A sweep of the Calgary Stampeders would put the Edmonton Elks’ ugly 0-2 start long in the past, and the sweep is a likely result come Saturday night. Edmonton’s offence looked lights out at Calgary last week, dropping 480 yards and 32 points in their win over Calgary. Edmonton easily covered too, winning by twelve as six-point road underdogs.

Now, Edmonton’s looking for three-straight victories while the Stamps are trying to avoid 1-5. Kickoff at Commonwealth Stadium for the second straight Battle of Alberta goes at 7 p.m. EST.

CFL Odds and Betting

Calgary’s currently sitting in last place in the West, but their stretch of uninspiring football goes further back than 2021. The Stamps ended their 2019 season getting blown out at home in the West Semi-final, and overall are 2-10-1 against the spread in their last 13 games. The Elks, meanwhile, are also 1-7 against the spread in their last eight at home. The irony in both stats is this week’s game is currently a pick’em on the CFL odds, meaning to cover the spread you just have to win.

Oddsmakers have the total at 42.5 despite 52 points being scored head-to-head between these clubs in Week 5.

Calgary Stampeders

Who’s getting the start at quarterback for Calgary is the main question entering Week 6. Two-time MOP Bo Levi Mitchell has been sidelined since Week 3 with a fracture in his leg but was back practicing before Labour Day. Mitchell appears all but good to go for this Saturday.

Thing is, the absence of Mitchell hasn’t hindered Calgary in the slightest bit. He’s still the Stamps’ guy going forward but Jake Maier did everything he could in his three starts, including 939 passing yards in three games — two of which his team lost. Other areas such as Calgary ranking eighth in net offence against and worst in first downs allowed have been their downfall thus far.

Now at 1-4, Calgary’s on the road against a team leading the CFL in net offence and defence.

Edmonton Elks

As mentioned, an 0-2 start was a massive hurdle for Edmonton to overcome. And that was before 13 players tested positive for COVID-19. Now, the Elks are on a two-game win streak and should be getting back defensive back Aaron Grymes, middle linebacker Keishawn Bierria, and receiver Tevaun Smith. All three, among others, missed last week’s game because of COVID-19 protocol.

Then again, as long as Trevor Harris is playing, Edmonton will be just fine. Harris leads the CFL with 1,260 passing yards through four games. The talent is there in Edmonton, it was just a question of chemistry. Now that the Elks appear on the same page, they should be in for another big win against their provincial rival.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Stampeders vs. Elks?