McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB
Kickoff: 9:00 PM ET
Broadcast: TSN / CBSSN
Game Overview
The Calgary Stampeders (5–1–0) host the Montreal Alouettes (4–2–0) in a marquee CFL Week 8 matchup that pits the league’s top defense against one of the East Division’s most resilient teams. Calgary enters riding a three-game win streak and boasting the CFL’s stingiest defense, while Montreal looks to extend its perfect road record behind veteran QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
This West vs. East clash could be a playoff preview and is expected to be one of the most physical games of the season.
Quarterback Comparison
| Team | Quarterback | Passing Yards | TD–INT | Completion % |
| Calgary | Vernon Adams Jr. | 1,659 | 12–6 | 66.2% |
| Montreal | McLeod Bethel-Thompson | 472 | 3–1 | 64.7% |
Adams Jr. ranks 2nd in CFL passing yards and is coming off a 3-TD performance vs. Winnipeg.
Bethel-Thompson steps in for injured Davis Alexander and brings veteran poise and mobility.
Key Players to Watch
Calgary Stampeders
Dedrick Mills – Averaging 5.4 YPC, with 70 yards last week; a downhill runner behind the CFL’s top-rated offensive line.
Damien Alford – Rookie sensation with 5 TDs in last 3 games; matchup nightmare at 6’6″.
Jaylen Hutchings & Folarin Orimolade – Anchoring a front seven that leads the league in takeaways (19).
Montreal Alouettes
Cole Spieker – Posted 129 yards and a TD last week; reliable deep threat.
Kabion Ento – Tied for CFL lead in interceptions (3); tasked with containing Alford.
Lincoln Victor – Explosive returner and slot option, making his debut after signing this week.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Stampeders | Alouettes |
| Points/Game | 30.2 (2nd) | 28.0 (4th) |
| Yards/Game | 407.0 (1st) | 359.3 (6th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 130.5 | 101.2 |
| Points Allowed/Game | 18.5 (1st) | 22.8 (2nd) |
| Turnovers Forced | 19 | 11 |
| Road Record | 2–1 | 3–0 |
Calgary leads in nearly every major category, but Montreal’s road success and defensive grit make this a compelling matchup.
Tactical Breakdown
Trench Warfare: Calgary’s offensive line (No. 1 per PFF) vs. Montreal’s pass rush will be decisive.
Turnover Battle: Calgary forced 6 turnovers last week; Montreal must protect the ball to stay competitive.
Receiver Duel: Kabion Ento vs. Damien Alford is a must-watch. Alford’s size and speed vs. Ento’s ball skills could swing momentum.
GAME ODDS
Montreal Alouettes 49.5
Calgary Stampeders – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, July 23, 2025
