The Calgary Stampeders find themselves in a must-win situation as they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a crucial Week 16 matchup. With a 4-8 record, the Stampeders sit at the bottom of the West Division and need a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. Calgary is coming off a 19-19 tie against Montreal, which did little to improve their standing.
Key Players
Jake Maier (QB) Maier has been a bright spot for Calgary, throwing for 3,157 yards with a 72.1% completion rate. He’s tossed 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions and will need to be at his best against a tough Riders defense.
Reggie Begelton (WR) Begelton continues to be Maier’s top target, hauling in 72 receptions for 878 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s on the verge of his third career 1,000-yard season and could reach that milestone with a strong performance.
Dedrick Mills (RB) Mills has emerged as Calgary’s lead back, rushing for 593 yards on 113 carries. He’s also a threat in the passing game with 26 receptions for 266 yards.
Mike Rose (DL) Rose leads the Stampeders with 5 sacks and will be crucial in pressuring Riders QB Trevor Harris.
Keys to the Game
Protect Maier Saskatchewan’s defense has 29 sacks on the season. Calgary’s offensive line must give Maier time to find his receivers downfield.
Establish the run The Stampeders need to get Mills going early to open up the passing game and keep the Riders’ defense honest.
Win the turnover battle Calgary’s defense has struggled to force turnovers this season. Creating some takeaways could be the difference in a tight contest.
Contain Trevor Harris Harris has thrown for over 300 yards per game since returning from injury. The Stampeders secondary needs to limit big plays.
This game is crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations, but the Roughriders have shown more consistency in recent weeks. While Calgary has home-field advantage, Saskatchewan’s balanced attack and strong run defense give them a slight edge. Expect a closely contested battle that could come down to the final possession.
Mark Perry is the founder and editor of CFL News Hub. A dedicated and experienced football analyst, he has been providing comprehensive coverage of the sport since 2018.