The Montreal Alouettes open their season at home agains the Toronto Argonauts in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Final. Davis Alexander begins his first season as a CFL starter, while Toronto will have Nick Arbuckle under center, who was the Grey Cup MVP, filling in for Chad Kelly following his leg injury.

Game Details:

Date/Location: Friday, June 6 /Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal, QC

Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET, 4:30 PM CT

Channel: CTV, TSN, RDS (Canada), CFL+ (USA, Global)

Odds: 

Spread: Montreal -4.5 (-114), Toronto +4.5 (-106)

Moneyline: Montreal -215, Toronto +176

Over/Under: 48.5 (Over -106, Under -114)

If you place bets, please do so responsibly in moderation.

Montreal Alouettes: The Montreal Alouettes launch the 2025 campaign with a new starting quarterback but a familiar face. Davis Alexander, who went 4-0 as a starter last season, has earned the starting role after throwing for 1,347 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Last time these 2 teams met saw Montreal lose 28-30 in the Eastern Final at home following a 12-5-1 season for Montreal.

Toronto Argonauts: The Argonauts look to build off their success after winning their 2nd Grey Cup in 2 seasons last year. With Chad Kelly still on the injured list from his broken leg sustained in the East Final last year, it will be Nick Arbuckle under center, who helped the Argos win a Grey Cup last year.

Alouettes Keys to the Game

Stop the Run

Toronto will be without star running back Ka’Deem Carey after letting him go in the final cuts. It will be Deonta McMahon starting at running back for Toronto. If Montreal can stifle the run game, it will put immense pressure on Nick Arbuckle filling in at running back.

Lock Down Pass Coverage

Montreal has had the best pass coverage over the past 2 seasons, in my opinion. Toronto is already without Chad Kelly, and they are facing a tough pass defense, making a potentially perfect storm in Montreal’s favor.

A Calm Game From Davis Alexander

This is Alexander’s 5th start in the CFL, but it’s his first as the team’s starting quarterback rather than a game in which the QB2 is starting. There’s a different kind of pressure that comes with that, and he will need to remain poised entering this new era.

5 Alouettes to Watch

#23 LB Nate Beauchemin

Beauchemin was drafted by Montreal in the 2nd round this past CFL Draft and is listed as the starting weakside linebacker ahead of Tyrice Beverette, although we still expect to see Bev get significant snaps.

#2 DT Shaun Oakman

Oakman will suit up in his first game as an Alouette after playing for Edmonton last year. He played 3 seasons for Toronto prior to Edmonton. He has played in 59 regular-season games, recording 122 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, an interception, and 21 sacks.

#21 RB Sean Thomas Erlington

Thomas Erlington is getting the start at running back following the recent release of Walter Fletcher in final cuts.

#32 LB Tiawan Mullen

Mullen will get the start at SAM linebacker in his CFL debut. He played his college ball at Indiana before spending the 2023 training camp with the LA Chargers, and also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad in 2023.

#52 OL Tiger Shanks

Shanks is listed as the 2nd string right tackle in his CFL debut after being drafted in the 1st round of the CFL Draft.

5 Argonauts to Watch

#48 Wynton McManis

McManis is a very good player anchoring Toronto’s defense at middle linebacker. He was a massive reason they won the Grey Cup last year after recording 6 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and an interception.

#24 Deonta McMahon

McMahon will get the start at running back. Last season saw him rush 48 times for 288 yards (6 yards per carry) and 4 touchdowns in his 2nd CFL season.

#38 LB Donald Rutledge Jr.

Rutledge played in 10 games last year for the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL, recording 55 tackles and an interception. He played in 16 games for Winnipeg in 2022, recording 58 tackles, 2 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. 

#S 20 Derek Slywka

Slywka will make his CFL debut starting at safety for Toronto. The Canadian was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent last year, although he was waived in late August.

#18 Dejon Brissett

Brissett was the most productive receiver for Toronto in Arbuckle’s last start, catching 4 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.