The Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Elks open their CFL regular seasons Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (CBS Sports Network/TSN/CFL+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’slines around the Roughriders vs. Elks odds, and make our expert CFL picks and predictions.
The Roughriders won 2 of the 3 meetings against the Elks last season, with the road team going 2-1 straight up (SU) and 3-0 against the spread (ATS). The Under ended up 2-1 in the 3 battles.
Saskatchewan has won 8 of the past 10 meetings, while Edmonton holds a slight 5-3 ATS edge in the past 8 in the series. The Under has a 5-4 edge in the past 9 meetings since Nov. 2, 2019.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game was moved from 7 p.m. ET to 4 p.m. ET, allowing fans to watch Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.
The Roughriders missed the postseason in 2023, going 6-12 SU and 7-10-1 ATS, while the Over ended up 13-5. For the Elks, they also missed the playoffs after a dismal 4-14 regular season, while going 6-12 ATS and 9-9 on totals.
Saskatchewan looks to rebound under new coach Corey Mace and new offensive coordinator Marc Mueller. The good news is that QB Trevor Harris is healthy again after a wrist injury, and RB A.J. Ouellette joins the fold after going for more than 1,000 rushing yards in Toronto last season.
Edmonton had a dismal campaign, posting a 4-14 record for 2 straight seasons. QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson heads back north of the border to help steady the offense, and the team traded for WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr. to give them speed to burn on the outside.
DT Robert Nkemdiche, a former standout at Ole Miss, and a 1st-round pick in the NFL by the Arizona Cardinals, looks to give the Elks defense a boost.
Roughriders at Elks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Roughriders -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Elks -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Roughriders +1.5 (-115) | Elks -1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 46.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Roughriders at Elks key injuries
Roughriders
- DB Rodney Clemons (Achilles) out
- WR Dhel Duncan-Busby (hand) out
- DB Jaxon Ford (wrist) out
- DB Amari Henderson (Achilles) out
- TE Bruno LaBelle (leg) out
- RB Nick Wiebe (knee) out
- OL Noah Zerr (thumb) out
Elks
- OL Brett Boyko (head) out
- WR Gavin Cobb (hip) out
- QB Jarret Doege (knee) out
- WR Vincent Forbes-Mombleau (hip) out
- WR Kyran Moore (knee) out
- DL J-Min Pelley (knee) out
- LB Jake Taylor (wrist) out
Roughriders at Elks picks and predictions
Prediction
Roughriders 23, Elks 19
Moneyline
The ROUGHRIDERS (-105) are worth a look as short ‘dogs on the road in this Week 1 battle between provincial neighbors.
The road team picked up 2 wins in 3 meetings last season, with Saskatchewan going to Commonwealth Stadium for a 17-13 win in Week 1 as a 2.5-point underdog. Look for history to repeat itself as the Elks are forced to dig out of another early-season hole.
Against the spread
The Roughriders +1.5 (-115) are only worth playing if you feel as if the Elks will win, but only by a single point. If not, play the moneyline, as it is slightly cheaper.
PASS.
Over/Under
UNDER 46.5 (-115) is the play in this season opener. Last season, these teams combined for just 30 points in Week 1. We should see both sides get off to a slow start.
Saskatchewan has a new coaching staff and offensive scheme, while Edmonton has new skill position players who might take some time to jell. Look for a slow go before things pick up as the game goes along.
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