Calgary Stampeders vs Ottawa Redblacks Preview – CFL Week 9 Showdown (July 31, 2025)
Get ready for a thrilling CFL Week 9 clash as the Calgary Stampeders (5-2) travel to TD Place Stadium to face the struggling Ottawa Redblacks (1-6) on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM ET. With playoff implications already looming, this East vs. West battle promises intensity, strategic adjustments, and breakout performances.
Key Storylines
Calgary Stampeders: Road Warriors with Offensive Firepower
Record: 5-2 (3-0 on the road)
Starting QB: PJ Walker (making CFL debut)
Points Per Game: 28.9 (2nd in CFL)
Total Offense: 395.0 yards/game (3rd in CFL)
Turnovers Forced: 20 (1st in CFL)
Despite missing star QB Vernon Adams Jr. due to injury, Calgary remains a formidable force. PJ Walker, a seasoned pro with NFL and XFL experience, steps in under center. The Stampeders boast a balanced attack led by Dedrick Mills (544 rushing yards, 7 TDs) and a deep receiving corps. Defensively, Calgary excels at creating turnovers, led by Adrian Greene (4 INTs).
Ottawa Redblacks: Desperate for a Turnaround
Record: 1-6 (0-3 at home)
Starting QB: Dru Brown
Points Per Game: 21.1 (9th in CFL)
Total Offense: 336.7 yards/game (7th in CFL)
Turnovers Committed: 17 (3rd most in CFL)
Ottawa returns from a bye week hoping to snap a four-game losing streak. Injuries have plagued the Redblacks, but they’ll be boosted by the return of Bralon Addison, Peter Godber, and CJ Coldon. QB Dru Brown has shown flashes of brilliance but needs better protection—Ottawa has allowed 15 sacks this season.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | Calgary Stampeders | Ottawa Redblacks |
| Record | 5-2 | 1-6 |
| Points/Game | 28.9 | 21.1 |
| Total Yards/Game | 395.0 | 336.7 |
| Turnovers Forced | 20 | 10 |
| Turnovers Committed | 12 | 17 |
| Key Injuries | Vernon Adams Jr. | Dru Brown (neck) |
| Last Meeting | Lost 12-20 vs OTT | Won 20-12 vs CGY |
Strategic Keys to Victory
Ottawa Redblacks
Protect Dru Brown: Calgary’s pass rush is fierce. Keeping Brown upright is critical.
Establish the Run: Adeboboye and Stanback combined for 178 yards in their last win over Calgary.
Capitalize on Home Field: Ottawa must feed off the energy of the TD Place crowd.
Calgary Stampeders
PJ Walker’s Debut: Walker’s poise and experience could be the X-factor.
Force Turnovers: Ottawa is turnover-prone—Calgary’s opportunistic defense must strike.
Control the Clock: Lean on Mills and the ground game to wear down Ottawa’s defense.
GAME ODDS
Calgary Stampeders – 4.5
Ottawa Redblacks 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, July 30, 2025
