The East Division Final rematch puts new Als starter Davis Alexander to the test, it’s his first season as the starting QB after successful seasons with Cody Fajardo under the gun, the hope in Montreal is that Alexander will become the face of the franchise, something the Alouettes haven’t had since the greatest QB in CFL history, Anthony Calvillo, retired from the league. Alexander went 105/151 for 1347 in 2024 for a 6-2 TD-INT ratio in 4 starts last season, and is looking to be more of the guy this year.

Beside him will be Canadian Sean Thomas-Erlington at the starting RB spot however expect a decent showing of Travis Theis as well after a strong showing in training camp that put Walter Fletcher on the cut list.

There are a few targets for Davis Alexander but expect Canadian Tyson Philpot to be a go to, a potential Most Outstanding Player and definite Most Outstanding Canadian candidate racked up 58 catches on 71 targets for 779 yards through 9 games before an injury derailed the rest of the season. He should be back in form and rearing to go.

On the defensive side of the ball it’s highlighted by Canadian Marc-Antoine Dequoy at safety, a menace and ball hawk expect him to be a steadying force on the secondary.

For the Argos Nick Arbuckle will start under centre after the gruesome injury to Chad Kelly in the East Final last season against this same Alouettes defense. Arbuckle won the MOP in the Grey Cup win last season going 26-37 for 252 yards and 2 TDs, with 2 INTS as well. Chad Kelly when health will most likely be the starter this year.

Lining up beside him will not be Ka’deem Carey, a surprising move putting Deonta McMahon in the starters role out of the backfield, with 86 carries for 422 yards in his career in the CFL.

As for targets, expect a share of targets with no one player getting the majority with Coxie, Daniels, Brissett, Mital, and Ungerer likely to all get at least a few targets each in this game.

Flip side of the ball highlights new comer Cam Judge in the linebacking core from the Stampeders, nominated by the Stampeders as Most Outstanding Canadian and Defensive Player with 72 tackles from the middle, now listed as the weak side linebacker the defense is going to be the strength of this Argos team and will look to suffocate opponents offense all year long.

I’m looking at the Argonauts to walk away with the win with dominate defensive play.