CFL Game Preview: British Columbia Lions (1-3-0) vs. Montreal Alouettes (3-1-0)

0
56
Montreal Alouettes logo

Game Details

MatchupBC Lions (1–3) vs. Montreal Alouettes (3–1)
DateFriday, July 5, 2025
Time7:30 PM ET
VenuePercival Molson Memorial Stadium, Montreal, QC
BroadcastTSN, RDS, CFL+ (International)

Recent Form & Storylines

BC Lions are coming off a 37–18 loss to Saskatchewan, where they turned the ball over four times despite gaining over 320 total yards. The defense gave up 21 second-half points. Montreal Alouettes dropped their first game of the season last week, falling 35–17 to Hamilton. Despite the loss, they remain atop the East Division and are 4–1-1 ATS in their last six games. This matchup is being billed as a potential Grey Cup preview, with both teams looking to rebound from disappointing Week 4 performances.

Tactical Breakdown

BC Lions

Head Coach: Rick Campbell

Offensive Identity: Balanced attack with a focus on play-action and zone runs

Key Strength: WR Justin McInnis leads CFL in receiving yards (1,026) and TDs (7)

Key Weakness: Turnovers (4 last week), pass protection issues without LT Jarell Broxton

Montreal Alouettes

Head Coach: Jason Maas

Offensive Identity: High-efficiency passing game led by Cody Fajardo

Key Strength: Top-3 in total offense and defense; elite secondary

Key Weakness: Injuries to WR corps (Austin Mack, Kaion Julien-Grant, Tyson Philpot all out)

Key Matchups to Watch

MatchupWhy It Matters
Cody Fajardo vs. Lions SecondaryFajardo has completed 75.5% of passes this season; BC’s DBs are banged up
William Stanback vs. Montreal Front SevenStanback returns to Montreal after rushing for 810 yards this season
Charleston Rambo vs. Mathieu BettsRambo is Montreal’s top deep threat; Betts had a sack and 3 tackles last week
Justin McInnis vs. Ciante EvansMcInnis leads CFL in receiving; Evans is a former Alouette with something to prove

Injury Report

BC Lions

OUT: LT Jarell Broxton (knee), LB Ben Hladik (calf), DB Jordan Perryman (hamstring)

QUESTIONABLE: WR Alexander Hollins (shoulder)

Montreal Alouettes

OUT: WR Austin Mack, WR Kaion Julien-Grant, WR Tyson Philpot

QUESTIONABLE: WR Tyler Snead, DL Brock Gowanlock

GAME ODDS

British Columbia Lions                   49.5

Montreal Alouettes                        – 3

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 4, 2025