Alouettes vs. Roughriders Prediction, Expert Picks & Odds 8-16

In a clash of two of the best teams in the CFL, the Alouettes and Roughriders, the focus will be on which quarterbacks will be taking the field.

Rob Paul

Last updated: August 16, 2024 2:17 PM EDT • 3 min read

Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Charleston Rambo catches the ball against the Edmonton Elks. We're backing the Alouettes in our Alouettes vs. Roughriders prediction. — Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Charleston Rambo catches the ball against the Edmonton Elks. Photo by Perry Nelson/USA TODAY Sports via Imagn.

Could the long awaited return of two of the best quarterbacks in the CFL happen in this matchup?

It sounds like Trevor Harris will be back for the Saskatchewan Roughriders while Cody Fajardo will likely take one more week for the Montreal Alouettes, the Grey Cup odds favorites. However, we detail why we're still backing Montreal in our Alouettes vs. Roughriders prediction.

With or without Fajardo, Montreal is a 0.5-point road favorite across our best sportsbooks in Canada for Friday's game at 9 p.m. ET (TSN/RDS, CFL+) from Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Sask.

Alouettes vs. Roughriders odds

Alouettes vs. Roughrider odds via Betway as of Thursday at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Teams	Moneyline	Spread	Total
Alouettes	-115	-0.5 (-115)	Over: 51.5 (-105)
Roughriders	-105	+0.5 (-105)	Under: 51. (-115)

Alouettes vs. Roughriders prediction: Alexander poised for repeat performance

CFL picks confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale.

Alouettes ML ⭐⭐⭐

After participating fully in practice on Wednesday, the Alouettes have listed Fajardo as available for Friday's clash. Montreal's franchise QB has been out since July 11 after suffering a hamstring injury in the team's lone loss this season.

It's been reported that Fajardo could start this week but is more likely to return next week against the Edmonton Elks. Regardless of whether he plays, Montreal is in good shape to win against the Riders.

In Fajardo's absence, former third-string QB Davis Alexander has emerged as the potential future in Montreal. He's played in the last three games, two starts, and led a comeback win over the Roughriders in his first ever CFL action in Week 8.

So far this season, he's completing 73.9% of his passes for a whopping 10.0 YPA with five scores to just one interception. It sure helps that he has three big-time playmakers: Tyson Philpot, Walter Fletcher, and Charleston Rambo.

Those three should expose a Saskatchewan defense that allows the third-most yards per game (386) and the most passing yards (306.2).

Struggles in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has looked rough lately since blowing a 16-3 halftime lead against Montreal in Week 8. The Roughriders handed the lowly Elks their first win of the year in Week 9 and tied the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 10.

Even the return of Harris and running back A.J. Ouellette won't help this team against Montreal. The Alouettes' defense is top three in yards allowed (347.2), passing yards allowed (242.8), QB rating allowed (83.1), and points allowed (21.2).

Expect Harris to be rusty in his return against a dominating Montreal defense. An Als win pays an $8.70 profit on a $10 bet.

Odds: -115 via Betway | Implied probability: 53.49%

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Alouettes vs. Roughriders game info

When: Friday, Aug. 16 (9 p.m. ET)
Where: Mosaic Stadium (Regina, Sask.)
How to watch: TSN/RDS, CFL+
Weather: 70 degrees, 9-mph winds, 30% chance of precipitation
Favorite: Alouettes -0.5 (-115 via Betway)

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Written By:
Rob Paul

Rob is a Publishing Editor at Sportsbook Review. He’s been with the team since early 2024, with this being his first full-time role in the sports betting industry. Before joining SportsbookReview.com, he contributed to various sports outlets, including FanSided and Pro Football Network. During that period, he spent five years working full-time as a local community journalist, after attending Durham College for journalism and Wilfrid Laurier University for history. He previously hosted an NFL draft and college football-focused podcast where he had the opportunity to interact with future NFL players such as Maxx Crosby and Quinn Meinerz. Rob has spent multiple years working as a freelance podcast producer for numerous sports-related podcasts while making guest appearances on several college football shows. He’s also made guest appearances on SportsTalk Mississippi on several occasions to talk all things NFL draft. Rob values the way sports betting acts as a catalyst for telling stories and growing interest in certain sports, particularly FCS football, WNBA, and mid-major college basketball. He’s always been drawn to the more obscure teams and conferences in major college sports, but most of all, Rob loves using stats to find the best player props to back.