The BC Lions host the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET from BC Place in Vancouver without their star QB, Nathan Rourke.
With Rourke out for BC, the CFL odds have Toronto as a 3.5-point betting favorite in a game our Argonauts vs. Lions predictions and CFL picks project to be one-sided.
Who will win Argonauts vs Lions: Argonauts -3.5 (-115)
No Nathan Rourke for the BC Lions means big trouble against a Toronto Argonauts team that lives and dies by winning high-scoring games.
Even with Rourke in the lineup, the Lions had been struggling. They're 1-4 ATS this season due in large part to a defense that's giving up 31.2 PPG and 312.6 yards through the air.
Against teams with top-level QBs, BC has allowed 37.6 PPG, and the Argonauts certainly have a top-tier QB in Chad Kelly. With Kelly behind center, the Argos are putting up 32.3 PPG and 440.3 yards behind the CFL's most potent passing attack (356.2 yards per game).
Given how difficult this matchup will be for the Lions without Rourke, I'd be willing to take Toronto to cover favored by as many as 5.5 points.
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Argonauts vs Lions total prediction: Over 57.5 (-108)
Though Rourke isn't taking the field for the Lions, they should be able to do enough damage with Chase Brice at the helm for this Over to hit... mainly because the Argos' defense is a mess.
Toronto is allowing the third-most yards per game (424.5) and PPG (34.5) this season, and has hit the Over in four of six games.
With the Lions having a talented playmaker group led by Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis, they should be able to push for 25+ points, and the Argos can do the rest.
Kelly is second in the league in both passing TDs (15) and yards (2,126) and has a loaded wide receiver room capable of torching the Lions' iffy pass defense. The Over is worth considering at any number below 59.5.
COVERS INTEL: The Over is 5-0 in the Lions' last five games at home and 4-0 in the Argos' last four games as a road favorite.Argonauts vs Lions same-game parlay
If Rourke were playing in this game, it would be must-watch TV. But even without him, the Argos' style of play lends itself to electric high-scoring games.
However, with the clear QB advantage in Kelly, Toronto should pull off a decisive road win against the Lions. I'm expecting the Argos to put up 35+ points against this BC pass defense.
Argonauts vs Lions SGP
- Argos -3.5
- Over 57.5
Argonauts vs Lions weather
With weather expected to be a factor in Vancouver on Saturday (60% chance of precipitation), BC Place will likely close its retractable roof.
Argonauts vs Lions odds
- Spread: Argonauts -3.5 (-115) | Lions +3.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Argonauts -218 | Lions +180
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (-108) | Under 57.5 (-112)
Argonauts vs Lions key injuries
Argonauts: Janarion Grant WR (Questionable), Dymere Miller WR (Questionable), Dakoda Shepley OL (Questionable), Cameron Judge LB (Questionable), Lirim Hajrullahu K (Questionable).
Lions: Nathan Rourke QB (OUT), Andrew Peirson OL (Questionable), Gary Peters DB (Questionable), Christophe Beaulieu DB (Questionable).
Argonauts vs Lions trend
The Argonauts are 6-0 ATS in their last six meetings with the Lions.
How to watch Argonauts vs Lions and game info
| Location | BC Place, Vancouver, BC |
| Date | Saturday, July 25, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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