The Edmonton Elks travel to Calgary as heavy road underdogs on the CFL odds against the Stampeders. If all is equal, Edmonton might deserve the Battle of Alberta to at least be a pick’em. Unfortunately, the Elks’ COVID-19 troubles makes it smart to be wary of siding with Jamie Elizondo’s club for the moment.

As the Elks continue to practise this week, more information will be made available on the status of several key players who are currently dealing with COVID-19-related issues. Kickoff at McMahon Stadium Monday is set for 4:30 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

The Stampeders have held the Alberta CFL crown as of late, winning eight of their last 10 against Edmonton, in which Calgary scored nearly 30 points a game. The over-under has gone an even 5-5 in that stretch, and this week’s total drastically depends on who suits up.

For example it could be Travis Harris vs. Jake Maier at quarterback, Taylor Cornelius vs. Bo Levi Mitchell, or some combination. A lot is up in the air Monday with Edmonton confirmed to be missing players due to COVID-19 and Mitchell being cleared to practice.

Oddsmakers have the Stamps as 6-point favourites to win, with the total set at 42.5.

Edmonton Elks

Edmonton returned to the field Thursday and all of receivers Derel Walker, Armanti Edwards, Shai Ross, and Tevaun Smith; defensive backs Jonathan Rose and Aaron Grymes; and defensive end Kwaku Boateng, were either limited or didn’t practice due to COVID-19 protocol. Whether these players play Monday is still to be determined.

But if it is an Elks roster featuring most of their key guys, this is a team leading the CFL in net offence and defence, opponents’ yards per play, and most passing defence categories. The Stamps are to be taken seriously after consecutive strong outings with Maier, but don’t let Edmonton’s sluggish 1-2 start make you forget how dangerous they can be.

Calgary Stampeders

The return of Mitchell under centre seems all but confirmed. Mitchell was removed from the six-game injured reserve earlier this week after missing two games with a fractured leg. If Calgary felt they could remove Mitchell from the six-game early, it wouldn’t make any sense for him to not start. Head coach Dave Dickenson has already confirmed Bo Levi is still the starter in Calgary if every pivot is healthy.

The reason why the question was even asked has a lot to do with Maier’s play in relief. Maier not only passed for 307 yards of 30-of-39 passing in Week 4, but set a franchise record by starting the game with 17 straight completions. Unfortunately Calgary remains at 1-3 on the season, making Monday extremely important for their playoff hopes.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Elks vs. Stampeders?