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Edgar Chaput
Elks vs. RedBlacks Prediction: CFL Week 4 Point Spread, Odds
Both clubs have found the start to 2023 rather difficult. Edmonton is 0-3 and Ottawa is 0-2. Each is struggling mightily in many facets of the game, but offence has proven to be a real challenge. Even as far as points per game averages are concerned, these are the two worst clubs in the CFL at the moment.
The CFL odds have placed the host Redblacks as slight -2.0 favourites, with the total established at 42.5.
CFL Odds and Betting
The Redblacks have captured three of the past four meetings between the sides, although one of those defeats allowed the Elks to earn a season series split in 2022. Of note, the road team won both contests last year.
In addition to having not tasted victory so far in 2023, neither side has covered a spread. Given Ottawa’s struggle with the ball, it’s not surprising that the under has cashed in both their games. With respect to Edmonton’s tilts, the over is 1-2.
The hosts have a laundry list of injuries as they prepare for this contest, from WR DeVonte Dedmon and running back DeVonte Williams. Edmonton is not without injury concerns, as WR Eugene Lewis will be out, as will offensive lineman Andrew Garnett to just but a couple.
Edmonton Elks
Week 3’s home date with the Toronto Argonauts exemplified just how far off the Elks are from the rest of the CFL in terms of quality and consistency.
The first half of the match versus the defending Grey Cup champions saw the Elks put in a valiant effort. It was only an 18-17 Toronto lead when the squads headed to the locker rooms for the break. Edmonton was even moving the ball rather well through the air, not to mention some solid defensive play, such as Loucheiz Purifoy’s 27-yard interception return to the house to give the hosts a 14-7 second quarter advantage. But these are the Elks and when things go back, it’s spectacularly poor. Toronto outscored Edmonton 25-0 until the final moments of the game for a 43-31 final score. RB A.J. Ouellette scored three times from short distance and Chad Kelly’s two INTs meant nothing, ultimately.
One interesting bright was QB Jarrett Doege, who came in for Taylor Cornelius. He went 9-for-11 for 163 yards and two TDs.
Ottawa RedBlacks
The Redblacks are coming off their bye. Two weeks ago they played their home opener against the Calgary Stampeders and were not up to par.
We’ve already mentioned how difficult it has been for the Redblacks to put points on the board through two games. On neither occasion did they hit the 20 point mark. Against Calgary, a respectable first half that saw them trail only 15-12 at the break devolved into a 26-15 defeat for lack of any punch with the ball. Just like last season, Jeremiah Masoli’s absence is sorely felt. Nick Arbuckle, at least for now, does not look like a viable solution, hence Tyrie Adams will be under centre in Week 4. The Redblacks are only gaining about 250 yards per game which is definitely not going to cut it. Look out for Douglas Coleman III to cause some havoc in the Edmonton back field.
EDM
OTT