Als face Elks in showdown of CFL division leaders

The Montreal Alouettes have an opportunity for redemption when they host the Edmonton Elks on Saturday afternoon at Molson Stadium. Montreal, currently leading the CFL East Division with a 7-1 record, faces the 6-2 Elks, who are at the top of the West Division.

This game is a rematch of a June 20 contest where the Elks defeated the Alouettes 32-29 in overtime. That loss remains Montreal's only defeat of the season and was the first regular-season loss for Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander as a CFL starter. In their previous meeting, Alexander threw for 356 yards and a touchdown, while receiver Tyson Philpot made eight catches for 120 yards. However, Edmonton's Justin Rankin was the standout performer, rushing for 179 yards and two touchdowns, with five receptions for 51 yards.

Since that game, Rankin's rushing numbers have declined, but the matchup still promises offensive fireworks. Both Alexander and Edmonton's Cody Fajardo are the league's top two passers. Receivers Philpot and Tyler Snead for Montreal, along with Austin Mack of Edmonton, are among the league leaders in receiving yards. The game also features two of the CFL's best defenses, with Edmonton ranking first in fewest offensive points allowed and Montreal second. Edmonton also leads the league in turnovers forced, with Montreal close behind.