The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be heading east to Montreal on July 1st, 2023, for a key matchup against the Alouettes at Percival Molson Stadium.
Winnipeg has had a solid start to their season with a 2-1 record but is coming off a disappointing 30-6 loss to the British Columbia Lions, a game in which they were the favorites. The Blue Bombers offense has been impressive overall, averaging 31 points per game, with a particular strength in their road game performance where they put up 45 points on average. However, their defensive stats have shown some vulnerabilities, yielding an average of 29.33 points per game.
On the other side, Montreal has started their season strongly with a 2-0 record, displaying remarkable defensive dominance by only allowing 12 points per game. Their last outing was a convincing 38-12 victory over the Hamilton Tigercats, and they will surely bring this momentum into their matchup against Winnipeg.
The Blue Bombers, who are favorited by 6 points in this matchup, will have to find ways to penetrate the Alouettes' stingy defense. A key factor could be their performance against non-division teams, where they have averaged 31 points offensively. However, Montreal is not to be underestimated at home, having already shown they can put up big numbers with 19 points in their only home game thus far.
While Winnipeg's 1-1 home record and Montreal's perfect 1-0 home and away record adds to the intrigue, the matchup might be decided by how well the Blue Bombers can bounce back from their recent loss. Historically, the Blue Bombers have a good record against Montreal, with a 7-3 win-loss record in the last ten games. However, Montreal is currently on a winning streak and will be keen on maintaining it.
With an Over/Under of 49, this game could turn into a high-scoring affair given Winnipeg's potent offense and Montreal's explosive recent performance. The Alouettes will need to lean on their strong defensive stats to keep the Blue Bombers' offensive threats in check.
Both teams will be well-rested, with Winnipeg having 8 days of rest and Montreal 7. This could play a crucial role in a game that promises to be a thrilling encounter between two strong teams in the CFL. The fireworks on Canada Day won't be limited to just the skies over Montreal; expect plenty on the field as well.
