Riders look to end seven-game slide in showdown against Stamps

CFL Week 12 Preview & Prediction

Riders Return Home for Key Matchup

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will look to end a seven-game losing skid and improve to 4-8 on the 2023 Canadian Football League (CFL) season tonight in a key Western Division matchup against the rival Calgary Stampeders in front of their home crowd at Mosaic Stadium.

The Roughriders have not won a game since June 30th, when they defeated the Ottawa Redblacks 28-13. Since then, they have lost seven straight games, including a 31-21 defeat to the Stampeders in Calgary on August 11th.

The Stampeders, meanwhile, are coming off a 30-27 victory over the BC Lions last week. They are now 7-5 on the season and sit in second place in the Western Division, one game behind the frontrunning Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Tonight's game is a crucial one for both teams. The Roughriders need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Stampeders need a win to stay in the hunt for first place in the West.

The Stampeders are favored to win tonight's game, but the Roughriders have a history of playing well at home. They are 3-2 at Mosaic Stadium this season, with their only losses coming to the Blue Bombers and the Stampeders.

The Roughriders will need to play a complete game in all three phases to have a chance to win tonight. They will need to be efficient on offense, stingy on defense, and make big plays on special teams. If they can do that, they will have a good chance of ending their losing streak and getting back on track.

Key Matchups

• Riders' offense vs. Stamps' defense - The Roughriders' offense has struggled in recent weeks, but they will need to find a way to move the ball against a tough Stampeders defense. The Stampeders are allowing just 23.6 points per game, which is the second-fewest in the CFL.
• Stamps' offense vs. Riders' defense - The Stampeders' offense is led by quarterback Jake Maier, who is having a breakout season. Maier has thrown for 2,533 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. The Riders' defense will need to find a way to pressure Maier and force him into mistakes.
• Special teams - Both the Roughriders and the Stampeders have been solid on special teams this season. The Roughriders have a slight edge in the return game, while the Stampeders have a slight edge in the kicking game.

Prediction

The Stampeders are the more talented team on paper, but the Roughriders have a history of playing well at home. I think this game will be close, but I ultimately like the Stampeders to win by a field goal, 23-20.