The Montreal Alouettes shook things up for people making CFL Grey Cup predictions. The championship game this year seemed destined to feature a rematch of the Toronto Argonauts and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Both teams had looked the best on the CFL schedule, and no one else seemed to have the firepower to stop them.
But it wasn’t a tidal wave of offense that halted the Argonauts. Instead, it was Montreal’s defense. The Alouettes forced Toronto into nine turnovers and cashed those opportunities into 21 points. Having slayed one dragon, Montreal will now be challenged to stop Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers have won two of the past three Grey Cups and won the West Division.
“When the #GreyCup comes to Hamilton, sparks fly.” ✨
🗣️: @KayNurse11
THE 110th GREY CUP SUNDAY NOV. 19 AT 6PM ET
WATCH ON TSN, RDS
📲 Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/3iqB35XP1N— CFL (@CFL) November 13, 2023
Montreal Finally Grabbed a Signature Win
The Alouettes were predictable in the regular season. If the team had a better record than Montreal, it beat the Alouettes. Montreal went 0-7 against the three teams that finished above them in the CFL standings and 11-0 against everyone else. The Alouettes reversed that trend against Toronto, playing such a dominant defense the Argonauts got booed off their home field.
Montreal will be playing in the Grey Cup for the first time since winning back-to-back championships during the 2009 and ‘10 seasons. The Alouettes’ offense will need better play from quarterback Cody Fajardo if they hope to win the championship. Anyone making CFL Grey Cup predictions will see Fajardo has thrown an interception in the Alouettes’ first two playoff games.
Montreal’s defense has been excellent, limiting their two opponents to a combined 29 points. The Alouettes have been peeking at the right time, winning their past seven games.
Winnipeg Was the West Division’s Top Dogs
Few CFL teams were as well-rounded as the Blue Bombers. Winnipeg closed the regular season with four straight wins and scored 30 or more points each game. But the Blue Bombers were ready for a more defensive affair when things tightened up in the West Division championship game.
Winnipeg leaned on a balanced offense to beat B.C. The Blue Bombers finished with 121 rushing yards, led by a steady performance from Brady Oliveira. Oliveira carried the ball 21 times for 109 yards and scored a touchdown. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros attempted 21 passes but only completed 14 for 158 yards.
The Blue Bombers defense tortured B.C. quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. Winnipeg intercepted Adams three times. The Blue Bombers hope to create more havoc with Montreal’s offense to make people’s CFL Grey Cup predictions of Winnipeg bringing home another trophy come true.
QB1 making history.#ForTheW | #ReclaimTheThrone pic.twitter.com/gQlwrtsXaV
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) November 12, 2023
Montreal Will Be Heavy Underdogs Again
The Alouettes’ offense has struggled all season to be consistent, making their CFL picks a tough call. Montreal’s series with Winnipeg reflects that. The Blue Bombers’ offense ran wild in both meetings, while Montreal’s overworked defense struggled to contain the damage. Winnipeg won the Week 12 meeting between the teams 47-17.
The Blue Bombers also won 17-3 in Week 4. Anyone looking at CFL odds will see that 14 of Winnipeg’s 19 games this season have exceeded the total. The Blumber Bombers are 12-7 against the spread.
Montreal is 12-7-1 against the spread this season. The Alouettes have seen the total go under in 11 of their 20 games this season. Montreal has put up a 2-0 record against the spread during the postseason. Odds for this game have yet to be posted. It is likely that when the number opens, Winnipeg will be around a 9- or 10-point favorite.
The experienced Blue Bombers are excited to get a crack at Montreal, which hasn’t played well against them this season, for a Grey Cup title.
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