Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Calgary Stampeders CFL Playoffs CFL Picks & Predictions 11/18/2018

Sunday, November 18, 2018

McMahon Stadium

McMahon Stadium is the site of the game between the Calgary Stampeders and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday, November 18, 2018. The opening line for this game has Calgary as 4.5 point favorites. The over/under has been set at 52.5.

The Stampeders have an over/under record of 7-11 and they are 9-9 against the spread this year. The Blue Bombers have an ATS record of 11-7-1 while their over/under record is 11-8.

On Sunday afternoon, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be visiting the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL Western Final in a game that will feature the two top-scoring offenses in the league this season. Winnipeg made it to this game by pulling off a close 23-18 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders and they know they will need to be better offensively if they want to keep pace with Calgary in this one. Winnipeg and Calgary each picked up a home win from their two meetings this season, which included Winnipeg's 29-21 home win during their Week 20 matchup.

Valuable Winnipeg Blue Bombers Betting Trends

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 11-8 against the over/under

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are 11-7-1 against the spread

Important Calgary Stampeders Betting Trends

The Calgary Stampeders are 7-11 against the over/under

The Calgary Stampeders are 9-9 against the spread

Key Winnipeg Blue Bombers Injuries

No key injuries to report

Key Calgary Stampeders Injuries

No key injuries to report

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Stats

Winnipeg was able to pick up that close win over the Roughriders thanks to some excellent defensive play and a strong second quarter in which they picked up 13 unanswered points. Their defense was able to hold quarterback Brandon Bridge to just 100 yards passing and picked up one crucial interception off of him. In the end, Winnipeg was able to outgain the Roughriders by about 140 yards and did well to control the possession in the second half.

The Blue Bombers will be coming into this game with one of the most feared running backs in the league in Andrew Harris, who finished the season as the league's top rusher with 1,390 yards and eight touchdowns. Wide receiver Darvin Adams, who was also named to the 2018 CFL Western All-Stars, ended up with 61 catches for 1,028 yards and 10 scores, while quarterback Matt Nichols threw for 3,146 yards and 18 scores during the regular season. Calgary will also be worried about Winnipeg's offensive line, which is arguably the best in the league this year.

The Blue Bombers' defense was led all season who All-Star linebacker Adam Bighill, who finished the year with 106 total tackles, four sacks, four forced fumbles and one interceptions. The team's leading sack-getter is Craig Roh, who had eight during the regular season as well as 30 tackles and one fumble recovery.

Calgary Stampeders Stats

Calgary finished the regular season highly ranked in just about every major statistical category. Their offense was first in passing touchdowns, second in possession time, and second in sacks allowed. Their defense was even better, finishing with the least amount of points allowed while also forcing the most fumbles in the league.

Calgary's All-Star Bo Levi Mitchell was arguably the best QB from the West Division this year as he was able to complete 60.9 percent of his passes for 5,124 yards and 35 touchdowns. His top target has been Kamar Jorden, who caught 55 of the 74 passes that came his way during the regular season for 944 yards and six scores.

One player on the Stampeders' defense that Winnipeg will be well aware of is defensive tackle Micah Johnson, who finished second in the CFL in sacks with 14 while also forcing three fumbles and coming up with one interception. Cornerback Ciante Evans also made the All-Star team by rarely getting beaten by opposing wide receivers and coming up with two picks on the year.

Who will win tonight's Blue Bombers/Stampeders CFL game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Stampeders -4.5

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