The Saskatchewan Roughriders face off against the Edmonton Elks in a pivotal West Division battle on Saturday.
These teams combined for 73 points when they previously clashed in Week 9, and my Roughriders vs. Elks predictions for Week 18 expect Edmonton to win another shootout.
Here are my best free CFL picks for this October 5 showdown.
Roughriders vs Elks prediction
My best bet
Elks ML (+120 at bet365)
My analysis
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are coming off back-to-back wins following an 0-6-1 straight up and 2-5 against the spread stretch.
While the Edmonton Elks are fresh off back-to-back losses, those came against the red-hot Blue Bombers. Before that, the Elks had gone 5-1 SU and 6-0 ATS in their previous six contests.
Both teams have issues on defense, but I have more faith in an Edmonton offense leading the league in touchdowns (46) and yards per rush (5.9) while ranking second in points per game (28.4).
The Riders have a good offense when healthy, but the problem is they're far from healthy at the moment. Saskatchewan is missing four starters on the offensive line, with star running back Ryquell Armstead and wideout Shawn Bane Jr. the latest players to be sidelined by injuries.
The Elks won 42-31 when these teams previously clashed in Week 9 in Regina and I'm not confident in the Riders pulling off the win on the road here. Especially with their banged-up offense unable to keep up with Edmonton's firepower.
Roughriders vs Elks same-game parlay (SGP)
Elks moneyline
Over 50.5
Trevor Harris Over 300.5 passing yards
Even with injury issues on the O-line, Saskatchewan has averaged 30 ppg over the last four games despite two of those contests coming against Winnipeg's elite pass defense.
Harris has thrown for more than 300 yards in five of nine games this year, including last week when he completed 27 of 36 passes for 315 yards against Ottawa.
Now Harris and the Riders face an Elks D ranked last in the league in passing yards allowed per game (310.1) and yards allowed per pass attempt (9.4) while surrendering 28.3 ppg. While I'm betting on the Elks to win, I still expect Harris and this Saskatchewan offense to move the ball.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Roughriders vs Elks odds
Roughriders vs Elks live odds
Roughriders vs Elks opening odds
- Spread: Saskatchewan -2.5 | Edmonton +2.5
- Moneyline: Saskatchewan -135 | Edmonton +115
- Over/Under: Over 50 | Under 50
Roughriders vs Elks spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Elks began the season with a slew of close losses but have turned things around since firing Chris Jones, going 6-2 ATS in their last eight games.
- The Riders went 5-1 SU and ATS to begin the year but have gone just 2-6-1 SU and 4-5 ATS since.
- The Over is 6-3 in Harris' nine starts this year, while the Over has also gone 6-3 in Edmonton's last nine games overall.
- Saskatchewan leads the league with a turnover margin of +18, while Edmonton ranks third at +8.
Roughriders vs Elks trend
The Roughriders are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games versus a team with a losing record. Find more CFL betting trends for Roughriders vs. Elks.
Roughriders vs Elks game info
| Location: | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-5-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Roughriders vs Elks key injuries
Roughriders: Ryquell Armstead RB (Out), AJ Ouellete RB (Out), Jacob Brammer OT (Out), Shawn Bane Jr. WR (Out), Peter Godber C (Out), Zack Fry G (Out), Ryan Sceviour G (Out), Jermarcus Hardrick OT (Out), Malik Carney OT (Out).
Elks: Noah Curtis DL (Doubtful), Tomas Jack-Kurdyla G (Out), Romeo McKnight DE (Out), Kyran Moore WR (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Roughriders vs Elks weather
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