Hamilton Tiger-Cats Game #17
Visiting Team: Calgary Stampeders (8-7, Tied-3rd in the West Division)
Home Team: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-6, 1st in the East Division)
Date and Location: Saturday, October 13th at 3 pm EDT
Game Location: Hamilton Stadium, Hamilton, ON
Where to Watch: In Canada, TSN/RDS 2/ CTV In US and International, CFL+
DraftKings Betting Line: Calgary Stampeders (+3), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (-3), O/U 56.5 points
In Week 19 of the 2025 CFL season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-6) and the Calgary Stampeders (8-7) are both posturing for success in the post-season. Hamilton has a chance to clinch the top spot in the East Division and earn a bye for the first round of the playoffs. Calgary is also vying for the highest position it can attain in the West Division, which could range from 1st to 5th place over the next few weeks.
The Tiger-Cats come into this home game after breaking a two-game losing streak by defeating their rival, the Toronto Argonauts, 47-29. Hamilton’s victory over Toronto knocked the Argonauts out of the 2025 playoffs and put them one win away from clinching the top spot in the East Division. Defeating the Argonauts reduced the stress for the Tiger-Cats players and coaching staff after being blown out by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 40-3 in Week 17.
The Calgary Stampeders visit Hamilton on a four-game losing streak. Their losing streak was extended last week with a 38-24 loss to the BC Lions. Calgary’s losing streak began with a sudden surge of injuries to key playmakers on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. As many of those injured players return to the field, the Stampeders are still struggling to regain the momentum that they had when they were 8-3 and had expectations to be one of the top teams in the West Division this season.
This Saturday afternoon game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Calgary Stampeders has all the ingredients needed for a playoff-type atmosphere.
The Week 19 CFL Injury Report indicates that the Calgary Stampeders are still struggling with several injuries, whereas the Tiger-Cats are a relatively healthy team. The Stampeders have four players ruled out for this week’s game: running back Jeshrun Antwi (head), offensive line D’Antre Demery (shoulder), defensive back Damon Webb (pectoral), and defensive back Ben Labrosse (hamstring). Calgary also has two players who are questionable, defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle) and defensive back Jackson Sombach (ankle). Hamilton also has two players ruled out, offensive lineman Nate Dumoulin-Duguay (knee) and defensive back Lawrence Woods III (shoulder). In addition, Hamilton has two players ruled questionable, defensive lineman Miles Fox (foot) and linebacker Kyler Fisher (knee).
Calgary Stampeders Depth Chart
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Depth Chart
Key to Victory #1: Pressure Stampeders QB Vernon Adams Jr.
A vital part of the Tiger-Cats’ defensive game plan against Calgary needs to include a balance of containing and pressuring Stampeders quarterback Vernon Adams.  Recently, Adams’ bad habit of turning the ball over during pressure situations has re-emerged after playing exceptionally well during the Stampeders’ first 11 games this season.  Due to his injuries, Adams will likely be hesitant when it comes to running the ball, but he also tends to struggle with accuracy when passing from the pocket.  Last week, the Tiger-Cats sacked Toronto’s quarterback nine times, and if they can re-create anything near that performance, the Stampeders will struggle offensively.
Key to Victory #2: Establish the Run Game Early
Offensively, the Tiger-Cats’ winning and losing streaks this season have aligned with the Tiger-Cats’ commitment to their running game. When Hamilton leans on their running game, which is led by running back Greg Bell, the Tiger-Cats’ offensive performance reaches maximum efficiency. Pass protection for quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is better when Hamilton runs the ball well, and the Tiger-Cats also tend to produce more explosive plays in the passing game with wide receivers Kenny Lawler and Kiondre Smith.
Key to Victory #3: Maintain an Efficient Passing Attack
The Stampeders’ biggest strength involves consistently putting a vertical cap on the passing game of their opponents. On the other hand, the Stampeders’ emphasis on stopping the vertical passing game may leave them vulnerable to struggles against their opponent’s running game. In addition, the Stampeders struggle to stop offensive units that rely on quick passes and screen passes to sustain drives. If the Tiger-Cats can attack the underneath zones of the Stampeders’ pass coverage, especially with wide receiver Tim White, then Hamilton will have success moving the ball consistently against Calgary.
Key to Victory #4: Tiger-Cats Need to Produce Explosives
Most of the Tiger-Cats’ explosive offensive plays have resulted from play-action schemes in the vertical passing game. This week, Hamilton must broaden their strategy for generating explosive plays by consistently using misdirection. Calgary aggressively converges on the ball in the run and short passing game, but its commitment often leaves the Stampeders vulnerable to misdirection plays.
Key to Victory #5: Force Calgary to Turn the Ball Over
The dividing line between a great team and an average team in the CFL involves a team’s opportunity to produce turnovers. That has also been true for the Tiger-Cats this season. Last week, Hamilton intercepted four of the Toronto Argonauts’ passes, setting them up for success. The last three Grey Cup champions have excelled at forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Calgary will make mistakes this week, but the Tiger-Cats’ ability to capitalize on those mistakes will determine whether Hamilton can secure a win against the Stampeders.
Game Prediction:
Hamilton Tiger-Cats 30, Calgary Stampeders 26
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