFL News Hub Writers’ Week 12 Picks

Game Details:

Date/Location: Saturday, August 24 /TD Place, Ottawa, ON

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

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

Odds: 

Spread: B.C. -1.5 (-120), Ottawa +1.5 (-102)

Moneyline: B.C. -120, Ottawa +100

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

B.C. Lions: The BC Lions are coming off a humbling 11-20 loss at home to Winnipeg which was more lopsided than the score would suggest. The Lions managed to put up only 185 yards of total offense and did not score a touchdown until there were 4 seconds left in the game which was set up by a pass interference penalty. Winnipeg also had a touchdown taken away on a pick-six due to what was called an illegal block on what was a debatable penalty. Nathan Rourke completed just 8 of his 25 passes for 126 yards and 2 interceptions in the loss in his first game in the CFL since 2022. It was clearly not enough time to reacclimate after he rejoined the team on Wednesday before starting on Sunday. William Stanback still managed to have a strong game as he rushed 15 times for 100 yards, 6.7 yards per carry. Defensive end Sione Teuhema was impactful in getting pressure on Collaros and finished the game with 2 sacks.

Ottawa RedBlacks: The Ottawa RedBlacks are coming off a close win that saw the game end on a Lewis Ward walk-off game-winner to win 31-29. Jeremiah Masoli got the start at quarterback and completed 27 of his 35 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown. It was his first start of the season since his 2023 season ended early due to an injury. Dru Brown will be starting this week at quarterback as he comes back from an injury sustained in the 22-22 tie in week 10 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Ryquell Armstead had a tremendous game in the win as he rushed 11 times for 120 yards and a touchdown and caught 6 passes for 44 yards. Jaelon Acklin had his most receiving yards so far this season as he caught 6 passes for 94 yards last week.

Lions Keys to the Game

Keep Running the Ball

Last week was a fantastic demonstration of incorporating the run game as William Stanback reached 100 yards. As Nathan Rourke reacclimates to the CFL after quickly being the starter again it will be helpful to continue to provide run support with a healthy balance of run plays to keep the defense honest.

Receivers Getting Open Quickly Early

A great way to help ensure Rourke does not have a dip in confidence after a down week last week will be if receivers can get open quickly to get some momentum building early in the game. BC has a great receiving room with Justin McInnis leading the league in receiving with 875 yards, Alexander Hollins third with 774 yards, and now having Keon Hatcher back in the lineup. Some short passes to Jevon Cottoy would be good to incorporate that allow him to activate his bulldozer mode for some YAC.

A Strong Game in Run Defense

BC this season has allowed the third most rushing yards per game while also having the third least yards per rush allowed at 4.8. BC will need a strong game from their run defenders against Ottawa who are tied for the most rushing yards gained per rush in the league at 5.5.

Get Pressure on Dru Brown

BC will need another strong game from defensive end Sione Teuhema who had 2 sacks last week and company. The Lions will greatly benefit from making Dru Brown uncomfortable in his backfield as he returns to the lineup.

5 Lions to Watch

#31 RB William Stanback

Stanback has rushed 126 times for 618 yards and a touchdown this season, 4.9 yards per carry.

#86 WR Jevon Cottoy

Last year we often saw Cottoy catch short passes and rumbled through defenders for extra yards and finish the season with 807 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has 180 yards in 7 games this season and this is the perfect week for the Lions to send the ball his way more to mix in some high-percentage plays.

#48 LB Ryder Varga

Last week Varga led the team in tackles with 10. He has 27 tackles on the season and is started at weakside linebacker again this week.

#6 HB TJ Lee

Last week Lee had 4 tackles and his first interception of the season. He has 22 tackles in 4 games so far.

#95 DT Marcus Moore

Moore is back in the lineup after missing last week and he will start on Saturday. He has 7 tackles and 2 sacks on the season. He brings a lot of energy and is effective in preventing offenses from opening up running lanes.

5 RedBlacks to Watch

#3 QB Dru Brown

Brown has completed 65.7% of his passes for 1,936 yards and 6 touchdowns with 4 interceptions over 8 games this season.

#25 RB Ryquell Armstead

Armstead is 4th in the league in rushing yards having rushed 103 times for 547 yards and 3 touchdowns, 5.3 yards per carry.

#2 WR Justin Hardy

Hardy is 5th in the league in receiving having caught 47 passes for 690 yards and 3 touchdowns over 9 games.

#6 SLB Adarius Pickett

Pickett leads Ottawa in tackles with 56 and also has a sack, an interception, and a forced fumble.

Bighill had 7 total tackles in week 9 including a sack and 2 solo run stops. He leads the team in tackles with 43.

#94 DE Lorenzo Mauldin

Mauldin has 20 tackles, 4 sacks, and a forced fumble on the season.

Ford had 2 targets come his way in week 9 and did not allow a completion. He has 29 tackles and 3 interceptions on the season.

Injury Report:

Depth Charts:

Score Prediction:

I do not see BC losing 4 games in a row. Nathan Rourke has now had a game and a full week of practice this season and I would be surprised if he does not have a much better game this week. BC’s utilization of the run game last week is also encouraging. Ottawa will be without a key piece on the defensive line in Bryce Carter who has 4 sacks this season. I have a gut feeling the Lions will come up with a win on the road this week. My prediction is BC 27, Ottawa 20.

@JonathanClink on Twitter