Prediction: BC Lions VS Montreal Alouettes 2025-07-05
CFL Showdown: BC Lions vs. Montreal Alouettes – A Tale of Two QBs and a Spread That’s Not as Clear as It Seems
The Setup
The BC Lions, led by the return of QB Nathan Rourke (26/36 for 324 yards, 3 TDs in his lone win this season), face the Montreal Alouettes, who are starting McLeod Bethel-Thompson after losing QB Davis Alexander to a hamstring injury. The Alouettes are favored (-3) at 1.95 odds, while the Lions are +3 underdogs at 1.87. The total is set at 49.5.
Key Injuries/Updates
- BC Lions: Rourke’s return is a seismic shift. Without him, the Lions were 1-3. Their offense is now a threat, but their defense ranks near the bottom.
- Montreal Alouettes: Losing Alexander (3-1 as starter) is a blow. Bethel-Thompson is a capable replacement, but his 2024 stats (10 TDs, 10 INTs) suggest he’s not a game-changer.
Odds Breakdown
- Implied Probability:
- Montreal (-3): 1/1.95 ≈ 51.28% (bookmakers expect them to cover or win outright).
- BC (+3): 1/1.87 ≈ 53.48% (bookmakers expect the Lions to cover or win).
- Underdog Win Rate: CFL isn’t listed, but using NFL’s 35% as a proxy.
Expected Value (EV) Calculations
1. Montreal (-3):
- Implied win/cover probability: 51.28%.
- Historical underdog win rate (Lions): ~35%.
- EV: (0.5128 * 1.95) - 1 = +4.0%.
- BC (+3):
- Implied win/cover probability: 53.48%.
- Adjusted for underdog rate (35%):
- Split the difference: 53.48% - (53.48% - 35%) = 35%.
- EV: (0.35 * 1.87) - 1 = -30.1%.
The Verdict
While the Lions’ offense gets a boost from Rourke, their defense is a sieve (28th in points allowed per game), and they’re missing their top two RBs. Montreal’s Bethel-Thompson may not dazzle, but their defense is 5th in points allowed, and their 3-1 record (vs. 1-3 for BC) suggests they’re the more consistent team.
Best Bet: Montreal Alouettes -3 (-110 Equivalent)
- Why: The EV is positive for Montreal, and their defense should keep the game tight. Bethel-Thompson’s experience in clutch moments (e.g., 2021 Grey Cup) gives them an edge.
- Contrarian Angle: Don’t fade the Lions entirely—Rourke’s return could spark a 3-point cover if the Alouettes’ offense stumbles. But unless you’re a masochist, stick with the Alouettes.
Final Score Prediction: Montreal 24, BC 21.
Total: Under 49.5 (Montreal’s defense + Rourke’s turnover-prone tendencies).
Sarcasm Check: If you’re betting on the Lions, may the CFL gods forgive you. But hey, at least you’ll have a story to tell when they lose by 10.
Created: July 4, 2025, 11:39 a.m. GMT