When the Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts met last month, the playoffs were not in focus for either team. But the story is much different for today’s Elks vs. Argonauts matchup at BMO Field (3:00 p.m. ET, CFL+). Both teams are on the rise, and the winner’s playoff hopes will get a significant boost.
On August 23, the Argos fell 28-20 in Edmonton to fall to 2-8. At that point, their playoff hopes looked extremely dim. But with consecutive upsets of the BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Argonauts are in the frame in the East Division, only a game out of second place with the Montreal Alouettes (5-7), who visit Toronto next Friday (7:00 p.m. ET, CFL+), having lost five straight without Davis Alexander.
The Elks (5-7) have won four of five since a 1-6 start, and a win in Toronto will see them move level with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and BC Lions for the third-best record in the West Division.
Both teams face a tough homestretch but have reasons for optimism. That may especially be the case for the Argonauts, who may have a quarterback conundrum on their hands.
Nick Arbuckle has settled into his role as starter and is now putting some wins together, but Chad Kelly, who has not played since a gruesome leg break in last season’s playoffs, has finally been activated this week. Arbuckle will start vs. the Elks and has made a strong argument to remain the guy moving forward for the Argonauts, but Kelly is one of the CFL’s highest-paid players and one of its best.
Will Arbuckle make another statement in his favor against Edmonton? Read on for our Elks vs. Argonauts prediction and picks. Also, get the best value odds from BetOnline or other top online sportsbooks.
Edmonton Elks vs. Toronto Argonauts Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Elks | +3 (-105) | +149 | Over 57 (-110) |
| Toronto Argonauts | -3 (-115) | -170 | Under 57 (-110) |
Elks vs. Argonauts Betting Trends
- The Elks are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five games, including 2-1 SU and ATS on the road.
- Edmonton is 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS on the road this season.
- The under has hit in each of Edmonton’s last eight games.
- The Argonauts are 2-4 SU and ATS at home this season.
- Toronto is 0-2 SU and ATS as a favorite this season.
- The over is 4-1 in Toronto’s last five games, with the lone under coming at Edmonton in Week 11.
- The over is 4-2 in Toronto’s home games this season.
Elks vs. Argonauts Prediction and Picks
Prediction: Argonauts to win
During their 4-1 run, the Elks have picked up wins in Montreal and Ottawa, as well as home wins against Toronto and Calgary. Last week, they made waves with an impressive 31-19 upset of the visiting Stampeders, who had beaten them 28-7 at McMahon Stadium days prior.
Going against this team is a tough call, given how well they have played recently overall, especially when it comes to limiting teams on the scoreboard.
But though there are some major questions about the Argos on the defensive side of the ball, their offense has been on fire. In his last two games before Toronto’s bye week last week, Arbuckle completed 81.1% (60 of 74) of his passes for 795 yards and six touchdowns with no interceptions. And in those two games, newly acquired running back Spencer Brown picked up 175 rushing yards at a clip of 6.0 yards a pop.
Yes, those games were against the BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who are not at all good defensive teams. But at home vs. the Elks, the Argonauts should continue to move the ball well and put points on the scoreboard.
Elks vs. Argonauts Picks
1) Argonauts -3 (-110 at Everygame)
This one should have plenty of thrills, but if the Argonauts win, they should cover the spread.
2) Elks/Argonauts Over 57 (-110 at BetOnline)
The Elks have not been part of an over since a 39-33 win over the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 5, but that run will come to an end vs. the Argonauts.
In six home games, the Argos have averaged 35.7 PPG and scored 19, 32, 38, 31, 42, and 52 points. In those same six home games, the Argos have allowed an average of 36.0 PPG and given up 29, 39, 51, 17, 46, and 34 points. Don’t expect a 23-20 type of game here.
3) Edmonton Elks Over 26.5 Points (-120 at Bovada)
Though the Elks have been a hit with the under crowd, they have scored their share of points recently. In three of their last four games, they have scored 28 or more points, and they had 28 against Toronto in Week 11. If they don’t score at least 27 today, it will be a major surprise.
Other CFL Betting Information
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