Not only are the Edmonton Elks entering Week 6 without a win to show for, but Chris Jones’ team remains even worse off when they play in front of their home fans. Read more to see why we expect that to continue against the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday.
Week 6 in the CFL wraps up on Sunday with a clash between the Ottawa Redblacks and Edmonton Elks.
These have been the two worst franchises in the league for years, but both have been competitive this season and my Redblacks vs. Elks predictions expect a close contest on Sunday.
See why I’m taking the points with the underdogs in my CFL picks for July 14.
Redblacks vs Elks prediction
My best bet
Redblacks +3.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
My analysis
The Edmonton Elks are 0-4 to begin the year and while all those contests have been close, a loss is still a loss.
That makes it a bit strange to see them laying more than a field goal against anyone, especially at Commonwealth Stadium, where they haven’t benefited from home-field advantage, going 2-26 straight up and 6-22 against the spread in their last 28 games.
Edmonton’s offense has leveled up by signing quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the offseason, but its defense still looks awful. The Elks currently rank seventh in the league in both opponent passer rating (112.2) and yards allowed per rush attempt (4.9).
That bodes well for an Ottawa Redblacks offense that got some good news when starting QB Dru Brown passed concussion protocol earlier this week. Although Brown hasn’t been great under center, he’s good enough to move the ball against a terrible Elks defense, especially with weapons like running back Ryquell Armstead and wideout Justin Hardy at his disposal.
Ottawa’s offensive line has shown notable improvement, grading out as the fifth-best unit in the league according to Pro Football Focus, after ranking dead-last in 2023. The Redblacks special teams also lead the league in big play returns (5) while allowing the fewest (0).
Redblacks vs Elks same-game parlay (SGP)
Redblacks +3.5
Over 49.5
McLeod Bethel-Thompson Over 305.5 passing yards
While I expect the Redblacks offense to keep things close, I also think their defense will have a tough time containing Edmonton’s aerial attack. Ottawa has one of the league’s weakest secondaries, and that unit will be even worse with their two best defensive backs (Brandon Dandrige and Money Hunter) on the IL.
Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 1,225 yards through four games and he should be able to air it out here. That has me tacking the Over on not only his passing yards but the full game total as well.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Redblacks vs Elks odds
Redblacks vs Elks live odds
Redblacks vs Elks opening odds
- Spread: Ottawa +3.5 (-110) | Edmonton -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ottawa +150 | Edmonton -185
- Over/Under: Over 49 (-110) | Under 49 (-110)
Redblacks vs Elks spread and Over/Under analysis
- Edmonton is 0-4 SU but has gone 3-1 ATS, with its last three defeats all coming by three points.
- The Over is 7-2 in Ottawa’s last nine games on the road while going 5-2 in the Elks’ previous seven contests at home.
- These teams are facing off in Ottawa next week, with the Redblacks set as 1.5-point faves. That five-point swing for home-field advantage is surprising for two teams that have actually performed worse at home.
Redblacks vs Elks trend
The Redblacks are 6-2 ATS in their last eight trips to Edmonton. Find more CFL betting trends for Redblacks vs. Elks.
Redblacks vs Elks game info
| Location: | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB |
| Date: | Sunday, 7-14-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Redblacks vs Elks key injuries
Redblacks: Frankie Griffin LB (Out), Kene Onyeka DE (Out), Brandin Dandrige DB (Out), Money Hunter CB (Out), Bralon Addison WR (Out), Devonte Williams RB (Out).
Elks: Robert Nkemdiche DT (Out), J-Min Pelley DT (Out), Kyran Moore WR (Out), Tomas Jack-Kurdyla G (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Redblacks vs Elks weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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