The BC Lions will host the Toronto Argonauts to kick off week 15 of CFL action. BC defeated the RedBlacks 2 weeks ago 38-12 and the Alouettes last week 37-23. Now they will host the third-place team of the East in the Argos. The Argos are coming off a 27-41 loss to Ottawa last week. With how congested the CFL standings have become, every CFL game feels like it matters more.

Game Details:

Date/Location: Friday, September 13 /BC Place, Vancouver, BC

Kickoff Time: 10:00 PM ET, 7:00 PM PT

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

Odds: 

Spread: B.C. -4.5 (-110), Toronto +4.5 (-110)

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

Over/Under: 52.5 (Over -110, Under -110)

B.C. Lions: The BC Lions won their last 2 games both by 2 scores or more. Last week Nathan Rourke completed 22 of his 28 passes for 304 yards with 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions, 2 of the interceptions were tipped up off of receivers’ hands. William Stanback has been a force for the Lions especially recently. Last week he rushed 20 times for 128 yards including a 38-yard touchdown run with several missed tackles forced. The Lions have shown a strong commitment to the run lately that has seen Stanback rush 70 times in the last 4 games.

Toronto Argonauts: Toronto has lost their last 2 games and are at risk of dropping under .500 for the first time this season. Last week Toronto seemingly forgot about the run game in a game in which they trailed most of the game. Chad Kelly completed 36 of his 56 passes for 463 yards and 3 touchdowns with 4 interceptions. Receivers David Ungerer III and Makai Polk both broke 100 yards receiving last week. On the ground, Toronto only handed the ball off to Ka’Deem Carey 5 times who still managed to reach 46 yards with the longest being for 46. 

Lions Keys to the Game

Keep Playing Smash Mouth Football

Success on the ground is a tried and true recipe for success. We focus on the pass game in the CFL but the ground game is so important. Look to Winnipeg who has had so much success in running the football over the last 4 years which saw them make it to each Grey Cup. BC has shown commitment to the run this season and it’s seeing a lot of success. Keep running the ball.

No Interceptions

In his 4 games back, Nathan Rourke has completed 73 of his 114 passes for 989 yards and 4 touchdowns with 7 interceptions. Rourke didn’t have a touchdown until the third game as he reacclimated to the CFL. This week it would be good to see no interceptions.

Stop the Run Early

Toronto has been inconsistent this season in committing to the run game. If BC can get some run stops early it may dissuade the Argos from running the ball and make their offense less dimensional.

Get to Chad Kelly

Kelly is coming off a frustrating game. If BC’s pass rush can get pressure on him early and cause frustrations in the backfield it could result in things becoming less patient in selecting targets and possibly trying to force a risky pass that could be intercepted. Last week 4 Lions had a sack which came from Christian Covington, Sione Teuhema, Tibo Debaillie, and Jonah Tavai.

6 Lions to Watch

#31 RB William Stanback

Stanback has rushed 181 times for 938 yards, 5.18 yards per carry, and 3 touchdowns. He currently leads the league in rushing yards and has a good chance to be the first to break 1,000 rushing yards this season.

#13 WR Alexander Hollins

Last week Hollins caught 6 passes for 78 yards. He is third in the league in receiving with 56 catches for 881 yards and 5 touchdowns.

#18 WR Justin McInnis

McInnis leads the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. He has 67 catches for 1,074 yards and 7 touchdowns.

#64 LG Kory Woodruff

Last week Woodruff made his CFL debut at left guard and did not allow a pressure in pass protection. An impressive feat in the rookie’s debut.

#56 DT Christian Covington

Covington had 2 tackles, his 5th sack of the season, a QB hurry, 2 QB hits, and a solo run stop.

#49 DT Tibo Debaillie

Last week Debaillie returned to the lineup after missing 2 games and had a sack and a pressure rotating in on the defensive line.

5 Argonauts to Watch

#86 WR Damonte Coxie

Coxie currently leads Toronto in receiving yards having caught 40 passes for 617 yards and 4 touchdowns.

#80 WR DaVaris Daniels

Daniels has caught 30 passes for 32 yards and 2 touchdowns over 10 games this season. He is often a favorite target of Chad Kelly so expect to see the ball go his way.

#94 DT Jake Ceresna

Ceresna has 18 tackles and a team-leading 5 sacks in 11 games this season.

#99 DT Ralph Holley

Holley has 14 tackles and 4 sacks in 10 games this season.

#8 HB DaShaun Amos

Amos leads the team in interceptions with 4. He also has 14 tackles and a touchdown.

Injury Report:

Depth Charts:

Score Prediction:

I am on the fence with this game. On one hand, BC is trending upward with Stanback running the ball very well and Nathan Rourke getting better each game. However, I also don’t see Toronto losing 3 straight and do not expect the reigning MOP Chad Kelly to have a poor outing after having 4 interceptions last week. I think we are in store for a great game with BC coming out on top. I’ll predict the Lions to win this one 35-31. 

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