July 11, 2018

Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup: Will Calgary stay perfect coming off the bye?

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Week 5 has three rematches on tap including this week’s Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup between the Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa REDBLACKS.

These two squads met in Week 3, where the Stampeders came out on top 24-14. Who takes the win this week?

To say Calgary thrives on having a week of rest is an understatement as they are 16-0 coming off a bye since 2005. Their last loss coming off a bye was on July 1, 2005 against Toronto in Week 2, when they had yet to play that season. However, that stat may change this week as Calgary is 1-1-2 in four visits to TD Place.

The last two meetings between these two clubs, including Week 3’s tilt, have gone to Calgary. Since 2014 the REDBLACKS have beaten the Stamps just once but they have earned two overtime ties in the nation’s capital.

It’ll be up to the Stampeders defence to contain the REDBLACKS red-hot offence. Running back William Powell,  who is coming off of his second-straight 100-yard rushing performance, will be one to watch along with receiver Brad Sinopoli, who is fresh off of a career-high 11 catches for 148 yards last week.

Bo Levi Mitchell will be without Eric Rogers this week as the receiver is out with a knee issue. The Stamps pivot will look to the rest of his pass-catchers, including DaVaris Daniels, Marken Michel and Kamar Jorden, to carry the load.

Will the Stampeders continue their hot streak off of the bye or will the REDBLACKS spoil their party?

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Pick Trend

77 per cent of the fans are siding with the Calgary Stampeders and for good reason. The Stampeders have not lost a game coming off the bye since 2005.

Don’t count out the home team, however. Calgary is just 1-1-2 against the REDBLACKS at TD Place.

CFL.ca Writer Picks

Who will win this week’s CFL.ca Pick ‘Em Marquee Matchup? Weigh in below before Thursday night’s 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

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Who will win this week's Pick 'Em Marquee Matchup?
Ottawa REDBLACKS
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Calgary Stampeders
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