The BC Lions came out strong in Week 1 with a convincing win over the Edmonton Elks, and now they’re set to take on another Western Division powerhouse — the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
With kickoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 7 , at Investors Group Field , all eyes are on how Nathan Rourke and the Leos will handle a Bombers team missing their star QB Zach Collaros due to suspension.
Let’s break down what to expect from this crucial early-season clash.
Why the Lions Are Favored
Nathan Rourke looked sharp in Week 1, throwing for three touchdowns despite some early-game hiccups. The Lions’ defense was even more impressive — led by stars like Matthieu Betts and Kemoko Turay , who dominated the Elks’ offense and pressured quarterback Tre Ford all night long.
That kind of pressure should only bode better against Chris Streveler , Winnipeg’s mobile but inexperienced backup QB.
On top of that, the Blue Bombers enter this game without their top wide receiver Kenny Lawler , lost in the offseason, and face major questions about chemistry after adding several new defenders during the off-season.
This is the perfect opportunity for BC to take control early and improve to 2-0 on the young season.
Key Matchup: BC’s Front Seven vs. Winnipeg’s Run Game
The Blue Bombers will likely lean heavily on Brady Oliveira , their dynamic running back, especially with a backup under center.
But the Lions have one of the best defensive fronts in the league, and if they can bottle up Oliveira early, it could force Streveler into uncomfortable passing situations.
Streveler struggled last season when asked to throw consistently — completing just 13 of 21 passes in his only start — and the Lions secondary held Edmonton to just 178 passing yards in Week 1.
If that trend continues, Winnipeg could find themselves playing catch-up in the second half.
Betting Breakdown: Odds & Expert Pick
- Spread: BC Lions -2.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: BC -138 | Winnipeg +100
- Over/Under: 48.5
Based on current trends and matchups, I’m going with the BC Lions to cover the spread and win outright.
I also recommend this Same Game Parlay (SGP) for added value:
- Lions -2.5
- Blue Bombers team total Under 23.5
Odds: +130 at BET99
The Lions’ defense is built to shut down inconsistent offenses, and Streveler simply hasn’t shown enough to carry the Bombers to a high-scoring performance.
Injuries & Depth Charts
BC Lions Injuries:
- Adam Auclair, LB – Out
- Jeremy Lewis, LB – Out
- Maxime Rouyer, LB – Out
- Deshawn Stevens, LB – Out
- Josh Woods, LB – Out
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Injuries:
- Peyton Logan, RB – Out
- Jake Kelly, DB – Out
- Enock Makonzo, DB – Out
- Josh Hagerty, DB – Out
- Eric Lofton, OL – Out
- Pat Neufeld, OL – Questionable
Depth issues plague both teams, but the Bombers are hurting more along the offensive line and secondary — two areas that could hurt them against a physical BC squad.
Weather Outlook
The forecast for Winnipeg looks favorable for an outdoor game:
- Temperature: 71.1°F
- Humidity: 42.79%
- Wind: 8.1 mph
- Chance of Precipitation: 9%
Ideal conditions for passing games, though given Streveler’s limited track record, the Bombers may still opt for a conservative approach.
Expect a Tight But Winnable Game for BC
This isn’t going to be a blowout, but the Lions have the tools to control the pace and tempo of the game.
With a strong front seven, a rested Nathan Rourke, and a Bombers team adjusting on the fly, the Lions are in a great spot to go 2-0 and make a statement in the West.
How to Watch:
- TV : TSN
- Location : Investors Group Field, Winnipeg, MB
- Date : Thursday, June 7, 2025
- Kickoff : 8:30 p.m. ET
Leave a Reply