Five things you should know about the Als’ season opener at B.C. Place on Saturday (10 p.m., TSN, RDS, TSN Radio 690), by Herb Zurkowsky.

1

Matchup: Only three of nine teams fail to qualify for the CFL playoffs, and this game brings together two that missed the post-season in 2017. The Als had a franchise-worst record of 3-15, losing their last 11. But the Lions also struggled, finishing 7-11, while losing six of nine at home. It marked the first time they missed post-season play since head coach Wally Buono joined them in 2003.

2

Injuries: Als veteran rush-end John Bowman has an ankle injury and will begin the season on the one-game injured-reserve list. He has been joined there by backup quarterback Matt Shiltz, who is expected to miss two games with a lower-back muscular issue, centre Luc BrodeurJourdain and new safety Joe Burnett. Lions veteran backup quarterback Travis Lulay (knee) starts the year on the one-game list. Defensive-lineman Max Forde is out with a shoulder injury, while former Als tailback Brandon Rutley has a hamstring issue.

3

The QBs: A year ago at this time, Drew Willy was released by Toronto; not deemed to be proficient enough for head coach Marc Trestman. But the 31-year-old is the Als’ starter, at least to launch the season. Montreal becomes Willy’s fourth team and if the offence struggles, he’ll probably be on a short leash — at least until Shiltz, considered the team’s future, is healthy. Jonathon Jennings, meanwhile, is battling his own demons. He appeared on the path to stardom in 2016, when he threw for 5,226 yards and 27 TDs. But he struggled last season. Not only did his passing yards decrease to 3,639, he threw more interceptions (19) than TDs (16). That’s never good.

4

The receivers: The Als’ revamped defence has its work cut out this game. Bryan Burnham led the Lions with 81 receptions for 1,202 yards last season while scoring seven TDs. Manny Arceneaux caught 100 passes for 1,137 yards and scored six majors. While the Als had only one 1,000yard receiver in B.J. Cunningham, Chris Williams is a former Lion and might have some things to prove.

5

B.C. graveyard: The Als have won only three games on the West Coast since 2000. Many of the defeats have been by lopsided scores, including 41-18 on Sept. 8.