After starting 1-6, the Edmonton Elks should have been dead and buried weeks ago. However, they have done just enough to stay in the CFL playoff picture into the last two weeks of the regular season. To remain in contention into next week’s finale, the Elks must pull one off one of their biggest upsets yet vs. the BC Lions tonight in Vancouver (10:00 p.m. ET, CFL+).
The Elks (7-9) needed to win against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last Saturday to stay in the mix for the postseason, and they did just that, edging the Blue Bombers 25-20.
With two weeks left, Edmonton is still on the outside looking in but hope still remains. A win tonight isn’t all that is required to keep it going into Week 21, however, with the Blue Bombers still ahead at 8-8 and the Calgary Stampeders at 9-7. They also need a Winnipeg loss (vs. the Saskatchewan Roughriders tonight) or a Calgary loss (vs. the Toronto Argonauts tomorrow.
If the right results occur, the Elks will host the Stampeders next Friday night with a postseason spot on the line.
Several weeks ago, that was not a likely possibility. But with six wins in nine games and both Calgary and Winnipeg not pulling away, Edmonton could still make the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
But they need to upset BC, who has won four straight games, to set up a meaningful finale. Can they do it? Read on for our Elks vs. Lions prediction and picks, which also feature the best odds from top online sportsbooks such as BetOnline.
Edmonton Elks vs. Lions Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Elks | +6 (-110) | +211 | Over 56.5 (-112) |
| BC Lions | -6 (-110) | -255 | Under 56.5 (-108) |
Elks vs. Lions Betting Trends
Elks vs. Lions Prediction and Picks
Prediction: Lions to win
Yet again, Edmonton’s defense came in clutch at home to help produce a vital victory.
The Elks have won their last four home games, and while they have done well to score 25+ points in each game, other areas of the game deserve the most plaudits.
They held the Blue Bombers to just 326 yards and intercepted Zach Collaros twice, and they had a scoop and score on a Winnipeg punt return, a touchdown that would ultimately prove to be decisive.
While they have been strong at home, they have not fared so well away from Commonwealth Stadium. The Elks are just 2-6 away from home and have lost three straight on the road. Along the way, they have allowed 28+ points in every road game but one, a 21-18 loss to Saskatchewan in Week 8.
That does not bode well for the Elks for tonight’s matchup with the Lions, who are looking to lock up second in the West and a home playoff home game with wins tonight and next Saturday in Regina against the Roughriders, who will not be risking most of their regulars this week and next week.
That task will likely be beyond Edmonton, however. They have improved since their two previous meetings with BC, but they still can’t buy a win on the road.
And this matchup vs. the Lions might be a particularly bad one for the Elks. BC has won four straight overall and four straight games at home and scoring freely is a big part of both streaks. I don’t see Edmonton being able to put enough points on the board to keep up with BC.
Elks vs. Lions Picks
1) Elks First Half Under 12.5 Points (-109 at Lucky Rebel)
The Lions have allowed 10 or fewer points in the first half in six of their last eight games. Their defense can be hit or miss, but to reach this total, the Elks will need either two touchdowns, a touchdown and a couple of field goals (or a touchdown, a field goal, and a few singles, which is not at all likely).
Edmonton’s offense is certainly capable of scoring some points, but with them being on the road, I like the value of backing the under here.
2) BC Lions Team Total Over 31.5 Points (-110 at Bovada)
It is a familiar refrain at this point, but the Lions love to score.
Last time out against the Stampeders in Week 18, they lit up Calgary for the second time in three games in a 38-24 victory.
In a 6-2 stretch, the Lions have scored 33 or more points in all but one game, a 27-22 win over the Toronto Argonauts in Week 17, and they are averaging 37.4 points per game.
At home, they have scored 31, 14, 27, 33, 36, 38, 27, and 38 points, and in wins vs. the Elks, they scored 31 in a season-opening home win and 32 in an 18-point win in Week 6.
3) Justin McInnis to Score a Touchdown Anytime (-117 at Lucky Rebel)
McInnis has been a regular visitor to the end zone as of late. In his last five games, he has five touchdowns. He has scored in four of the five games, including three straight.
With that run in mind, McInnis is also worth at a look as first touchdown scorer (+800) and first touchdown scorer for the Lions vs. the Elks (+425). Additionally, he is +500 to score two or more touchdowns, which he did in the 52-23 win at Calgary in Week 16.
Other CFL Betting Information
At Betting News, you can find CFL predictions and expert picks each week for matchups like Elks vs. Lions.
Bookmark the site to keep up with our CFL content and be sure to check out our social media channels for even more CFL betting insight, as well as our takes and tips for the NFL and college football.