RedBlacks vs. Elks Prediction: CFL Week 1 Point Spread, Odds
The final Week 1 game of the 2021 CFL season is the dawn of a new era with the Edmonton Elks (name change) playing their first game against the visiting Ottawa Redblacks. Edmonton’s new era will begin with three former Redblacks at the forefront in head coach Jamie Elizondo, quarterback Trevor Harris, and receiver Greg Ellingson. Unfortunately for Ottawa, all three may show no mercy Saturday.
Kickoff at Commonwealth Stadium is 10 p.m. EST.
CFL Odds and Betting
Head-to-head, Edmonton’s had a slight advantage over Ottawa, going 6-4 in their last 10 meetings. But, the Redblacks have managed to cover the spread in seven of those 10 contests. And while a line is to be determined on the CFL odds in this matchup, it’s safe to assume the Redblacks will be the largest underdog in Week 1 after ended 2019 on a 1-15 skid.
Oddsmakers aren’t too confident in the Redblacks this go around either, with their season win total the lowest in the CFL at 3.5. Edmonton’s is set at 5.5, with +800 Grey Cup odds and Ottawa +1200.
Ottawa RedBlacks
To be frank, Ottawa’s lacking talent everywhere. They do have the old Winnipeg combo of head coach Paul LaPolice and quarterback Matt Nichols, but a splurge of off-season retirements leaves their offence shorthanded. R.J. Harris should be Nichols’ go-to guy, as should veteran slot back Anthony Coombs.
The Redblacks defence features some solid veterans such as Cleyon Laing and Don Unamba, but a lot is still to be desired with this unit that was below-average in 2019. Antoine Pruneau remains at safety for Ottawa after missing half of 2019 with injuries.
The 2018 Most Outstanding Rookie winner Lewis Ward is still kicking field goals for the Redblacks. For those who don’t remember, Ward holds the professional football record for most consecutive field goals made with 69.
Edmonton Elks
On top of the Harris and Ellingson quarterback-receiver duo, the Elks brought in some lethal weapons on offence. Former Argos Derel Walker, Armanti Edwards, and James Wilder Jr. coming to Edmonton for 2021 makes this a dangerous team on offence. Harris has 22,182 career passing yards under his belt and is +541 to lead the CFL in passing yards this season, and +800 to win Most Outstanding Player. Ellingson has put up 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last five CFL seasons, while Walker is a three-time 1,000-yard pass-catcher.
On defence the Elks brought in Aaron Grymes, Jonathon Mincy, and Jonathan Rose in their secondary. They also still have Kwaku Boateng and Jake Ceresna to wreak havoc on the defensive line.
In all honesty, Edmonton should have no problem winning by double digits.