Game Details
Date/Location: Friday, September 29, 2024 / BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
Kickoff Time: 10:30 PM ET, 7:30 PM PT
Channel: TSN (Canada), CFL+ (USA/Global)

Odds
Spread: BC Lions -7
Moneyline: BC Lions -310, Hamilton Tiger-Cats +250
Over/Under: 53 points

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Overview

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are riding a three-game winning streak and looking to keep their playoff hopes alive as they visit the BC Lions. Currently sitting at 5-9, the Ticats are four points behind the Toronto Argonauts for third place in the East Division. A win would pull them within two points of a potential crossover playoff spot.

Key Players

Bo Levi Mitchell (QB)
Mitchell has been on fire during the Ticats’ winning streak, leading the CFL with 4,044 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. He’s thrown for over 300 yards in each of the last three games and will look to continue his hot streak against a BC secondary allowing 278.2 passing yards per game.

Shemar Bridges (WR)
The rookie receiver needs just 11 catches to break Derel Walker’s record (89) for first-year players. Bridges has been Mitchell’s favorite target, hauling in 78 receptions for 889 yards and 4 touchdowns this season.

Greg Bell (RB)
Bell is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry this season and is listed as a game-time decision after missing last week’s game. If he’s able to go, he’ll provide a dynamic element to Hamilton’s offense against a BC run defense giving up 108.5 yards per game.

Keys to the Game

1. Protect Mitchell
The Ticats’ offensive line needs to give Mitchell time to operate against a BC pass rush led by Mathieu Betts and Sione Teuhema, who have combined for 12 sacks this season.

2. Contain William Stanback
BC’s running back is just 41 yards shy of his third 1,000-yard rushing season. Hamilton’s front seven, led by linebacker Kyle Wilson (80 tackles), will need to limit Stanback’s effectiveness.

3. Win the turnover battle
Hamilton’s defense has forced 8 interceptions in 4 games since Chris Jones joined the coaching staff. Creating turnovers against Nathan Rourke and the BC offense could be the difference in a close game.

4. Exploit BC’s secondary
The Lions have only intercepted 8 passes this season, which should give Mitchell confidence to test them downfield with his talented receiving corps.

Injury Report

Depth Chart

Score Prediction
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26, BC Lions 12

The Tiger-Cats’ offense has been clicking during their winning streak, and Bo Levi Mitchell should be able to exploit a vulnerable BC secondary. While the Lions are coming off a bye week and playing at home, Hamilton’s desperation for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive will be the difference in a closely contested game.