The Ottawa Redblacks head to Montreal on Thursday, August 20, for a Week 12 meeting that carries very different stakes for both clubs. The Alouettes arrive as the East Division leaders, while Ottawa is still searching for a breakthrough that can salvage its season.
The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, where Montreal will try to keep its strong run rolling. Ottawa, by contrast, needs a result that can change the tone of its year.
Why Montreal Enters as the Clear Favorite
Montreal has already separated itself from the rest of the league with eight wins in its first nine games. That record has made the Alouettes the standard in the CFL and one of the most difficult teams to slow down.
The offense has been the main reason. Quarterback Davis Alexander has led a unit that can beat opponents through the air and on the ground, which makes game planning against Montreal especially difficult.
Tyson Philpot has been a major part of that success. Before Week 11, the Canadian receiver had more than 1,100 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, giving Montreal a reliable big-play target in key moments.
Montreal’s recent 48-30 win over Edmonton added another strong example of its balance and scoring power. That result also reinforced why the Alouettes remain one of the safest championship picks in the league.
Ottawa Needs a Cleaner, Smarter Performance
Ottawa enters this matchup with little margin for error. The Redblacks have had stretches where they compete well, but those moments have not turned into wins often enough.
- Fast starts have been a problem.
- Defensive lapses have allowed opponents to pull away.
- Rushing production has not been strong enough to create balance.
- Turnovers would be especially costly against Montreal.
Quarterback Jake Maier has handled most of the offensive load. Ottawa has leaned heavily on the passing game, which puts extra pressure on the quarterback when the run game is not generating steady yardage.
Receiver Justin Hardy remains one of the most dependable options in the offense. If Ottawa wants to stay competitive, Hardy will likely need to be involved early and often.
| Team | Current Form | Main Edge | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal | 8 wins in 9 games | Balanced offense | Staying focused at home |
| Ottawa | Still chasing a first win | Passing volume | Lack of offensive balance |
The First Meeting Sets a Clear Standard
Montreal already beat Ottawa 27-12 earlier this season, and that result gave the Redblacks a useful blueprint. The Alouettes controlled the game early, limited Ottawa’s rhythm, and never allowed the visitors to settle in.
That same pattern is exactly what Ottawa must avoid in the rematch. A slow opening quarter would almost certainly put the Redblacks in another long chase.
For Ottawa to have a chance, it needs pressure on Alexander, tighter coverage downfield, and better execution on offense. Even modest success on the ground would help keep Montreal from dictating the pace.
Can the Redblacks Shock the Division Leaders?
The matchup still points strongly toward Montreal. The Alouettes have the better record, the more complete offense, and home-field advantage.
Still, Ottawa enters with urgency, and divisional games often create unusual results. A win would not erase a difficult start, but it would give the Redblacks badly needed confidence.
For Montreal, the task is simpler: stay disciplined, protect home field, and keep control of the East. For Ottawa, the challenge is bigger and more immediate—play clean enough to give itself a real chance.
- Montreal wants to stay on top of the East.
- Ottawa wants any result that can reset its season.
- Both teams know the first quarter could shape the night.