Montreal Alouettes

Picks

Both teams are terrific but I can't turn down Montreal at +3.5 in a game that should be closer to a pick'em. The Riders have been the best team in the CFL this year but the Als have looked just as impressive when healthy. Their offense struggled midseason due to injuries but with QB Davis Alexander, LT Nick Callendar, and the receiver corps now healthy, and the emergence of RB Stevie Scott, they've been rolling. The Als are 7-1 in their last seven games with a scoring margin of +8.8 ppg. Their only loss during that span came in the meaningless regular-season finale, where they rested key starters. Parity has been a theme in the CFL this year, which has led to plenty of razor-close games, including the division finals. Expect another tight contest in the Grey Cup.

Both teams played in lower-scoring games in the Division Finals despite facing opponents in the Lions and Ticats that were worse defensively. The Riders allowed the fewest points per game (22.7) in the league during the regular season while ranking second in 2-and-out rate and opponent second-down conversion rate. Meanwhile, the Alouettes allowed a league-low 6.02 yards per play and gave up the fewest big plays. In addition, the early forecast is projecting freezing temps in Winnipeg on Sunday, which should hinder the passing attacks of both teams.