McMahon Stadium, Calgary, Alberta
Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. MT)
Broadcast: TSN, CTV, RDS (Canada); CFL+ (U.S./international streaming).
This is a neutral-site Grey Cup (hosted by the Calgary Stampeders), not a true “home” game for either side despite the “at Edmonton Elks” framing in some listings. Montreal enters as the East champions and overall No. 1 seed after a 33-23 East Final win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Edmonton is the West champion after a 28-16 West Final victory over the BC Lions, marking the franchise’s first Grey Cup appearance since 2015.
Venue and Weather
McMahon Stadium (Calgary) has a capacity of roughly 35,000–40,000 for Grey Cup configurations and is known for its open-air setting and potential for cool, variable prairie weather. Current forecasts for November 15 call for partly cloudy/mostly cloudy skies, a high around 11°C (52°F), a low near 3–5°C (37–41°F), light winds (mostly S/SW around 10–15 km/h or less), and little to no precipitation. Conditions should be playable and relatively comfortable for late-November Alberta, with limited wind impact expected.
Current Rosters / Key Personnel
Montreal Alouettes (Head Coach: Jason Maas; GM: Danny Maciocia)
QB: Davis Alexander (league leader-level production; ~5,257 regular-season passing yards, 35 TDs, strong efficiency; threw for 373 yards + 2 TDs in East Final).
Key skill players: WR Tyson Philpot (Most Outstanding Canadian candidate; 1,809 yards, 13 TDs; 9 catches/129 yards in East Final), WR Tyler Snead, RB Stevie Scott III (and committee including others), additional targets like Charleston Rambo.
Defense: Strong unit featuring playmakers such as LB Tyrice Beverette (key forced fumble in East Final).
Edmonton Elks (Head Coach: Mark Kilam)
QB: Cody Fajardo (veteran dual-threat; ~4,788 regular-season yards, solid TD/INT ratio; 274 passing yards + significant rushing contribution including a TD in West Final; previously led Montreal to a Grey Cup).
Key skill players: RB Justin Rankin (1,170 rushing yards, strong average, big games including vs. Montreal earlier), WR Austin Mack (1,254 yards), supporting receivers (e.g., T.J. Luther/others when healthy).
Defense: League-best points allowed (24.3/game) and strong total yards allowed; physical front and secondary.
Both teams feature experienced, high-production cores. Alexander is the higher-volume, higher-efficiency passer this season; Fajardo brings mobility and prior Grey Cup experience with Montreal.
Injury Reports
Alouettes: Some depth concerns lingering from the season (RBs Travis Theis and Liam Talbot have missed time; various secondary/OL/special teams absences earlier). Key contributors Philpot, Snead, and Alexander were available/effective in the East Final. OL Nick Callender (back) and others have been game-time decisions at times; kicker José Maltos Díaz returned from wrist issues. Overall healthier for the final.
Elks: Relatively healthy for the West Final with Rankin, Mack, and Fajardo available. Some rotational/depth players (e.g., certain DBs, OL, DL) have dealt with ankle, calf, hamstring, or other issues during the late season/playoffs, but core pieces cleared. The team noted being among its healthiest late in the year.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Davis Alexander vs. Edmonton pass defense / Fajardo dual-threat threat: Alexander’s accuracy and ability to push the ball downfield against a top-ranked Elks defense (fewest points allowed). Fajardo’s legs and experience create complementary pressure on Montreal’s defense.
Tyson Philpot / Tyler Snead vs. Elks secondary: Philpot’s production and Snead’s big-play ability against Edmonton’s physical DBs.
Justin Rankin / Fajardo run game vs. Alouettes front seven: Rankin’s efficiency and Fajardo’s scrambling vs. Montreal’s run defense.
Special teams and situational football: Both sides feature reliable kickers and return threats; Grey Cup games often hinge on field position, turnovers, and third-down conversion (Montreal ranked highly offensively here).
Personal/history angles add spice: Maas and Maciocia previously worked in Edmonton; Fajardo and Mack have Montreal ties.
Recent Team Forms
Alouettes (14-4, 1st East): Dominant regular season (league-best record and strong point differential). East Final: controlled early lead and held off a late Bombers push (Alexander 373 yards/2 TDs; Philpot productive). Home dominance (9-0) and overall consistency.
Elks (13-5, 1st West): Remarkable turnaround season with elite defense and balanced attack. West Final: ground out a physical 28-16 win, outscoring BC in the second half; Fajardo efficient through air and ground. Strong at home during the year (8-1). Both enter peaked after decisive Division Final wins.
Series History
The franchises have a deep Grey Cup rivalry (this is cited as the 11th or record 12th meeting between the Alouettes and Elks/Eskimos lineages). Regular-season 2026 split: Elks won 32-29 (OT) at home in Week 3 (Rankin massive); Alouettes responded with a 48-30 home win in Week 10 (Philpot 3 TDs). Overall historical series is competitive and often high-scoring or dramatic in championship settings (last Grey Cup meeting in 2005 featured OT).
Betting Trends
Alouettes were the pre-playoff Grey Cup futures favorites and remain so. Trends favor the better regular-season record and offensive firepower in recent Grey Cups, though Elks’ defense and Fajardo’s experience keep it close. Public lean toward Montreal is expected.
Alexander and the Alouettes’ skill-position talent should produce enough points to overcome Edmonton’s stout defense and Fajardo’s dual-threat ability. Expect a competitive, physical game with Montreal pulling away or holding on late, consistent with their season-long edge in scoring and efficiency. Elks keep it close via Rankin and defensive stands, but Montreal’s overall balance prevails in the championship setting.
GAME ODDS
Montreal Alouettes – 3
Edmonton Elks 56
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, November 14, 2026
