The 2025 CFL season kicks off with an exciting matchup on Friday, June 6, as the Toronto Argonauts travel to face the defending Grey Cup champions, the Montreal Alouettes. This game not only reignites a burgeoning rivalry but also captures the attention of sports bettors across Ontario and Quebec.​

A Rivalry Renewed

Over the past two seasons, the Argonauts and Alouettes have consistently battled for Eastern Division supremacy. Toronto topped the East in 2022, only to be upset by Montreal in the 2023 East Final, a victory that propelled the Alouettes to their first Grey Cup title since 2010. This back-and-forth has intensified the rivalry, making each encounter a highly anticipated event.

The Stakes

Beyond the immediate implications for the standings, this game sets the tone for the season. A win for Montreal reinforces their status as reigning champions, while a Toronto victory signals a potential power shift in the East.​

While Toronto and Montreal have always shared a historic football rivalry, the tension reached new levels after the 2024 East Final, where the Alouettes stunned the heavily favored Argonauts with a 38–17 upset. That loss ended a dream season for Toronto, who had finished 14–4 and looked poised for a title run. Instead, it was Montreal who seized the moment and rode the momentum to a 28–24 Grey Cup victory over Winnipeg, their first championship in over a decade.

Betting Buzz in Ontario and Quebec

With legalized sports betting now mainstream in Canada, matchups like this are seeing an uptick in action, particularly in Quebec and Ontario sports betting, where CFL fan bases are strong and loyalty often influences the betting handle. The early lines slightly favor the Alouettes at home, but sharp bettors will remember that Toronto rarely loses twice to the same team without a fight.

• Montreal’s Momentum: The Alouettes enter the game on a significant winning streak, including their playoff run and Grey Cup victory.​
• Toronto’s Resilience: The Argonauts, eager to reclaim their dominance, bring a potent rushing attack that averaged 153 yards per game last season.
  

The clash of Montreal’s staunch defense, backed by Tyrese Beverette’s (LB) 118 tackles and 6 sacks in the previous season, and Toronto’s dynamic offense offers fans a highly competitive matchup.

Betting trends are beginning to form even before kickoff. Last year, Toronto went 10-8 against the spread (ATS), while Montreal’s road underdog wins, including their playoff run, made them a profitable pick late in the season.

Key Players to Watch

• Cody Fajardo (MTL QB): Coming off a Grey Cup MVP performance, Fajardo’s leadership and mobility (8 rushing TDs last season) give Montreal dual-threat flexibility.
• Ka’Deem Carey (TOR RB): A key offseason pickup, Carey averages 5.6 yards per carry for his career and offers the Argos a physical presence to test Montreal’s front. Carey’s explosive running style provides the Argonauts with a versatile offensive weapon, capable of breaking big plays.
• Tyrese Beverette (MTL LB): The defensive anchor with 118 tackles and 6 sacks in 2024 will be central to stopping Toronto’s run game.

Final Thoughts

As the CFL season begins, the Toronto-Montreal matchup offers more than just a thrilling game; it encapsulates the excitement of Canadian football and the growing enthusiasm for sports betting in the region. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely as these two titans clash in what promises to be an electrifying start to the season.