Week 16’s duel in Alberta went the way of the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 27-14. The victory solidified the Manitoban squad’s hold on first place in the West Division. Edmonton is still in a dogfight for third place place but the loss delivered a blow to their chances. What’s more, the quarterback situation seems unclear. Will it be Tre Ford under centre or McLeod Bethel-Thompson?

Our CFL odds envision the Blue Bombers will sweep the home-and-home. They’re perched -4.5 favourites.

CFL Odds and Betting

It’s been so long since the Edmonton Elks tasted victory over the Bombers that we have to go back to the pre-pandemic era of CFL football. The last time it happened was November 2018, which feels like a lifetime ago. Things go so poorly for Edmonton when these teams face each other that only two of the past 10 meetings were decided by less than 10 points.

It says a lot about how the Elks’ campaign is going with respect to the spread when a failure to cover in Week 16 only dropped them to 9-5. They still sport the CFL’s best tally in that regard. In fact, prior to the defeat, they had covered six in a row. Of note, they are a remarkable 6-1 ATS on the road.

Not so long ago, the world was crumbling under head Winnipeg coach Mike O’Shea and betters. Although the team’s 6-8 ATS record doesn’t jump out, it belies the fact that the Blue Bombers have dealt with five of their last six spreads. Just like with their straight-up results, the Bombers are turning their season around with aplomb.

Edmonton Elks

Week 16 didn’t go according to plan for the Elks in all sorts of ways.

For one, the decision by head coach Jarious Jackson to send QB Tre Ford back into the trenches completely backfired. Not because Ford isn’t good. He’s played extremely many times. But he hadn’t suited up for significant snaps since early August due to injuries. So a rusty quarterback was sent into battle against one of the CFL’s best defensive units. The result? Two picks, a fumble, and a bad throw that led to a turnover on downs.

The impressive part was that despite all the errors, the Elks’ defence stood tall for over two quarters. It was only a 3-0 game for Winnipeg well into the third frame. But Edmonton’s defence eventually cracked, giving up 127 yards to Brady Oliveira, not to mention two TDs (and bear witness to a strange chicken dance celebration).

RB Justin Rankin had himself a fine day, tallying 157 yards on 14 touches. The problem was every time it looked as though Edmonton was making ground, they’d lose the ball.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The 2024 Blue Bombers don’t look like their usual selves, but at this stage of the season, it doesn’t matter. The 27-14 win in Edmonton typified what the current edition is all about.

Not for the first time this season QB Zach Collaros had an unmemorable day (19-for-27, 191 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT). As such, none of the receivers like Nic Demski or Kenny Lawler had huge days either. But you know what? The 2024 Winnipeg defence is a strong, disciplined, athletic bunch. They only cough up 20.1 offensive points per game and made the league’s number-one-ranked attack in Edmonton look pretty mediocre.  LB Tony Jones put his stamp on the tilt with six tackles, a sack, and a pick.

If they can slow down the Elks’ attack for the second straight week, they’ll be on their way to success.

Who Will Win Elks vs. Blue Bombers?