Montreal Alouettes vs Calgary Stampeders Prediction & Preview - 7/18/2026
Updated July 17, 2026
Updated July 17, 2026
Montreal and Calgary meet for the second straight week after the Alouettes earned a 37-30 home victory in the first half of this home-and-home series. The rematch shifts to McMahon Stadium, where the Stampeders will try to even the season series while the Alouettes look to strengthen their place near the top of the CFL standings. Montreal enters Week 7 at 4-1, while Calgary sits at 2-3 despite fielding one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.
Last week's meeting featured explosive offense on both sides. Tyson Philpot continued his outstanding season with another huge receiving performance, while Montreal's ground game consistently created chunk plays behind Travis Theis. Calgary responded with several big plays of its own, but defensive breakdowns prevented the Stampeders from completing their comeback. With both offenses playing at a fast pace and two quarterbacks capable of stretching the field, another high-scoring contest appears likely.
Calgary deserves respect after averaging nearly 39 points per game entering Week 7, but Montreal has already shown it can move the ball consistently against this defense. Tyson Philpot has developed into the CFL's most productive receiver with more than 700 receiving yards through 5 games, while Davis Alexander continues to make smart decisions and extend drives. Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. has also enjoyed an outstanding start with 14 touchdown passes and no interceptions, making this one of the week's premier quarterback duels.
The difference comes down to defensive consistency. Montreal forced Calgary into enough difficult situations in the first meeting and has shown a greater ability to finish drives on both sides of the ball. Calgary should produce plenty of offense at home, but Montreal's balance gives the visitors a slight edge in another competitive game.
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Montreal has already demonstrated it can exploit Calgary's secondary, and Philpot has become the focal point of the league's most productive passing attack. The Alouettes have scored at least 30 points in 4 of 5 games, while Calgary continues to answer with explosive plays of its own. With two offenses operating at an aggressive tempo, another game in the 60-point range is a realistic outcome. Philpot's target volume and red-zone usage also make him an attractive touchdown selection.
The biggest storyline entering this rematch remains the outstanding play of Tyson Philpot. The Montreal receiver has already accumulated more than 700 receiving yards through 5 games and is on pace for one of the best statistical seasons ever by a CFL receiver. Calgary struggled to contain him a week ago, and their defensive adjustments will be tested immediately on Saturday.
Montreal's offensive balance has become equally important. Travis Theis averaged more than 7 yards per carry during the previous meeting and repeatedly put Calgary's linebackers in difficult situations. That rushing success opened throwing lanes for Davis Alexander, who efficiently distributed the football while avoiding costly mistakes. If the Alouettes establish the run again, Calgary's secondary could spend another afternoon defending one-on-one coverage.
The Stampeders still possess plenty of reasons for optimism. Vernon Adams Jr. has enjoyed one of the strongest starts of any quarterback in the CFL, entering Week 7 tied for the league lead with 14 touchdown passes while still protecting the football without an interception. His connection with Calgary's receiving corps has produced explosive plays throughout the season, helping the Stampeders average nearly 39 points per contest despite their 2-3 record.
Home-field advantage could also make a difference. Calgary nearly completed an impressive comeback in Montreal before running out of time, and returning to McMahon Stadium gives the Stampeders a chance to correct several defensive mistakes that proved costly in Week 6. Calgary's defensive front must improve quickly after allowing Montreal to control the game for long stretches in the previous meeting.
The Alouettes have shown they can control both phases of the game against Calgary, and their defense has produced more timely stops throughout the season. Adams and the Stampeders should keep this contest close. Still, Montreal's combination of offensive balance, elite receiver play, and reliable execution gives the visitors the edge to complete another victory in this entertaining CFL showdown.
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