LIVESTREAM CFL: Toronto Argonauts @ Montreal Alouettes, June 7, 01:30 CET (1:30 am, 7:30 pm June 6 ET)

| American Football | 06/06/2025

The Montreal Alouettes (0-0) host the defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts (0-0) at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium reigniting one of the Canadian Football League’s fiercest rivalries in the 2025 season opener. The game marks a rematch of the 2024 Eastern Final, where Toronto edged Montreal 30-28 en route to their 19th championship.

Toronto Argonauts: Overcoming adversity
Backup quarterback under pressure
With starter Chad Kelly still sidelined by a playoff leg injury, veteran Nick Arbuckle takes the reins for Toronto. Arbuckle’s 252-yard, two-touchdown Grey Cup relief performance last season offers optimism, but his career ratio of 27 touchdowns to 32 interceptions raises concerns against Montreal’s elite secondary. Limiting turnovers will be critical as he faces a unit ranked second in defensive efficiency (22.4 points allowed per game) in 2024.

Ground game reloaded
The release of Ka’Deem Carey elevates Deonta McMahon to lead rusher. McMahon’s 62-yard, 13.4 yards-per-carry performance against Montreal in Week 17 of 2024 suggests he could thrive, though the Alouettes’ front seven—led by 100-tackle duo Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey—will challenge his consistency.

Secondary reshuffle
Toronto’s reworked secondary, featuring newcomer Darrius Bratton alongside Benjie Franklin and Tarvarus McFadden, must improve after allowing the league’s second-most passing yards in 2024. Their task? Contain Montreal’s Tyson Philpot, who torched the Argos for 128 yards on nine receptions last season before a foot injury derailed his campaign.

Watch live. Toronto Argonauts @ Montreal Alouettes, June 7, 01:30 CET (1:30 am, 7:30 pm June 6 ET)

Montreal Alouettes: New era under center
Davis Alexander’s debut
Cody Fajardo’s departure hands the starting role to Davis Alexander, who signed a three-year extension this offseason. Alexander’s 4-0 career record as a starter inspires confidence, but head coach Jason Maas has insurance in veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a former Argo and 2022 Grey Cup winner.

Philpot’s resurgence
Tyson Philpot’s return from injury adds firepower to an offense that ranked ninth in yards per game (333) last season. His chemistry with Alexander will test a Toronto secondary that lost interception leader DaShaun Amos. Philpot’s historical success against the Argos (9-of-10 catches in 2024) makes him a focal point.

Elite secondary anchors defense
Montreal’s secondary, led by Marc-Antoine Dequoy and Kabion Ento, returns intact alongside rookie Nate Beauchemin. This group allowed a league-low 31 offensive touchdowns in 2024, stifling opponents on 86.4% of drives. Their ability to disrupt Arbuckle’s rhythm could dictate the game’s tempo.

Historical context and stakes
The Argos hold a 122-99-3 edge in the 224-game rivalry dating to 1946, including six wins in their last eight meetings. A Toronto victory would mark their 100th all-time win over Montreal. The Alouettes, however, boast a .611 winning percentage at Molson Stadium since 1954 and aim to leverage home-field advantage after a 6-3 home record in 2024.

Special teams showdown
Both teams excel in returns: Toronto led the CFL with 15 big kick returns (13 by Janarion Grant) last year, while Montreal’s James Letcher Jr. logged 12 of the Als’ 13. Field position battles between these units could prove decisive.

Coaching clash and trends
Head coaches Ryan Dinwiddie (46-22 career record) and Jason Maas (62-45-1) are the CFL’s only active Grey Cup winners. Dinwiddie’s Argos seek a fifth straight season-opening win, while Maas’ Alouettes ride a two-year opener streak.

Milestone watch

  • Montreal’s DaVaris Daniels begins 2025 as the CFL’s second-leading active receiver (6,201 yards).
  • Toronto’s #1 scoring offense (28.6 ppg in 2024) faces a Montreal defense that hasn’t allowed a 30-point game since Week 9 of last season.

Kickoff implications
For Toronto, a win reinforces their championship pedigree amid Kelly’s absence. For Montreal, it’s a chance to validate offseason changes and reclaim momentum in the East. With playoff implications often rooted in early-season performances, this clash of historic rivals promises to deliver drama worthy of its storied legacy.

Watch live. Toronto Argonauts @ Montreal Alouettes, June 7, 01:30 CET (1:30 am, 7:30 pm June 6 ET)

American Football International is your source for news and updates about American Football outside the United States!