The Saskatchewan Roughriders marched to a decisive 30-13 win over the Tiger-Cats last week, while the Edmonton Elks enters their home opener on the rebound after suffering a 59-15 beating in BC in Week 1.

Now unbeaten against the spread in three straight contests, the Roughriders have emerged as strengthening 8-point favourites to win on Saturday. In addition to sporting steadily improving -130 odds to cover, Saskatchewan is also pegged as -310 moneyline chalk. The Elks lag as +255 underdogs. The total is listed at 50.0 on the CFL odds.

CFL Odds and Betting

Saturday night’s matchup at Commonwealth Stadium marks the first of three regular season meetings between these West Division rivals. The Roughriders have dominated in recent head-to-head action, claiming straight up wins in seven of their past eight dates with Edmonton, including each of their past five clashes. However, the Riders have failed to consistently reward loyal sports bettors over that stretch, going winless against the spread in their past three dates with the Elks, and covering just twice in six meetings.

Indeed, six of the past eight matchups involving these teams has been settled by one score, capped by Saskatchewan’s 29-24 win as 11.5-point chalk in their most recent tilt in mid-November.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Defence dominated early last week until the Roughriders blew things open with 18 points in the fourth quarter, on their way to a decisive win over Hamilton as 2.5-point home favourites. The Riders kept the Ti-Cats attack in check all night, limiting them to just 296 total yards and keeping Hamilton out of the end zone until early in the fourth quarter.

The Saskatchewan defence forced three fumbles and made two interceptions, which they converted into 13 points. And while Cody Fajardo took some time to heat up, the Roughriders quarterback ended the night with 311 passing yards, one touchdown toss, and one scoring run.

The Roughriders have avoided any major health concerns. However, receiver D’haquille Williams has been limited in practice this week due to an ankle injury after making five catches for 58 years in last week’s win.

Edmonton Elks

The Elks have nowhere to go but up after opening their schedule in embarrassing fashion last week in BC. It was a particularly brutal debut for starting pivot for Nick Arbuckle. The product of Georgia State compiled 254 passing yards. However, he was also picked off three times, with the Lions converting two of those interceptions into touchdowns.

The Edmonton defence was also hopeless in the face of a Lions offensive onslaught that generated 469 total yards and 42 points before halftime. To add insult to injury, the Lions’ epic performance garnered the team a clean sweep of the CFL’s Top Performers for Week 1. After starting five rookies last week, head coach Chris Jones may be looking to make some roster moves.

The Elks look to Saturday in good health, and could benefit if rain remains in the forecast. However, it will take more than inclement weather to give this team a lift.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Roughriders vs. Elks?