The Tiger-Cats got both their quarterbacks for the home stretch, while the last-place Elks have shifted entirely in a different direction at the game’s most important spot.

As Hamilton’s starter, Jeremiah Masoli is playing strong with back-to-back 300-yard outings. Taylor Cornelius will start another game for the Elks, who now have Nick Arbuckle in the mix after a trade with Toronto (Arbuckle won’t be available Friday). Kickoff at Commonwealth Stadium starts at 9:45 p.m. EST.

The Ti-Cats are 5.5-point favourites to win on the CFL odds, with a total of 43.0.

CFL Odds and Betting

Winning and covering against the spread at Edmonton have been two different tasks for the Ti-Cats. On one hand, Hamilton’s 5-0 against the spread in their last five games at Edmonton and 7-2-1 in their last 10 meetings overall. On the other, Edmonton’s won 12 of their last 18 games hosting the Tiger-Cats.

Both teams have some of the better pass defences and each have had troubles scoring points. Essentially, Hamilton and Edmonton are very similar. One team just has a lot more to play for, and have made it clear by their compete level. Hence part of the reason why Hamilton’s a 5.5-point favourite on the road.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Both Masoli and backup Dane Evans got in on the action in Hamilton’s 32-3 win last week versus Ottawa. Masoli led the way with 320 passing yards and two passing scores while Evans ran in two sneaks himself. Hamilton did end up losing receiver Bralon Addison in the win, who had a five-catch, 95-yard first quarter before going down with a hamstring that will leave him out of this Friday’s game.

Defensive backs Desmond Lawrence and Cariel Brooks recorded interceptions against Ottawa, the latter having the sole possession of first in the CFL with four picks. Linebacker Simoni Lawrence also snagged his third interception of the season. The Ti-Cats are tied for second with 27 forced turnovers.

Edmonton Elks

The 2-7 Elks are coming off a bye and it’s safe to assume their season is winding down. Edmonton’s stuck in the basement of the West and haven’t won a game since Labour Day weekend. That’s five straight losses for those counting at home, the most recent coming with Cornelius as the starting pivot.

Oddly enough, the Elks defence is third with 307.6 net yards against per game this season and are first in passing yards against by a long shot but are eighth in points allowed. Overall the group is extremely talented on paper, but it sums up how their season’s gone.

CFL Prediction: Who Will Win Tiger-Cats vs. Elks?