Week 5 in the CFL has an unusual three-team bye week, but this gives OddsTrader the chance to take a deep dive into the top of the West Division clash between two of the best CFL teams on Saturday night.
BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saturday, July 09, 2022 – 08:00 PM EDT at BC Place Stadium
- Spread: BC Lions -3
- Total: Over/Under 48
Who Will Break First?
The BC Lions and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers arrive in CFL Week 5 with perfect unbeaten records. Wow, what a match-up we have in store. Even at this early stage of the season, this match could have huge connotations for the West Division and the Grey Cup.
Who will be the first team to lose their unbeaten CFL record in 2022? Let’s break down both teams.
BC Lions Show Poise
Last week’s 34-31 road victory for the BC Lions against the Ottawa Redblacks was another step in the right direction for British Columbia. The team consolidated their red-hot home form with a more comfortable victory over the Redblacks than perhaps the score line suggests.
The BC Lions kept the Ottawa Redblacks at arm’s length like a good team in last week’s encounter with a late consolation touchdown for the Redblacks making the score line look respectable.
- Quarterback Nathan Rourke has been sensational so far in the BC Lion’s campaign with another match-winning performance, throwing for 359 yards, two passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown of 50 yards and a 70% completion rate.
- Rourke is running the BC Lions show. Early days, but Nathan Rourke is making an early play for CFL MVP this year
- Running back, James Butler continued his strong start to the season with a brace of touchdowns while averaging a phenomenal 70 rushing yards a game so far this season.
On top of that, Josh Pearson is bringing all those years of NFL experience to fruition and that could be just what the Lions need to help harness their young talent.
Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski, Mike Evans and even the great, Tom Brady has allowed the 25-year-old wide receiver a marvelous insight into how the best function and work on their games. He’s mentioned the spirit in the locker room is the best he’s ever known, and that’s saying something!
The Blue Bombers Can Count Their Lucky Stars
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers were fortunate not to be pushed to overtime by the Toronto Argonauts last week. The Argos missed a game-tying kick with less than 30 seconds of normal time left on the clock.
So, was Winnipeg lucky?
- Blue Bombers head coach, Mike O’Shea summed it up in one phrase, “We did enough, that’s what matters”.
- Quickly out of the blocks in Toronto, the Blue Bombers Winston Rose picked off an intended pass from Bethel-Thompson to Banks and took it 45-yards to the house for a touchdown.
- Quarterback, Zach Collaros continued his solid form, supplying Drew Wolitarsky with a touchdown and had an 85% completion rate during their dominant first-half display.
- Kicker, Marc Liegghio kept his head and team in front with his top-notch field goal skills.
Betting Analysis
We have a huge match in prospect this week with the BC Lions taking home-field advantage in Vancouver and a team full of confidence into a clash with the reigning Grey Cup champions. We learned more about the BC Lions last week, but is this the Acid-Test?
After two easy openers for the BC Lions, last week they showed us increased confidence when they kept the Ottawa Redblacks at bay easier than the scoreline suggested. Strangely enough, similar sentiments could be argued in the case of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who sailed closer to the wind than perhaps they should.
The balance between the two sides means the Lions have the home-field advantage which in their case is hugely beneficial but the Winnipeg Blue Bombers fetch a trusted team who has a proven ability to get results in big matches.
Betting Pick
The key to the contest will be if the Blue Bombers can neutralize the impact that star quarterback, Nathan Rourke is having on the Lions.
This will be a huge test and learning curve for the rookie and us about his ability.
This match is extremely hard to call but we are in for a treat. When looking at the spread favoring the BC Lions at -3 you know the impression they’ve made so far in 2022.
Getting a field goal, I’m going to trust the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to bring their big match experience to the table and take the extra points as a backup.
CFL Pick: Blue Bombers +3 (-110) at Unibet
