Stampeders vs. Blue Bombers CFL Week 19 Betting Odds, Picks: Calgary looks to clinch playoff spot
The Calgary Stampeders can clinch a berth in this year’s CFL playoffs with a win on Saturday night, when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in CFL Week 19 betting action at Princess Auto Stadium.
The Stampeders are coming off a thrilling 37-31 win over Saskatchewan last weekend to extend their current win streak to three games and return to the CFL playoff picture for the first time since early in the campaign.
The Blue Bombers are desperate for a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive after seeing their current slide extend to two games with last week’s crushing 37-10 loss in Montreal.
The Blue Bombers return home as slim 1.5-point favourites on the CFL Week 19 odds. The Stampeders trail as +100 CFL moneyline underdogs and the total is listed at 60.5.
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CFL Odds and Betting
These CFL West rivals split a pair of games earlier this season, capped by the Stamps’ dominating 52-30 win in Winnipeg in late July. Overall, Calgary has taken five of seven from the Blue Bombers including victories in each of their past trips to Winnipeg, and have scored an average of 43.3 points per game over their past three contests at Princess Auto Stadium, fuelling a 7-1 run for the OVER in CFL totals betting when these teams meet.
Despite their struggles to nail down a playoff spot, the Stampeders have been the CFL’s top offensive team this season, edging out Montreal with 35.8 points scored per game. However, only the bottom-feeding Ottawa RedBlacks have surrendered more than 33.8 points per game that Calgary has allowed. Accordingly, the OVER has paid out in each of the team’s past five games.
Conversely, the Blue Bombers attack has been inconsistent at best, reaching 20 points just once in their past three games and just three times in their past six while allowing 30+ points three times in their past four outings. However, the Bombers have risen to the occasion at home of late, winning two of three including stunning upset victories over last year’s Grey Cup finalists, Saskatchewan and Montreal.
Calgary Stampeders
Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. threw four touchdowns in last week’s 37-31 victory over Saskatchewan and needs just 75 passing yards to reach 4,000. Winnipeg was overwhelmed 37-10 in Montreal, although Ontaria Wilson returned from injury with his third 100-yard receiving performance of the season.
Elsewhere on the receiving corps, Jalen Philpot progressed to full practice participation this, but Reggie Begelton is reportedly out with a knee injury. Offensive-line changes are also expected.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saturday’s contest is effectively an elimination game for the Blue Bombers. Calgary is 8-8 and two points ahead of the 7-8 Bombers, leaving the Stampeders poised to clinch at least s crossover playoff berth with the win.
The quarterback situation could swing the rematch. Zach Collaros returned to practice Wednesday but only on a limited basis and Winnipeg’s latest reported depth chart lists Collaros as the starting quarterback.
But if he cannot play, Dru Brown will face the same Calgary defence that intercepted him three times in July. Brown has turned in hot and cold results since taking over for Collaros, tossing for three total TDs over the past two games while ranking up 354 total passing yards, but also throwing a pair of picks.
In addition, Brady Oliveira’s ankle injury is a major concern. The CFL rushing leader missed Wednesday and Thursday practices, and his availability could be as important to Winnipeg’s playoff hopes as Collaros’ return.
CGY
WPG