West final preview: Eskimos look for playoff redemption vs. Stampeders

In a rematch of last year's West Final, the Edmonton Eskimos are hoping for anything but a repeat.

The Calgary Stampeders shredded the Eskimos 43-18 in last year's playoff Battle of Alberta. This time around, Stamps quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will look to lead his team back to the Grey Cup final, while Edmonton, the favorite, looks for glory.

QB - Advantage: Calgary

It's tough to beat the player up for Most Outstanding Player. Though Mitchell stands a slim chance against Henry Burris for the award, he's definitely the better pivot against Edmonton.

Above being more consistent than Mike Reilly, Mitchell is coming off a thumping of BC thanks to his two touchdown passes.

WR - Advantage: Edmonton

Although Calgary owns the league's top receiver in Eric Rogers, but Reilly will have two targets in Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker who rank second and fifth, respectively, in receiving yards.

Bowman racked up 1,304 receiving yards and seven scores this year, while Walker had six touchdowns on 1,110 yards.

RB - Advantage: Calgary

Edmonton has been dealing with some injuries in the backfield, while Calgary could realistically have Jon Cornish back in the lineup.

Pair him up with Jerome Messam, and the Eskimos are in for quite the display on the ground.

ST - Advantage: Edmonton

There's no doubt that Kendial Lawrence is the go-to guy on special teams, and he can be expected to be a force in the West Final, too.

Edmonton's special teams catalyst finished second in the CFL in combined return yards with 1,797. Just for fun, he also has 332 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

DEF - Advantage: Edmonton

In a game that'll feature two of the top defenses in the CFL, the nod here goes to Edmonton.

The Eskimos' John Ojo, Patrick Watkins, and Aaron Grymes have combined for 13 interceptions. Although both teams tied for third in total sacks, the Edmonton offensive line is looking better than Calgary's these days.

The Breakdown