Game Details

Date/Location: Saturday, October 18 / McMahon Stadium, Calgary, Alberta
Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM PT
Channel: TSN, CFL+

Odds

Spread: Calgary Stampeders -9 (-110), Toronto Argonauts +9 (-110)
Moneyline: Calgary Stampeders -400, Toronto Argonauts +300
Over/Under: 52 (Over -110, Under -110)

Overview

The Calgary Stampeders host the Toronto Argonauts in Week 20 action on Saturday night at McMahon Stadium, with Calgary looking to clinch a playoff berth. The Stampeders enter with a 9-7 record and are tied with the BC Lions for second place in the West Division. Calgary is coming off a victory against Hamilton and can secure a playoff spot with a win or a single loss by either Edmonton or Winnipeg. A home playoff date remains in play if the Stampeders finish with a better record than the Lions.

Toronto arrives at 5-12 and has been eliminated from playoff contention. This marks the final game of the regular season for the Argonauts, who are riding a three-game losing streak. The team will be without starting quarterback Nick Arbuckle, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury. Jarret Doege will make his second consecutive start under centre after completing 20 of 31 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last week’s 27-19 loss to Saskatchewan.

The teams met once earlier this season in Week 2 at BMO Field, with Calgary taking a 29-19 victory. Vernon Adams Jr. threw for 301 yards and added a rushing touchdown in that contest, while Adrian Greene had two interceptions including a pick-six for the Stampeders defence.

Key Players

Vernon Adams Jr. (QB) – The Calgary quarterback has completed 232 of 362 passes for 3,511 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions through 18 games. Adams Jr. needs just 61 passing yards to reach the 20,000-yard milestone for his career, which would make him the 39th player in CFL history to achieve the mark. He has added 264 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground.

Dedrick Mills (RB) – Mills has been a workhorse for Calgary, rushing for 1,144 yards and 10 touchdowns on 209 carries. He has rushed for at least 72 yards in four straight games, including a 105-yard performance against Hamilton in Week 19. Mills has matched a career-high with three 100-plus yard rushing games this season and is tied for first in rushing majors among running backs.

Clarence Hicks (DL) – The second-year defensive end has been a force off the edge with a team-leading 11 sacks, including four in his past two games. Hicks is tied for second in the CFL in sacks and will look to exploit a Toronto offensive line that has allowed 52 sacks this season.

Erik Brooks (WR) – Brooks has been productive recently with 186 receiving yards over his past two games. The receiver has caught 44 passes for 660 yards and two touchdowns on the season, while also contributing 202 kick return yards over that same two-game span.

Kevin Mital (WR) – The Toronto receiver has been one of the bright spots for the Argonauts with 91 catches for 804 yards and four touchdowns. Mital needs just eight catches to become the seventh Canadian to reach 100 receptions in a single season, joining an elite group that includes Brad Sinopoli, Andrew Harris, Andy Fantuz, and Ben Cahoon.

Keys to the Game

Establish the Ground Game – Calgary’s rushing attack has been rolling with Dedrick Mills leading the way. If Mills continues his hot streak and Ludovick Choquette provides effective relief, the Stampeders can control the clock and keep Toronto’s offence off the field. The Argonauts have struggled defensively, making this an opportune matchup for Calgary’s ground game.

Defensive Front Dominance – Clarence Hicks and Derrick Moncrief lead a Calgary defensive front that has the ability to disrupt Toronto’s passing game. With Jarret Doege making just his second start of the season and the Argonauts having surrendered 52 sacks, Calgary’s pass rush could dictate the tempo and force mistakes from the backup quarterback.

Quick Start – Scoring early could deflate an Argonauts squad that has nothing to play for except pride. Vernon Adams Jr. has multiple weapons at his disposal, including Erik Brooks, Clark Barnes, Tevin Jones, and Dominique Rhymes. If Calgary can build an early lead, Toronto may struggle to mount a comeback with their backup quarterback.

Injury Report

Depth Chart

Score Predictions

Calgary Stampeders 31 – Toronto Argonauts 21