LIVESTREAM CFL: BC Lions @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, June 13, 02:30 CET (2:30 am, 8:30 pm June 12 ET)
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (0-0) launch their 2025 Canadian Football League campaign at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday night against the BC Lions (1-0), who aim to build momentum after a 31-14 Week 1 victory over the Edmonton Elks. This early-season West Division matchup pits Winnipeg’s storied consistency against BC’s explosive offense in a critical test of divisional positioning.
Collaros’ absence tests Bombers’ depth
Winnipeg begins its season without veteran quarterback Zach Collaros, suspended for the opener, thrusting Chris Streveler into the spotlight. Streveler, entering his fourth year with the Bombers, carries a 5-8 career starting record and faces a Lions defense that intercepted Edmonton’s passers twice in Week 1. With Collaros sidelined, the workload shifts to 2024 rushing leader Brady Oliveira, who averaged 80.6 yards against BC last season but failed to score. Winnipeg’s offensive success hinges on Oliveira breaking through a Lions front that limited Edmonton to 14 points.
Watch live. BC Lions @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, June 13, 02:30 CET (2:30 am, 8:30 pm June 12 ET)
Rourke’s resurgence fuels Lions’ confidence
BC quarterback Nathan Rourke reignited his 2022 form in Week 1, completing 75% of his passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. However, his history against Winnipeg raises questions: in three regular-season losses to the Bombers, Rourke posted a 63.6 passer rating with five interceptions. A strong performance Thursday could signal progress against a longstanding hurdle. Receivers Stanley Berryhill III (105 yards, two touchdowns vs. Edmonton) and Justin McInnis, paired with Jevon Cottoy’s yards-after-catch prowess, challenge a Bombers secondary featuring veterans Deatrick Nichols and Evan Holm.
Ground game vs aerial attack
The Lions’ balanced offense, which racked up 179 first-half yards against Edmonton before exploding for 28 second-half points, contrasts sharply with Winnipeg’s likely run-heavy approach. BC’s defense, bolstered by linebacker Ben Hladik’s 61-yard interception return in Week 1 and debutants Robert Carter Jr. (seven tackles) and Kemoko Turay (sack), must contain Oliveira to force Streveler into high-pressure throws. Meanwhile, Winnipeg’s defensive line, anchored by ironman Jake Thomas (129 consecutive games played), aims to disrupt Rourke’s rhythm.
Home dominance meets road resilience
Princess Auto Stadium has been a fortress for Winnipeg, boasting a 37-6 home record since 2019. The Bombers also thrive off extended preparation, winning 17 of their last 18 games following a bye week. BC counters with a 17-4 June-July record since 2021, though their 0-3 regular-season history in Winnipeg looms large. The Lions’ quick turnaround from a Saturday game adds complexity, as they seek to replicate their second-half surge against Edmonton.
Stakes in the West
While playoff implications remain premature, this matchup offers early insights into the West Division hierarchy. Key subplots include Bombers receiver Nic Demski’s pursuit of 109 yards to enter the franchise’s top 10 all-time receivers and Oliveira’s climb toward Winnipeg’s rushing record. For BC, maintaining Rourke’s Week 1 efficiency while neutralizing Oliveira’s ground game could signal their readiness to challenge the division’s established order.
Legacy meets opportunity
As the Bombers chase a sixth consecutive Grey Cup appearance, their revamped roster faces immediate pressure against a Lions team eager to validate its 2025 ambitions. With Collaros sidelined, Streveler’s poise and Rourke’s resolve under center will set the tone for a rivalry steeped in recent history. In a stadium where Winnipeg rarely stumbles, BC’s high-octane offense seeks to defy trends — and expectations — under the Thursday night lights.
Watch live. BC Lions @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers, June 13, 02:30 CET (2:30 am, 8:30 pm June 12 ET)
