Montreal @ Saskatchewan preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 22, 2017 ) Saskatchewan 16, Montreal 17

The Saskatchewan Roughriders host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday in a battle of teams heading in the opposite direction. The Roughriders are peaking at the ideal time by winning three of their last four games, including an impressive 30-7 victory over the West Division-leading Calgary Stampeders to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2014, and hope to improve their postseason position by avenging a 17-16 loss to the Alouettes in Week 1.

Saskatchewan, which was 5-13 last season, would cross over to the East Division if the playoffs started today but can still finish third in the West by winning their final two regular-season contests coupled with a pair of losses by the Edmonton Eskimos. Montreal is left to pick up the pieces after a disappointing 43-16 setback to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as it has lost nine straight games for the first time since 1981, including five in a row since firing coach Jacques Chapdelaine. The Alouettes are set to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year, but hope to salvage some pride by sweeping the season series with the Roughriders for the second straight campaign. "It's been a very difficult season," Montreal general manager and interim coach Kavis Reed told reporters. "We need to be apologetic for not providing them (the fans) with a better game."

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (3-13): Darian Durant, who spent 11 seasons in Saskatchewan, went 8-of-14 for 92 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception before being yanked at halftime in his first action since missing the previous two games with a sore hamstring. "I have mixed emotions about that but I'm just looking forward to going back and seeing the (new) stadium and enjoying the atmosphere," Durant told reporters. "If I do start I'll try to make the most of it." Veteran slotback Nik Lewis, who became the CFL's all-time career receptions leader with his 1,030th catch Aug. 24, has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury and is likely to sit out the remainder of the season.

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (9-7): Kevin Glenn will remain the starting quarterback despite being pulled midway through the first quarter after throwing for 19 yards and taking two sacks against Calgary. Duron Carter, who leads the team with 1,037 receiving yards, was named one of the CFL's Top Performers of the Week after returning an interception for a touchdown in his first career start at cornerback while deputizing for an injured Kacy Rodgers. Offensive lineman Derek Dennis is likely to return to the lineup after missing a game with a back injury but wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt will miss his second straight game with a concussion.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Saskatchewan has won five of its last six games against East Division opponents.

2. Montreal has been outscored 144-51 in its last three games.

3. Roughriders WR Bakari Grant needs 31 yards to reach 1,000 for the first time in his seven-year career.

PREDICTION: Roughriders 37, Alouettes 13