This week’s matchup between the Calgary Stampeders and the Saskatchewan Roughriders is a big one. That’s because it’s not a game between two random teams; it’s a game between the two teams atop the West Division standings.
Fun fact, it’s also a game between the #1 and #2 teams in the CFL News Hub Rankings.
While it’s still early in the season, whoever wins this game will have the early-season lead in the West.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Roughriders started the year off a red-hot 4-0.
They were off last week, which gave them extra time to prepare for this showdown with Calgary.
Keys to victory
The path to victory for the Saskatchewan Roughriders is simple: keep doing what got them to 4-0. And that revolves around the running game.
Establish the run
The Roughriders are averaging 138.5 yards rushing per game, which is good for first in the CFL.
The entire offense is based around establishing the run on early downs, which opens up manageable second-down situations. Although they can pass the ball, they don’t want to need to pass the ball. Establishing the run allows the Roughriders to throw on their terms.
Stop the run
While the Roughriders are only allowing a league-low 66.5 yards rushing per game, they haven’t faced Dedrick Mills yet. Mills already has 5 rushing touchdowns this season to go along with his 311 yards.
If the Roughriders can contain Mills, it would force the Calgary Stampeders to play a one-dimensional game, which isn’t their strong suit.
Take care of the ball
A big part of the Stampeders’ upset win last week was their two pick-sixes.
QB Trevor Harris will put the ball in jeopardy at times, as evidenced by his 3 interceptions in 4 games. The Roughriders’ odds of victory go up a lot when they establish the run and take care of the ball.
Calgary Stampeders
After missing the playoffs in 2024, the Calgary Stampeders are off to a solid 3-1 start. This week’s game isn’t necessarily make or break, but it would be a huge win for them early in the season.
Keys to victory
The Stampeders’ path to victory is similar to last week: establish the run and finish drives.
Take the ball away
Defensive Coordinator Bob Slowik has his group playing great football early in the season. Not only are they keeping teams out of the endzone, they are also taking he ball away with regularity.
The Stampeders already have a league-leading 3 pick-sixes this season.
The more chances the defense can generate for the offense, the better the Stampeders’ odds of victory are.
Stop the run
When Bob Slowik took over as defensive coordinator, he put a huge emphasis on stopping the run. And, it’s starting to pay dividends.
With the exception of a rough week 3, the Stampeders’ defense has done a good job of stopping the run. They’ve allowed less than 100 yards per game in all three of their wins this season.
It’s one thing to stop the run, it’s another thing to stop AJ Ouellette from running the ball. The Saskatchewan Roughriders RB is the league’s leading rusher.
Get into the endzone
Kicking field goals won’t be enough to win against the Roughriders’ high-power offense. Calgary will need to get the ball into the end zone.
Thankfully for Calgary, Vernon Adams Jr. threw his first two touchdowns of the season last week. He will need to continue that momentum this week to give his team a shot at another early-season upset.
Game Information
Date and Time: Friday, July 11, 9:00 pm (ET)
Location: Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK
Broadcast: TSN and CFL+
Betting Odds Per FanDuel (July 10th)
Spread: Saskatchewan Roughriders: -5.5
Moneyline: Calgary Stampeders: +202, Saskatchewan Roughriders: -250
Over/Under: 53.5
