The BC Lions will travel to Calgary to take on the Stampeders Thursday night. The Lions are coming off a close 27-24 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while the Stampeders are coming off a narrow 30-33 loss to the Toronto Argonauts.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Thursday, August 13, 2026 / McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB
Kickoff Time: 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
Channel: TSN, RDS (Canada), CBSSN (USA) CFL+ (Global)
Radio: 730 CKNW/Lions Audio Network/Sher-E- Punjab Radio AM 600
Odds (If you place bets, please do so responsibly in moderation):
Spread: B.C. +4.5 (-115), CGY -4.5 (-105)
Moneyline: B.C. +184, CGY -225
Over/Under: 63.5 (Over -118, Under -104)
B.C. Lions: The BC Lions are coming off a close 27-24 win over Hamilton, winning by just 3 points despite having 436 yards of offence to Hamilton’s 258. Nathan Rourke returned and completed 22 of 39 passes for 370 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Zander Horvath rushed for 62 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The receiving corps was led by Justin McInnis, who hauled in 5 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown, with Jevon Cottoy also breaking 100 yards with 7 catches for 109 yards.
Calgary Stampeders: The Calgary Stampeders are coming off a 30-33 loss to Toronto. Vernon Adams Jr. completed 12 of 24 passes for 159 yards with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions. It was his first game of the season with fewer than 200 yards passing after averaging 280 yards per game coming into last week’s game. Dedrick Mills rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries. Clark Barnes led the team in receiving after catching 1 of his 3 targets for 37 yards.
Lions' Keys to the Game
Keep Nathan Rourke Efficient and Protected
Rourke threw for 370 yards and 2 touchdowns last week with 1 interception. Clean decision-making and avoiding turnovers will be critical against a Calgary defence that forced two interceptions last week.
Create Big Plays Downfield
BC had 3 receivers haul in catches for 20 yards or more last week, with the longest being an 82-yard touchdown to Justin McInnis. Continuing to stretch the field and create mismatches will put pressure on Calgary’s secondary.
Stop Dedrick Mills and Control the Run
Mills rushed for 79 yards last week, and Calgary has been an essential part of Calgary’s offense for years. The Lions’ front seven needs to limit his production and force Calgary into obvious passing situations.
Generate Pressure on Vernon Adams Jr.
Consistent pressure from Mathieu Betts, Levi Bell, and the rest of the defensive line will disrupt his rhythm and create opportunities for potential turnovers.
5 Lions to Watch
12 QB Nathan Rourke
Rourke has 1,773 passing yards and 7 touchdowns with 5 interceptions over 6 games.
34 RB Zander Horvath
Horvath has 56 rushes for 316 yards (5.6 average) with 7 touchdowns over 8 games. He has 253 yards and 4 touchdowns over the last 2 games.
18 WR Justin McInnis
McInnis has 33 catches for 552 yards and a touchdown over 8 games.
86 WR Jevon Cottoy
Cottoy has 11 catches for 160 yards over 2 games.
42 LB Parker McKenna
McKenna led the Lions in tackles last week with 7. He has 23 tackles, a sack, and 2 forced fumbles so far over his CFL rookie season.
5 Tiger-Cats to Watch
3 QB Vernon Adams Jr.
Vernon Adams Jr. has 2,400 passing yards and 21 touchdowns with 2 interceptions over 9 games.
26 RB Dedrick Mills
Mills is the current rushing leader with 707 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns over 9 games, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
85 WR Jalen Philpot
Jalen Philpot leads the Stampeders in receiving with 36 catches for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns over 9 games.
87 WR Erik Brooks
Brooks has 40 catches for 466 yards and 2 touchdowns over 9 games.
9 DB Damon Webb
Webb led the team in tackles last week with 6. He has 38 so far on the season.
Injury Report:
Depth Charts:
Score Prediction:
I predict the BC Lions to win 30-27. With Nathan Rourke back and Calgary having the 2nd most points allowed so far this season, I see BC as having the greater chance for victory.