Montreal beat the Argonauts as heavy underdogs in a massive upset in last year’s East Division Final before going on to win the Grey Cup, but the script has flipped in 2024.

The Alouettes opened as 3.5-point favourites to win on the CFL odds, with the total set at 52.5.

CFL Odds and Betting

Toronto took took of three meetings in the regular season, but it’s last year’s East Final that is the most relevant. Argos quarterback Chad Kelly seemed to crack under the pressure, throwing four interceptions in arguably his worst CFL game ever. Can Kelly bounce back on Saturday in Montreal?

The Argonauts come into the East Final on a streak of six straight covers, while the Als have covered just once in their last four games. Toronto finished the regular season 9-9 against the spread and Montreal was 8-9 ATS with one push.

It’s safe to say the Argos definitely wish this game was at home as they are 8-2 straight up at BMO Field in 2024 and 2-6 SU on the road. The Alouettes have six wins at home and six on the road, so they’ve been fairly comfortable wherever they play.

Toronto Argonauts

This is a redemption opportunity for Chad Kelly and the Argos as a whole. As mentioned, Kelly threw four interceptions against Montreal in last year’s East Final and the Alouettes forced nine turnovers. Kelly is coming off his best game of the season in last week’s East Semifinal, completing 18 of 20 pass attempts for 358 yards, four TDs and no interceptions. He also ran in a TD on the ground.

Look for the run game to be important for Toronto on Saturday. The Argos averaged the second-most rushing yards per game during the regular season (121.3) and they cracked the 100-yard plateau on the ground in all three games against the Alouettes this season. Ka’Deem Carey played every regular season game, finishing third in the CFL in rushing yards (1,060) and tied for fourth in rushing TDs (seven).

Montreal Alouettes

Montreal earned a much-deserved bye into the East Final after finishing with the CFL’s best record at 12-5-1. The Alouettes have relied heavily on their stifling defence, which finished second in the regular season in average points allowed per game (22.4). Linebackers Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey anchored the defensive unit, with Beverette finishing third in the CFL in total tackles made (111), while Sankey was fourth (107). Montreal was second in pass defence (267.1 yards allowed per game) and first in TD passes allowed (17).

Offensively, the Alouettes haven’t needed to dominate. They actually finished dead last in total yards (348.7), second-last in rushing yards (84.3) and third-last in passing yards (264.4). Cody Fajardo was efficient enough, but it’s a stretch to call him elite after he finished seventh in the CFL in both passing yards (3,105) and passing TDs (16).

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Argonauts vs. Alouettes?