CFL Game Preview: Montreal Alouettes (3-0-0) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2-0)

Game Context & Stakes

The Alouettes are off to a red-hot start, leading the CFL in scoring at 35.0 points per game and allowing just 18.7 points per game—second-best in the league. Quarterback Davis Alexander has stepped up in place of Cody Fajardo, throwing for 803 yards and 5 touchdowns through three games. The Tiger-Cats, meanwhile, are winless and coming off a bye week. They’ve allowed 33.0 points per game, second-worst in the CFL, and are desperate to avoid a third straight loss to open the season. Montreal has won nine straight games against Hamilton dating back to 2022, including a 33–23 victory in their last meeting in August 2024.

Key Players to Watch

Montreal Alouettes

Davis Alexander (QB): 803 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs – efficient and mobile

Tyson Philpot (WR): 215 yards, 1 TD – 9 catches for 96 yards last week

Walter Fletcher (RB): 169 rushing yards, 1 TD – also a receiving threat

Tyrice Beverette (LB): 50 tackles – defensive leader and sideline-to-sideline presence

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Bo Levi Mitchell (QB): 640 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT – needs to protect the ball

Kenny Lawler (WR): 249 yards, 1 TD – deep threat and go-to target

Greg Bell (RB): 60 rushing yards – limited ground production so far

Kyle Wilson (LB): 49 tackles – tackling machine and defensive anchor

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Montreal Alouettes	Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Record	3–0	0–2
Points Per Game	35.0	24.5
Points Allowed	18.7	33.0
Total Offense	392.3 YPG	368.0 YPG
ATS Record	3–0	1–4 (last 5)
Head-to-Head (Last 9)	9–0 (MTL)	0–9 (HAM)

Montreal has covered the spread in 7 of the last 8 meetings with Hamilton (1 push), and the OVER has hit in 7 of Hamilton’s last 9 games.

Tactical Breakdown

Montreal Keys to Victory:

Keep Alexander comfortable with early completions

Feed Fletcher in the run and screen game

Pressure Mitchell with blitz packages to force turnovers

Hamilton Keys to Victory:

Establish the run to slow down Montreal’s pass rush

Get Lawler involved early and often

Force Alexander into third-and-long situations

Matchup to Watch:

Tyson Philpot vs. Hamilton Secondary – Philpot has emerged as Alexander’s favorite target and will test a defense that’s allowed multiple explosive plays.

Montreal’s offensive rhythm and defensive consistency should be enough to extend their win streak. Hamilton may keep it close early, but the Alouettes’ depth and playmaking edge will take over in the second half.

Radio: TSN 690 (MTL), AM 900 CHML (HAM)