Another week, another big game in the CFL. The Calgary Stampeders and the Montreal Alouettes have both enjoyed early-season success, and now they will go head-to-head.

Montreal is tied with Hamilton for 1st in the East at 4-2.

Calgary is tied with Saskatchewan for 1st in the West at 5-1.

While this game isn’t necessarily make or break for either team, the winner will have momentum on their side as we head into the second third of the season.

Game Details

Date and Time: Thursday, July 24, 9:00 pm ET

Location: McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB

Broadcast: TSN, RDS, CBS Sports, CFL+

Betting Odds per FanDuel (July 23rd)

Spread: Sampeders: -6.5

Moneyline: Calgary Stampeders: -315, Montreal Alouettes: +250

Over/Under: 49.5

Calgary Stampeders’ Keys to Victory

Make big plays

The Calgary Stampeders’ offense has looked its best this season when it makes big plays. Sometimes that means Dedrick Mills in the run game. Other times, it means Vernon Adams Jr. finds one of his many offensive weapons.

While the Stampeders have plenty of receiver talent. Rookie Damien Alford has been on a tear the last two weeks. He’s quickly becoming one of Adams’ favorite downfield targets.

Create turnovers

The Montreal Alouettes will have their hands full with the Stamps’ defense. The Stampeders allow a league-low 18 points a game, but they’re just 7th in the league with 383 yards allowed per game.

The reason for the discrepancy is turnovers. The Stamps have been great at taking away the ball all season. That will need to continue if they want to beat a tough Montreal team.

Montreal Alouettes’ Keys to Victory

Contain the run

This game is the battle of 1v1 in the run game.

Montreal boasts the #1 rushing defense in the league, allowing just 69.8 points per game. The Calgary Stampeders, on the other hand, rush for a league-leading 130.5 yards per game.

Something has to give in this matchup. And the Alouettes’ chances of victory might just hinge on their ability to limit Dedrick Mills and force the Stampeders to be one-dimensional on offense.

Take care of the ball

The Calgary Stampeders’ defense has been a nightmare for opposing offenses all season. They have an impressive 22 takeaways so far this season.

The Montreal Allouettes wouldn’t be the first team to gain 400+ yards on the Stamps’ defense. But if they want to win, they probably need to be the first to take care of the ball.