Ottawa (2-2) at Edmonton (0-4)
When: Sunday, July 14th 2024
Where: Commonwealth Stadium,
Edmonton, Alberta
Time: 7:00 ET | TV: CBSN
Opening Odds: Edmonton -3/49
The Edmonton Elks will look to finally get in the win column when they host the Ottawa RedBlacks on Sunday night to conclude Week 6 action in the CFL. The Elks haven’t recorded a straight-up win since Week 15 of last season, but haven’t been blown out this season. Their 3-1 ATS record suggests this team is improving and it’s only a matter of time before they earn a victory. Edmonton is actually favored in this contest (-3) with a total pegged at 49.
While the Elks are coming off a Bye, Ottawa started their two-game road trip with a 25-16 loss at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The RedBlacks have won both of their home games, while dropping both contests away from home. These teams will play twice in the next five days, with the next game coming on July 19 back in Ottawa. The Elks took the latest meeting 30-20, but the RedBlacks are 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Ottawa is averaging a league-low 21.0 points a game and have yet to score more than 24 in a game. The rushing attack is decent, with Ryquell Armstead leading the league with 68.3 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry. Unfortunately, the passing game has not been up to par. Dru Brown is eighth in the CFL in passing yards (819) and has the second-worst completion percentage (59.3). Injuries are mounting, with DB Brandin Dandridge (knee), DB Alijah McGhee (foot), DB Justin Howell (calf), LB Tyron Vrede (hip), and Frankie Griffin (hip) all limited in practice this week.
EDMONTON ELKS
After losing their season opener by eight points, the Elks have fought hard only to lose each of their last three contests by three points each. The defense needs to improve a bit, as they rank seventh in points allowed at 28.8. The offense has been solid, especially the passing game, which ranks third in the league at 306.2 yards per game behind McLeod Bethel-Thompson and wide receivers Dillon Mitchell and Kurleigh Gittens Jr. DL Antonio Alfano (knee), LB Michael Brodrique (groin), DL J-Min Pelley (knee), and LB Jake Taylor (wrist) either missed or were limited in practice this week.
Prediction:
I think Edmonton finally gets a win this week. They have been playing all close games and Ottawa has looked terrible on the road thus far. This is the first of a home-and-home and I can see the Elks winning this week and Ottawa next.
