BC Lions at Toronto Argonauts odds, picks and predictions (2024)

The BC Lions and the Toronto Argonauts open their CFL regular seasons Sunday at BMO Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network/TSN/CFL+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’slines around the Lions vs. Argonauts odds, and make our expert CFL picks and predictions.

The Lions finished 11-5 in the regular season, and BC posted a 41-30 win over Calgary in the division semifinals before bowing out to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the division finals. BC finished 8-9-1 against the spread (ATS) last season, while the Over ended up with an 11-6-1 advantage, including the final 7 games of the regular season.

These teams met once last season, also in Toronto, with the Argonauts posting a 45-24 win as 3-point underdogs as the Over (47.5) easily connected. BC QB Vernon Adams Jr. passed for 388 yards and 3 TDs, but Toronto had a more balanced attack with 106 rushing yards, 249 passing yards and a whopping 362 return yards. Robertson Daniel capped off the scoring with a 62-yard INT for TD.

For the Argos, QB Chad Kelly was suspended at least 9 regular-season games for violating the CFL’s policy of gender-based violence following an investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength and conditioning coach against Kelly and the team. He was the CFL’s most outstanding player last season, and Toronto had a franchise-best 16-2 record.

QBs Nick Arbuckle and Cameron Dukes figure to vie for the primary reps under center until Kelly can return, but the Argos will have a much different look until such point. Defensively, Toronto is still strong, but it lost coordinator Corey Mace to the head coaching job in Saskatchewan this season.

Jake Ceresna, who had 12 sacks last season, was acquired from the Edmonton Elks for WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and a 7th-round pick in 2024.

BC Lions at Argonauts odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:33 a.m. ET.

BC Lions at Argonauts key injuries

BC Lions

DL Francis Bemiy Jr. (hamstring) out
DL Nathan Cherry (knee) out

Argonauts

FB Albert Awachie (hand) out
DB Tunde Adeleke (knee) out
WR Damonte Coxie (hamstring) doubtful
OL Dylan Giffen (hip) out
LB Daniel Kwamou (knee) out
WR Tommy Nield (quadriceps) questionable
DB Jamie Harry (hip) out
QB Chad Kelly (suspension) out
WR Kevin Mital (foot) out
WR David Ungerer III (hamstring) out

BC Lions at Argonauts picks and predictions

Prediction

BC Lions 32, Argonauts 19

Moneyline

The BC Lions (-275) are a little on the pricey side, costing nearly 3 times your potential return. That’s a pretty steep price tag, but the Argonauts (+210) are a complete mess going into the season.

Arbuckle and Dukes will jockey for the starting gig under center until Kelly can return, but that’s a giant downgrade. Plus, Toronto is a little banged up for a team going into the opener, so that’s a concern.

PASS.

Against the spread

The BC LIONS -5.5 (-115) are worth backing for a much better value.

Last season, the Argonauts +5.5 (-105) were a buzzsaw, crushing the Lions in their only regular-season meeting. However, Toronto should struggle during the early going, so it’s a perfect scenario for BC to take advantage, go on the road and start off strong.

Over/Under

OVER 47.5 (-105) is the lean in this East-West rivalry, but be careful not to overdo it.

While the Lions offense should be purring, remember that the Argos are going to have a much different look. In last season’s Week 4 matchup, Toronto did most of the heavy lifting to make the total go high, and the Argos were an Over machine in 2023 down the stretch. But be cautious, as we don’t really know how the Toronto offense is going to look early on.

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