The Elks deserved a better fate in a pair of defeats to open their 2024 CFL schedule, capped by last week’s 23-20 loss to Montreal that extended their current straight up losing streak to six games. The Argonauts enjoyed a bye in Week 2 after rolling to a 35-27 comeback over the visiting BC Lions in their season opener, which also extended their current SU win streak in regular season action at BMO Field to 10 games.

The well-rested Argonauts have climbed to 4.5-point favourites on the CFL Week 3 odds while the Elks trail as +185 underdogs on the CFL moneyline and the total is pegged at 49.5.

CFL Week 3 Odds and Betting

In addition to their current torrid run on home turf, the Argos enter Saturday’s matchup riding a three-game SU win streak when facing Edmonton, capped by a 35-12 victory when the Elks last visited the Big Smoke last October. The Argonauts faced little resistance in both of last season dates with the Elks, claiming victory by an average margin of 17.5 points. However, the Argos have produced mixed results in recent home dates with Edmonton, winning just five of 11 meetings since 2008 including outright defeats in two of five while pegged as home chalk. While the Argonauts have scored an average of 39 points over their two meeting with Edmonton, these team have produced mixed results in totals betting, with the current 3-2 run by the OVER coming on the heels of three straight wins for the UNDER.

Edmonton Elks

The Elks demonstrated a lot of character while outpacing the Alouettes in an array of team stats, but turnovers and bad penalties proved costly as they dropped a heartbreaking 23-20 decision to the Als. After enjoying a solid start in his return to the CFL in the Elks’ 29-21 Week 1 loss to Saskatchewan, quarterback McLeod Bethel Thompson struggled against the Alouettes, completing 28 of 42 pass attempts for 300 yards but failed to find the end zone while tossing a pair of picks. The Elks ground game didn’t fare much better, with Edmonton rushers compiling just 72 yards. However, backup QB Dakota Prukop completed his assignment with a pair of scoring runs, each from the one-yard line. The upside for the Elks has been their persistence. This squad overcame a trio of deficits and briefly claimed a lead in the second half but will need for more out of Bethel Thompson when he takes the field to face his former Toronto teammates.

Toronto Argonauts

The Argos return to action after a solid season-opening win over BC that featured an impressive debut by Cameron Dukes as the team’s starting quarterback. Dukes maintained his composure after committing an early fumble that Tibo Debaillie returned to the house to give BC an early 20-6 lead, ending the contest with three touchdown passes and one scoring run that have made Toronto fans quickly forget Chad Kelly. Concerns have lingered about Dukes’ fitness for Saturday after he was stricken by illness earlier this week. However, he has returned to practice is expected to suit up on Saturday. That is good news for Rasheed Bailey, who emerged as Dukes’ favourite target in Week 1 while pulling in five catches for one touchdown and 50 yards. Acquired in the offseason, Bailey racked up 508 receiving yards in Winnipeg last season and has now made a scoring catch in three straight regular season game appearances, adding value to +175 odds on the CFL player props of finding the end zone on Saturday.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Elks vs. Argonauts?