Montreal can seek vengeance on the Elks Saturday, who started their season on a low note. Both clubs are looking for their first wins and touchdowns on the season, although Edmonton’s already played 60 minutes of football in 2021.

Kickoff at Commonwealth Stadium Saturday is 7 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

Despite a tough Week 1, history is now on Edmonton’s side. They’ve won 12 of their last 13 against the Alouettes and have covered in nine of those games. The over is also eight for 10 in those contests, which has a lot to do with a Montreal defence allowing 33.1 points a game in that span.

CFL oddsmakers have made Edmonton a -3.5-point favourite with the total at 49. Since Montreal’s yet to play this season, there’s a level of unpredictably to this matchup. And when in doubt, taking Trevor Harris and Edmonton over Montreal tends to be a smart play.

Montreal Alouettes

Adams Jr. and running back William Stanback enjoyed breakout seasons in 2019, and both are back to lead Montreal this season. With 3,942 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, Adams Jr. finished in the top five CFL quarterbacks in 2019. Stanback went on to rush for 1,048 yards and 12 touchdowns — the latter leading all running backs.

Eugene Lewis, B.J. Cunningham, Jake Wieneke, and Quan Bray make up Adams Jr.’s pass-catching weapons, a core that’s among the league’s best. Off-season veteran additions Almondo Sewell and Nick Usher will boost a mediocre defensive line, and not to mention the extra motivation going against their old club. The same goes for Tyquwan Glass and Money Hunter, Montreal’s projected half backs who combined for five interceptions in 2019.

Edmonton Elks

If not for three interceptions, one of which was passed right to a defender, Edmonton would be 1-0. If not for an obvious chop block on a 40-yard completion to Ottawa’s 11-yard line, Edmonton would be 1-0. If not for a fullback catching the final pass and perhaps rather a speedy receiver, Edmonton would be 1-0.

It’s a lot of “what ifs” but truth is mental mistakes spoiled the Elks’ season-opening party. The Elks had 443 yards to 127 against, recorded 26 first downs to seven against. And somehow lost to what easily looked like the worst CFL team this past week.

Individually, James Wilder Jr. led all players in Week 1 with 161 scrimmage yards in his Elks debut. Harris completed his typical 30-plus passes and threw for 300-plus yards, but three second-half interceptions put a halt to any momentum Edmonton had. That changes Week 2.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Alouettes vs. Elks?