Week 20 in the CFL kicks off on Friday night with a clash between the Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions.
The upcoming match holds significant importance for the Stamps. Despite their 5-11 record, they have a potential playoff berth within their grasp if they secure a victory and Saskatchewan loses on Saturday. Meanwhile, BC can still get a first-round bye with a win and a loss from Winnipeg in the next two weeks.
CFL odds opened with the Leos as 8.5-point home favorites with the Over/Under at 49.5. Here are my best free CFL picks and predictions for Stampeders vs. Lions on October 20.
Stampeders vs Lions best odds
Stampeders vs Lions picks and predictions
The Calgary Stampeders fought back from a halftime deficit to beat the Roughriders 26-19 last week to keep their postseason hopes alive. With a playoff berth on the line, they should be extremely motivated in this contest, while the BC Lions will most likely have to settle for second place in the West unless the Bombers choke against the Elks or Stamps to close out the regular season.
Although the Lions continue to win, they've covered the spread just twice in their last seven games and haven't won by more than eight points since September 2. A big reason for that has been the play of their defense, which has fallen off a cliff over the last two months. After looking like the best unit in the league through the first seven games of the season, the Leos have surrendered 30.4 points per game over their last 10 contests.
Calgary's offense has often stalled out on drives this season and quarterback Jake Maier has struggled with accuracy and decision-making. That said, Maier still ranks third in the CFL with 4,011 passing yards and the return of top receiver Reggie Begelton (league-best 82 receptions for 1,053 yards) should help as well.
The Lions clearly have the better team as they proved back in Week 10 when they hammered the Stamps 37-9 in Vancouver. However, this is too much chalk to swallow considering how awful their defense has been lately and the added motivation of fighting for the playoffs on the Stamps side.
It also helps that the Stampeders are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against a team with a winning record while the Leos are 1-4 ATS in their previous five contests versus teams below .500.
My best bet: Stampeders +8.5 (-110 at Bet99)
Bet on the CFL at Bet99
One of Canada’s favourite sportsbooks for football, join Bet99, which offers a 100% deposit match (up to $500) for new bettors!
Not available in Ontario.
Stampeders vs Lions spread and Over/Under analysis
This line hit the board on Tuesday morning with the Lions installed as 8.5-point home favorites and the Over/Under listed at 49.5. Neither line has changed as of Wednesday night.
The Stamps are just 2-6 straight up in their last eight games but have gone 5-3 against the spread during that span. It's been the complete opposite situation for the Leos, who have gone 5-3 SU but are just 2-6 ATS.
These teams are also trending in opposite directions when it comes to totals. With an explosive offense and a leaky defense, the Over is 8-1-1 in the Leos' last 10 games while the Under is 7-2-1 in Calgary's previous 10 contests.
The Lions have owned the head-to-head since last year, going 5-1 SU and ATS in the previous six meetings and winning both matches this season by double digits.
Stampeders vs Lions trend to know
The Stampeders are 15-7-1 ATS in their last 23 road games while the Lions are 0-4 ATS in their previous four contests at home. Find more CFL betting trends for Stampeders vs. Lions.
Stampeders vs Lions game info
| Location: | BC Place, Vancouver, BC |
| Date: | Friday, October 20, 2023 |
| Kickoff: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Stampeders vs Lions key injuries
Stampeders: Malik Henry WR (Out), Hugh Thornton OT (Out), Jalen Philpot WR (Out), James Vaughters DE (Out), Titus Wall DB (Out).
Lions: Keon Hatcher WR (Questionable), Jalon Edwards-Cooper DB (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
