LIVESTREAM CFL: Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders, July 4, 03:00 CET (3 am, 9 pm ET)

| American Football | 07/03/2025

The Calgary Stampeders (2–1) host the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3–0) at McMahon Stadium on Thursday night in the inaugural Stampede Bowl, a pivotal Week 5 showdown with playoff implications.

Blue Bombers’ keys to victory
Brady Oliveira’s resurgence: The star running back returns after missing nearly three games with a shoulder injury, revitalizing Winnipeg’s ground attack. His presence eases pressure on quarterback Zach Collaros, who carved up the Edmonton Elks for 334 yards and three touchdowns in Week 4.

Dalton Schoen’s resurgence: The receiver, limited to three games in 2024, has reclaimed his 2023 form with 13 catches for 150 yards. His six second-down conversions against Edmonton – tied for the CFL’s single-game high – complement threats like Keric Wheatfall and Nic Demski (league-leading four TD catches).

Crunch-time defense: Winnipeg’s defense has allowed just eight fourth-quarter points this season, a testament to their late-game composure. With Collaros completing a career-high 14 consecutive passes last week, the Bombers’ balanced attack aims to exploit Calgary’s secondary.

Watch live. Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders, July 4, 03:00 CET (3 am, 9 pm ET)

Stampeders’ counterpunch
Secondary lockdown: Calgary’s defense, tied for the league lead in pass knockdowns (14), faces its toughest test against Collaros’ deep arsenal. Defensive back Adrian Greene (two interceptions) must neutralize Winnipeg’s receivers while containing Demski, who erupted for 97 yards in Week 4.

Vernon Adams Jr.’s familiarity: The Calgary quarterback has historically thrived against Winnipeg, throwing for 1,061 yards and five touchdowns in his last two seasons with BC Lions. Despite zero passing touchdowns in 2025, Adams’ 268 yards per game and 36.0 rushing yards per contest keep defenses guessing.

Ground vs. ground: Rusher Dedrick Mills (4.8 yards per carry, four TDs) anchors Calgary’s second-ranked rushing offense (135 yards/game), but Winnipeg’s stifling run defense (66 yards allowed/game) presents a clash of strengths. Mills’ ability to breach the Bombers’ front could dictate time-of-control.

Need-to-know trends

  • Historical edge: Calgary leads the all-time series 114–102, but Winnipeg has won 10 of 13 meetings since 2019.
  • Adams’ magic number: The Stampeders are 23–7 when Adams surpasses 275 passing yards; he averages 268 this season.
  • Red zone fortress: Calgary’s defense leads the CFL in red-zone stops, allowing touchdowns on just 40% of opponent trips inside their 20-yard line.
  • Sack milestone: Winnipeg’s Willie Jefferson notched his 75th career sack last week, joining exclusive company as the only CFL player with 75+ sacks and 80+ pass knockdowns.

Stampede Bowl stakes
The Bombers, eyeing their first 4–0 start since 2022, rely on Collaros’ precision (101.2 career QB rating) and Schoen’s clutch hands. Calgary, 2–6 after bye weeks since 2022, counters with Adams’ dual-threat dynamism and kicker René Paredes’ reliability (87.6% career FG accuracy).

With a trophy featuring Calgary’s horsehead logo on the line, this clash of contrasting styles – Winnipeg’s aerial fireworks vs. Calgary’s ground-and-pound – could reshape the West Division hierarchy.

Watch live. Winnipeg Blue Bombers @ Calgary Stampeders, July 4, 03:00 CET (3 am, 9 pm ET)

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