BC Lions(L) vs Calgary Stampeders(L)

Friday, August 12, 2021 9:30 p.m. ET McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB

REDEMPTION FOR BC LIONS?

The last time BC Lions grace the pitch of play, they lost to the Roughriders by a score of 33-29. BC Lions averaged 22.8 points per outing in the endzone and 98.9yds through the ground game. Last year, BC Lions earned 1,781 yards in total. They also compiled 23 touchdowns through the air and 15 on the ground.

The Stampeders ranked maintains an average of 26.8 PPG. Also, last season they ranked first with 5403 passing yards and 300.2 throwing yards while maintained an average of 71.3 rushing yards per game and 1,283 yards in total for toted balls. The Calgary Stampeders averaged 371.4 yards per contest, ranking them 3rd in the league.

Last season, Calgary allowed a total of 1,751 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground and gathered 407 points in total. They gave up 19 touchdowns through the air plus 238.4 yards per outing, ranking them fourth in the division. The same was for PPG, having surrendered 22.6 PPG.

KEY MATCHUPS

Michael Reilly vs Bo Levi Mitchell 

Michael Reilly is completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 203 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions for BC Lions. He and Nathan Rourke jointly have three touchdowns and two interceptions. 

31yr old QB Levi is a dominant presence in the Stampeders backline is completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 252 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and has averaged one touchdown pass in each of his last three games

James Butler vs Ka’Deem Carey

Butler has 24 receiving yards on eight carries and one touchdown.

Compared to his opponent, Carey has 18 carries in 75 yards and zero touchdowns.

Lucky Whitehead vs Kamar Jorden

This season, Lucky Whitehead has 136 receiving yards and one touchdown with one reception for BC lions.

Stampeders’ Kamar Jorden has started the season with 85 receiving yards, five receptions, and one touchdown.

INJURY REPORT

BC Lions

Mike Reilly QB (Unknown)

Calgary Stampeders

Richie Leonard DB (Unknown)

Cory Greenwood LB (Unknown)

FANTASY PREVIEW

Barring any unforeseen factors, BC’s Reilly should start the game ahead o. Nonetheless, they should be able to get the crowd buzzing.

Also, with Bryan Burnham, Dominique Rhymes, Lucky Whitehead, and Lemar Durant, BC Lions boasts one of the league’s best-receiving corps. They could have a field day against the Stampeders, who surrendered 354 passing yards against Toronto.

With their best receivers- Reggie Begelton and Eric Rogers, the Stampeders have suffered a significant blow, but Wideman Kamar Jordan could play the game having recuperated fully from a torn ACL, and Ka’Deem Carey (a former two-time All-American at Arizona) should offer more balance in the offense. With  Bo Levi Mitchell slinging the ball, points are assured. 

The first three drives of the game proved difficult for BC Lions against Saskatchewan but had a resounding performance in the second half. Calgary’s defense doesn’t ooze much confidence since losing the trio of key players- Tre Roberson, Nate Holley, and Wynton McManis to the NFL. 

PREDICTION

Both teams lost their opening games of the season but gave a good account of themselves. The loss to Saskatchewan Roughriders means BC Lions have now lost four straight matches, and it doesn’t get any easier for them. They haven’t won the last three games against the Stampeders. The Stampeders are a different proposition for any team when they play at home due to their exemplary home record, but BC Lions will want to stop the rot plaguing them.