Elks vs Redblacks Prediction, Picks, & Odds for Week 7

Week 7 in the CFL kicks off on Friday night with a clash between the Edmonton Elks and Ottawa Redblacks.

These teams faced off last week in Edmonton with the Redblacks winning in a nail-biter. That dropped the Elks record to 0-5 but after firing head coach and GM Chris Jones on Monday, my Elks vs. Reblacks predictions for this showdown expect them to snap their winless streak.

Here are my best free CFL picks for Friday, July 19.

Elks vs Redblacks prediction

My best bet
Elks moneyline (+135 at Betway)

My analysis

The Edmonton Elks are 0-5 but all of those games were competitive with their last three losses coming on last-second field goals. That led to the dismissal of Chris Jones, who had been regarded as one of the top coaches in the CFL but failed to lift Edmonton out of last place since returning to the franchise in 2022.  

Offensive coordinator Jarious Jackson is now interim head coach while Jason Shivers remains the defensive coordinator, so there will be continuity in play-calling. Teams often see a short-term uptick in play after dismissing coaches that had worn out their welcome. The only perceptible change on the field right away should be an improvement in energy from an Elks squad that desperately needed a change.

Sure, they lost to the Ottawa Redblacks in Edmonton last week, but they don't benefit much from home-field advantage. However, neither have the Redblacks, who've gone 7-29 straight up and 11-25 against the spread at home since 2019. This is an Ottawa squad that seldom forces turnovers and ranks second-last in yards allowed per play (7.2) which makes it tough to separate from opponents. 

The Elks were a shanked Boris Bede kickoff and missed field goal away from winning last week and that was with Redblacks QB Dru Brown throwing for 480 yards. Brown completed just 59.3% of his passes for 7.2 yards per attempt in his first four starts with Ottawa so expect major regression here. That should be enough for the Elks to snap their losing streak in a revenge spot.

Elks vs Redblacks same-game parlay (SGP)

Elks moneyline

Over 52.5

Ryquell Armstead Over 64.5 rushing yards

+738 at FanDuel

Edmonton's offense has shown improvement with McLeod Bethel-Thompson at QB. He's fourth in the league in completion percentage (71.7%), passing yards (1,497), and pass efficiency (100.1), so expect the Elks to move the ball against a mediocre Redblacks secondary. 

Edmonton's biggest problem has been its defense, which allows 30.4 points per game and ranks second-last in opponent pass efficiency (113.7) and opponent second-down conversion rate (56.6%). Even though Brown won't be able to repeat his incredible Week 6 performance, the Redblacks should still be able to put up enough points to go Over the game total.

After giving up seven pass completions of 25+ yards last week (including three of more than 60 yards), expect Edmonton's defense to focus on dropping multiple players into coverage to prevent big plays. That should open things up for Ottawa RB Ryquell Armstead. The talented back was limited to 40 yards on 14 carries last week but he shredded Winnipeg's defense for 103 yards the previous week. 

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Elks vs Redblacks odds

Elks vs Redblacks live odds

Elks vs Redblacks opening odds

• Spread: Edmonton +1.5 | Ottawa -1.5
• Moneyline: Edmonton -105 | Ottawa -115
• Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-115) | Under 48.5 (-105)

Elks vs Redblacks spread and Over/Under analysis

• After these teams combined for 71 points last week, early money has poured in on the Over, shifting the total from 48.5 to 52.5.
• The Redblacks are 3-2 SU and ATS. While the Elks are 0-5 SU they've also gone 3-2 ATS.
• Edmonton has the lowest-graded defensive line in the league while Ottawa's DL has the second-worst, per PFF.
• These have been the two worst franchises in the CFL since 2021, with both the Elks and Redblacks going 11-39 over the last three years.

Elks vs Redblacks trend

The Redblacks are just 1-5 ATS in their last six games following an ATS win. They've also gone 1-4 ATS in their previous five contests after a straight up win. Find more CFL betting trends for Elks vs. Redblacks.

Elks vs Redblacks game info

Elks vs Redblacks key injuries

Elks: Robert Nkemdiche DT (Out), J-Min Pelley DT (Out), Tomas Jack-Kurdyla G (Out), Kyran Moore WR (Out).
Redblacks: Brandin Dandridge DB (Out), Justin Howell DB (Out), Frankie Griffin LB (Out), Kene Onyeka DE (Out), Zack Pelehos RT (Out), DeVonte Dedmon WR/KR (Out), Money Hunter CB (Out), Devonte Williams RB (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.

Elks vs Redblacks weather

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