The BC Lions entered their bye week at a woeful 1-6 straight up and against the spread in a season that started with big expectations. The Lions suffered consecutive double-digit blowout losses to the Saskatchewan Roughriders before the bye week, and this game is probably the last hope to turn the season around. BC’s offense has underachieved and its struggling defense has allowed 30-plus points in all but one game.

Hamilton will look to bounce back after its second loss of the season in Saskatchewan last week. Quarterback Dane Evans had his first start in place of Jeremiah Masoli, who is done for the season with a torn ACL, and the Tiger-Cats played admirably in defeat. Evans struggled early but settled down and got much better as the game progressed. Playing at home against a weaker defense should lead to much greater success.

The Over is a bet that makes sense. The Lions’ offense has enough playmakers to eventually find some traction, but the Tiger-Cats’ offense probably will be better than it was last week. Evans getting one game under his belt, coupled with an extended week of practice, should make him much more comfortable running this offense.

The play: BC-Hamilton, Over 51.