As Week 13 of the CFL season approaches, the BC Lions are grappling with a series of setbacks. Once a promising team with a strong start, the Lions have struggled recently, and quarterback Nathan Rourke‘s return has not resolved their issues.
The Ottawa Redblacks, on the other hand, are on a roll, having won their last six games. This strong performance has raised questions about the betting line, which currently favors the Lions despite their recent poor form.
Matchup Analysis
The Lions started the season with a 5-1 record, driven by impressive performances from Vernon Adams Jr. However, the team has since lost five consecutive games, and the addition of Rourke—who has had a tough time since rejoining the CFL—has not been a game-changer. In their recent matchup, Rourke’s turnovers contributed to a 34-27 defeat against the Redblacks. With Adams Jr. expected to return soon, the Lions might face a decision on their starting quarterback if Rourke continues to underperform.
The Lions’ defensive struggles have also been significant. Their secondary has struggled throughout the season, allowing a league-worst 74.4% completion rate and a 111.8 passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. This vulnerability was evident last week when Dru Brown threw for 390 yards and three touchdowns against BC. The Redblacks’ offense, featuring standout players like running back Ryquel Armstead and wide receivers Justin Hardy and Dominique Rhymes, is likely to continue exploiting these defensive weaknesses.
The game, held at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, will have a smaller crowd, which could impact the home-field advantage typically enjoyed by the Lions. Given the Redblacks’ strong defensive metrics—allowing just 6.4 yards per play—and the Lions’ ongoing quarterback issues, the Redblacks are well-positioned as underdogs with a +2.5 spread.
Player Insights
Lions wide receiver Alexander Hollins, who began the season strongly, has struggled to make an impact recently. With limited targets in recent games and increased competition for passes, his reception total may continue to underperform.
On the other hand, Lions running back William Stanback has been a consistent performer, surpassing 85 rushing yards in his last three games. Stanback’s strong performance is likely to continue as he averages 5.1 yards per carry this season.
Despite the Lions’ home advantage, the current form and statistics favor the Redblacks in Week 13.
