On the surface, this appears to be an easy win for the Riders.

The Riders (10-5) still have a great shot to win the West division–something that will certainly drive them. And they’re playing a Lions team that they crushed 45-18 in Vancouver back in Week 7.

On the other hand, the Lions (5-11) are playing their first game without their superstar quarterback, Mike Reilly. And their first game without defensive star Aaron Grymes. And it’s their first game after being eliminated from playoff contention.

Despite all those factors being in the Riders favour, Head Coach Craig Dickenson sticks to his ‘any team can beat you on any given day’ mantra.

“We’re going to play a hungry BC Lions team that’s going to play well, I believe. They’re going to throw everything at us, regardless of who’s at quarterback,” says Dickenson.

“We focus on ourselves each week. We certainly study the film and try to understand the opponent. But the actual preparation and the game, it doesn’t change whether you’re 0-and-0 or 15-and-0 or 8-and-8.”

The Riders won’t have defensive tackle Micah Johnson for Friday. He’s dealing with an ankle injury. Zack Evans is on the roster, despite being punished by the flu for two days this week.

With a win the Riders would move two points up on both Calgary and Winnipeg for top spot in the West. Those two teams play each other on Saturday.

The Riders kickoff in Vancouver at 8:00 pm. Michael Ball hosts the pre-game show starting at 5:00 pm on 620 CKRM.