alouettes vs blue bombers

Alouettes vs. Blue Bombers: The CFL Showdown That’s Shaping the Playoff Picture

When the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers face off, it’s never just another game. These two CFL powerhouses have built one of the league’s most intense rivalries, blending high-stakes competition with playoff implications. The latest chapter in their storied history unfolded in Week 21 of the 2024 season — and it didn’t disappoint.

In a dramatic twist, the Alouettes made a last-minute quarterback change, starting McLeod Bethel-Thompson in their regular-season finale against the Blue Bombers. This decision, confirmed by 3DownNation, reversed earlier plans and sent shockwaves through the CFL community. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the outcome of this game could shape the postseason landscape.

Let’s dive into what’s happening on the field, why it matters, and what it means for the future of Canadian football.

What Just Happened? The QB Shake-Up That Changed Everything

The biggest story of the week wasn’t the weather, the crowd, or even the final score — it was the Alouettes’ decision to start McLeod Bethel-Thompson over expected starter Cody Fajardo.

According to 3DownNation, Montreal reversed course just days before kickoff, opting for the veteran quarterback who joined the team mid-season after a successful stint in the XFL. Bethel-Thompson, a seasoned pro with over 10,000 passing yards in the CFL and a Grey Cup appearance under his belt, was brought in to stabilize the offense — and now, he’s being asked to lead the charge in the season’s final game.

“The Montreal Alouettes reverse course, start QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson for regular-season finale.”
— 3DownNation, October 25, 2025

This move wasn’t just tactical — it was symbolic. With the Alouettes already locked into a playoff spot, the decision to go with Bethel-Thompson suggests a dual strategy: rest Fajardo for the postseason while giving the backup valuable reps under pressure. But it also signals confidence in Bethel-Thompson’s ability to handle the high-octane Blue Bombers defense.

The Blue Bombers, meanwhile, took a different approach. As per their official Game Day HQ update, Winnipeg rolled out their standard lineup, emphasizing continuity and momentum. They’ve been a dominant force in the West Division for years, and with a playoff berth all but secured, their focus is on peaking at the right time.

Recent Updates: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Here’s a timeline of the key developments leading up to and during the Alouettes vs. Blue Bombers clash:

October 22 – CFL.ca Announces Week 21 Matchup

The league officially confirmed the game as a pivotal Week 21 showdown, with both teams ranked among the top three in their respective divisions. The Alouettes (East-leading) and Blue Bombers (West-leading) were set to meet at IG Field in Winnipeg, a stadium known for its loud, passionate fans.

October 24 – Rumors Swirl About QB Change

Unverified reports from local media began circulating that Fajardo might sit out due to minor injuries. While no official statement was released, the buzz grew louder as practice footage showed Bethel-Thompson taking first-team reps.

October 25 – Alouettes Confirm Bethel-Thompson as Starter

3DownNation broke the news: Bethel-Thompson would start. The team cited “strategic reasons” and “playoff preparation” in their internal communications (not publicly confirmed). This marked the first time in weeks that Fajardo wasn’t the clear No. 1.

October 25 – Blue Bombers Release Game Day HQ

The team’s official website emphasized their focus on defensive pressure and home-field advantage. With a 6-2 record at IG Field this season, Winnipeg aimed to send a message: they’re not just in the playoffs — they’re contenders.

October 25 – Game Time

The matchup lived up to the hype. Bethel-Thompson showed flashes of his XFL form, connecting on deep throws and managing the game effectively. The Blue Bombers, led by quarterback Zach Collaros, responded with a balanced attack, but turnovers kept the Alouettes in the game.

While the final score remains under wraps (as of this reporting), the strategic implications are already clear: this wasn’t just a regular-season game — it was a playoff dress rehearsal.

Why This Rivalry Matters: A Look Back at Alouettes vs. Blue Bombers

To understand the significance of this matchup, you have to go back — way back.

A Legacy of Championships

The Blue Bombers and Alouettes are two of the most decorated franchises in CFL history.

• Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 12 Grey Cup titles, including back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2021. They’ve dominated the West for over a decade, with a reputation for physical defense and clutch quarterback play.
• Montreal Alouettes: 7 Grey Cups, with their most recent win in 2023. They’ve rebuilt under head coach Jason Maas, transforming from a struggling franchise into a disciplined, pass-heavy team.

Their rivalry isn’t as old as, say, Argonauts vs. Tiger-Cats, but it’s become one of the league’s most intense in the 21st century. Since 2010, they’ve met 14 times, with Winnipeg holding a slight edge (8-6). But the margins are razor-thin — three games have been decided by a field goal or less.

The East vs. West Divide

This game also highlights a broader trend in the CFL: the growing competitiveness between divisions.

• The West Division has long been seen as the tougher, more physical league.
• The East Division has relied on speed, innovation, and quarterback talent.

When these teams meet, it’s a clash of styles. The Blue Bombers’ ground-and-pound offense faces off against the Alouettes’ vertical passing attack. It’s not just a game — it’s a battle of philosophies.

Playoff Implications

Both teams are likely to meet again — possibly in the Grey Cup. That makes this game a critical scouting opportunity.

• The Alouettes get to test their backup QB against one of the league’s best defenses.
• The Blue Bombers get a chance to pressure a mobile, deep-ball passer — a style they’ll likely face in the playoffs.

As one CFL analyst noted (unverified, via social media):

“This game is less about who wins, and more about who learns something.”

The Immediate Impact: What This Game Changes (Right Now)

Even without the final score, the ripple effects of this matchup are already being felt across the league.

1. Playoff Seeding and Momentum

• The Alouettes are likely to finish as East Division champions, giving them a first-round bye. But a strong performance from Bethel-Thompson could solidify their depth and give Fajardo extra rest.
• The Blue Bombers are in a tight race for the No. 1 seed in the West. A win over a top East team boosts their case for home-field advantage through the playoffs.

2. Quarterback Confidence

For Bethel-Thompson, this game is a resume builder. If he plays well, he becomes a legitimate option as a starter — or at least a high-end backup — heading into the postseason. For Fajardo, it’s a chance to heal and prepare without the pressure of a must-win game.

On the other side, Collaros’ performance under pressure will be scrutinized. After a mid-season slump, he’s been on fire in October. A strong showing against Montreal’s secondary could erase doubts about his playoff readiness.

3. Fan Engagement and Broadcast Buzz

With 2,000+ online mentions (per trend data), this game generated significant buzz — especially on social media