The Ottawa Redblacks head to Montreal on Thursday night facing a steep challenge against one of the CFL’s most complete teams. The Alouettes have surged to the top of the East, while Ottawa is still searching for a breakthrough that could reset its season.
The Week 12 meeting at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium starts at 7:30 p.m. ET and carries real weight for both clubs. Montreal wants to keep its grip on first place, and Ottawa needs a result that can restore confidence.
Why Montreal Enters as the Clear Favorite
Montreal has turned early-season consistency into a strong 8-1 record, and that kind of start usually speaks for itself. The Alouettes have combined efficiency, depth, and balance in a way that has made them difficult to slow down.
Their most recent statement came in a 48-30 win over Edmonton, a game that showed how quickly Montreal can separate from quality opponents. The offense has been especially difficult to handle because it can score in several different ways.
Quarterback Davis Alexander has been central to that success. His timing, accuracy, and poise outside the pocket have helped keep Montreal ahead of schedule on offense.
One of his top targets, Tyson Philpot, has also become a major problem for defenses. The Canadian receiver entered Week 11 with more than 1,100 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, giving Montreal a reliable big-play threat in the passing game.
Montreal’s ground game adds another layer of difficulty for opponents. That balance forces defenses to choose their poison, and most teams have not found the right answer.
Ottawa Needs a Fast Start
Ottawa arrives under heavy pressure after a rough start to the year. The Redblacks have shown flashes of competitiveness, but they have not been able to turn those moments into wins.
Slow openings have hurt them repeatedly. Defensive lapses and an uneven rushing attack have also made it hard for Ottawa to control tempo or stay out of long stretches of catch-up football.
Quarterback Jake Maier has carried much of the offensive load. Ottawa has leaned far more on the passing game than the run, which has made the attack easier to predict in key moments.
Getting Justin Hardy involved early could help change that. He remains one of the most dependable parts of Ottawa’s offense and could give the Redblacks a better chance to stay on the field and build rhythm.
Protecting the ball will also matter. Against a team as efficient as Montreal, turnovers can quickly turn a difficult road game into a lopsided one.
What Ottawa Must Fix From the First Meeting
Montreal already beat Ottawa 27-12 earlier this season, and that result offers a useful blueprint for the rematch. The Alouettes controlled that game early and never allowed the Redblacks to settle into a rhythm.
Ottawa’s first priority has to be a cleaner opening quarter. If the Redblacks fall behind early again, Montreal will be in a strong position to dictate the pace and force Ottawa into obvious passing situations.
The defensive front must also put more pressure on Alexander. If he has time to extend plays and find Philpot or other receivers downfield, Montreal’s offense can quickly become overwhelming.
On offense, Ottawa needs at least modest balance. Even a modest run game would help reduce the burden on Maier and make the Redblacks less predictable on second and third down.
The Upset Path Is Narrow, but Not Impossible
Everything on paper points toward Montreal. The Alouettes have the better record, the sharper offense, and the home-field advantage.
Still, divisional games often carry more volatility than expected, and Ottawa will play with urgency. The Redblacks know they do not have many chances left to change the story of their season.
If Ottawa can steal early momentum, avoid mistakes, and keep Montreal from building separation, the game could become more interesting than the standings suggest. That is the challenge facing the Redblacks on August 20.
- Start clean and avoid another early deficit.
- Limit explosive plays from Alexander and Philpot.
- Find enough balance on offense to support Maier.
For Montreal, the task is simpler: stay sharp, defend home field, and keep setting the pace in the East.