Montreal Alouettes vs Ottawa Redblacks Picks and Prediction for Friday July 31, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 07/31/2026, 12:00 AM ET

The Montreal Alouettes will visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, July 31, 2026, at TD Place. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Montreal enters the matchup with a 6-1 record, while Ottawa is still searching for its first victory after beginning the season 0-6. Get ready for all the CFL action with our free CFL picks.

The difference in the standings gives Montreal a clear advantage entering this contest, but the individual offensive numbers provide more detail about how the two teams have reached this point. The Alouettes have received highly efficient quarterback play, substantial production from their leading receivers and a rushing attack averaging more than six yards per carry through its primary ball carrier. Ottawa has produced several capable receiving options, but its passing game has also been affected by eight interceptions.

With Montreal winning six of its first seven games and Ottawa losing each of its first six, the records provide the strongest foundation for the prediction. The Redblacks will have the benefit of playing at TD Place, but the Alouettes enter with the stronger overall results and the more efficient statistical profile among the offensive numbers provided.

Why the Montreal Alouettes Could Control This Matchup

Davis Alexander has completed 175 of 245 passes for 2,368 yards, 11 touchdowns and only one interception. His 71.4 percent completion rate, 115.1 efficiency rating and average of 9.7 yards per attempt demonstrate how effectively Montreal has moved the football through the air. The most striking figure is his 0.4 interception percentage, especially when compared with Ottawa’s eight interceptions through six games. Tyler Snead has also completed his only passing attempt for seven yards and a touchdown.

Tyson Philpot leads Montreal’s receivers with 55 catches for 839 yards and four touchdowns on 73 targets. His seven receptions of at least 30 yards show that he has supplied the Alouettes with explosive production in addition to his consistent volume. Snead has added 42 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns, while Alexander Hollins has turned 12 catches into 222 yards and two scores. Cole Spieker has caught all 10 of his listed targets for 158 yards and a touchdown, giving Montreal another efficient receiving option.

The Alouettes also have strong rushing numbers behind Travis Theis, who has carried the ball 85 times for 538 yards and five touchdowns. His 6.3-yard average includes 16 runs of at least 10 yards and five of at least 20 yards. Shomari Lawrence has averaged 6.8 yards on 12 attempts, while Stevie Scott III has produced 65 yards on 10 carries. Dustin Crum has scored five rushing touchdowns on 15 attempts, and Terry Wilson has added two more. That combination of passing efficiency, receiving production and rushing depth gives Montreal multiple ways to control the matchup.

What Makes the Ottawa Redblacks Dangerous

Jake Maier has completed 153 of 224 passes for 1,716 yards and eight touchdowns. His 68.3 percent completion rate shows that Ottawa can connect consistently through the air, while his average of 7.7 yards per attempt gives the offense a foundation from which to attack Montreal. The primary concern is his eight interceptions and 3.6 interception percentage, which stand in sharp contrast to the ball security demonstrated by Montreal’s passing game. McLeod Bethel-Thompson has completed three of four attempts for 30 yards.

Ottawa has several receivers capable of contributing. Ayden Eberhardt leads the team with 469 yards on 33 catches and has scored two touchdowns. Justin Hardy has a team-high 34 receptions for 426 yards and three touchdowns. Kalil Pimpleton has produced 244 yards on 15 catches, averaging 11.6 yards per reception, while Eugene Lewis has 196 yards on 16 receptions. Keelan White has caught 16 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns, and Cade McDonald has added a receiving score.

Greg Bell leads Ottawa’s rushing production with 198 yards on 50 attempts, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Daniel Adeboboye has been more efficient with 111 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries, producing an average of 5.6 yards per attempt. Bryson Barnes has scored three rushing touchdowns despite recording 36 yards on 17 carries. Ottawa’s range of receiving contributors and its ability to generate rushing touchdowns could keep the offense competitive if it protects the football.

Breaking Down the Matchup

Montreal’s 6-1 record is the clearest difference between these teams. The Alouettes have won six more games than Ottawa, while the Redblacks enter at 0-6. Ottawa will host the game at TD Place, giving the Redblacks an opportunity to pursue their first victory on their home field.

The passing comparison favors Montreal. The Alouettes have 2,368 passing yards from their primary quarterback, compared with 1,716 for Ottawa’s primary passer. Montreal also holds advantages in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passing efficiency. Most importantly, Montreal’s primary quarterback has thrown 11 touchdowns against one interception, while Ottawa’s has recorded eight touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Montreal also owns the more productive leading rusher. The Alouettes’ top ball carrier has accumulated 538 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per attempt. Ottawa’s leading rusher has 198 yards without a touchdown and averages 4.0 yards per carry. The Redblacks have distributed their rushing scores among other players, but Montreal’s combination of volume, efficiency and scoring gives the Alouettes the stronger statistical rushing profile.

Final Prediction

Montreal is the logical selection based on the supplied information. The 6-1 record establishes a substantial advantage over Ottawa’s 0-6 mark, and the offensive figures reinforce that difference. The Alouettes have combined efficient passing with explosive receiving production and a productive ground game. Their ability to generate yardage without committing many interceptions could be decisive.

Ottawa has enough receiving depth to create offensive opportunities, and its primary passer’s 68.3 percent completion rate gives the Redblacks a path to moving the football. However, Ottawa’s eight interceptions and less productive rushing numbers make it difficult to select the home team against an opponent with Montreal’s record and offensive efficiency.

The prediction is for the Alouettes to control the game through their balance and superior ball security. Ottawa should produce points through its passing game and collection of receivers, but Montreal’s statistical advantages point toward the visitors building and maintaining a lead.