It’s a matchup of teams looking to redefine themselves as the Ottawa Redblacks visit the Edmonton Elks in the final CFL matchup of Week 1.
The Redblacks have a new coaching staff and are looking to rebuild after a 3-15 season while Edmonton literally changed its name to the Elks (it is proper grammar, look it up). So, which team can start its new regime off on the right foot, and who will cover the spread?
Check out our CFL free picks and predictions for Redblacks vs. Elks on Saturday, August 7, and find out.
Redblacks vs Elks game info
• Location: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB
• Date: Saturday, August 7, 2021
• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• TV: TSN
Redblacks vs Elks odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare CFL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Check out the full line movement for this game
Redblacks at Elks betting preview
Weather
Key injuries
Redblacks: Matt Nichols QB (Questionable).
Elks: No key injuries to report.
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Redblacks are 0-5 ATS in their last five road games. Find more CFL betting trends for Redblacks vs. Elks.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
The Redblacks' 2019 season was one to forget. A league-worst 3-15 record, for a team that scored the fewest points and allowed the most at the same time, is not something this young team was used to after winning the East Division three times between 2015 and 2018.
So, in comes new head coach Paul LaPolice and quarterback Matt Nichols (both from Winnipeg) to try and revamp the franchise. But, this may be more than a one-season rebuild as the roster still has plenty of holes to fill.
The newly minted Elks also have a new head coach in Jaime Elizondo, but he walks into a situation where the cupboards aren’t as bare. Namely at quarterback where Trevor Harris, who is good value for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award at +800, will be under center.
Elizondo and Harris worked together with great success in Ottawa and will get to work with one of the deepest receiving corps in the CFL, headed up by Greg Ellingson.
Going on the road with no preseason to try and slow down this Elks attack will be a tall task for the Redblacks. Lay the points with the favorite.
PREDICTION: Elks -8.0 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Elks might possess the CFL’s best offense this season and Elizondo, Harris, and Ellingson are all former Redblacks who should want to take it to their old team.
While the Redblacks signed veteran Cleyon Laing and former NFLer Stefan Charles to sure up their defense, there is still a lot of holes in a unit that allowed 31.3 points per game this season.
Expect the Elks to score in bunches in their home opener while Nichols does enough for the Redblacks to send this one Over the total.
PREDICTION: Over 45.5 (-110)
Redblacks vs Elks betting card
- Elks -8.0 (-110)
- Over 45.5 (-110)
Did you know that if you parlayed this week’s CFL Redblacks vs. Elks picks, you could win $26.45 on a $10 bet?
Use our CFL parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on the CFL?
You can bet on CFL odds at most online and casino sportsbooks, including CFL moneylines, spreads, Over/Under totals, and CFL prop odds. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on CFL odds in your area.
