The two best teams in the Western Conference take the field at Mosaic Stadium in Regina on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET (TSN), with the Saskatchewan Roughriders being a 3.5-point home favorite against the Edmonton Elks.
While the CFL odds have Edmonton as a 3.5-point underdog, my Elks vs. Roughriders prediction and CFL picks are expecting Justin Rankin and a hard-nosed defense to keep things close on the road.
Who will win Elks vs Roughriders: Elks +3.5 (-105)
The Edmonton Elks have a clear identity. They want to feed their star running back, and let their defense carry the load. It's helped turn them into arguably the best Grey Cup odds value bet this season (+1000).
Edmonton is 5-1 ATS and tends to turn every single game into a fistfight, so I'd expect them to do the same on the road against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
While the Roughriders will be a tough team to beat outright, I love taking the Elks to cover at +3.5 or better. Saskatchewan's run defense is exploitable. It allows 101.8 rushing yards per game, and Edmonton running back Justin Rankin has been the best playmaker in the league this season.
Rankin leads the CFL in total touchdowns (7), sits No. 2 in rushing yards (522) on a whopping 7.05 per carry, and has been the best pass-catching back in the league (343 receiving yards). With Rankin powering the offense, the Elks will put up one hell of a fight.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Elks vs Roughriders total prediction: Under 57.5 (-110)
If you're looking for offensive fireworks, this isn't the matchup for you. This is going to be about as terrifying as a winter night in Regina, with the Elks and Riders both deploying ferocious defenses.
Edmonton is allowing the fewest points per game in the CFL this season (23.0) and the second-fewest yards per game (362.2). The Elks are the only team in the league holding opponents to fewer than 90 rushing yards and fewer than 280 passing yards per game.
Saskatchewan's defense is nearly as strong, giving up just 26.6 PPG and a league-low 354.8 yards per game behind the CFL's top pass defense (253 per game).
With these being the two best all-around defenses in the CFL, I'd be willing to bet the Under as long as the total stays above 55.5.
COVERS INTEL: The Elks are the best Under team in the CFL (4-2) and have hit the Under in three of their last four.Elks vs Roughriders same-game parlay
Edmonton can keep this game close by using Rankin as a bell cow to exploit Saskatchewan's average run defense. Ball control will be the name of the game in a showdown between these two defensive juggernauts, and the Elks have the advantage.
While an outright win on the road will be tough, Edmonton's style of play should help keep it within a field goal.
Elks vs Roughriders SGP
- Elks +3.5
- Under 57.5
Elks vs Roughriders weather
Weather shouldn't be much of a factor in Regina, with temperatures expected to be around 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) at kickoff and winds at around 11 km/h from the south-southeast (7 mph). Though rain could hit in the hours before kickoff, the chance of precipitation drops to 39% by kickoff.
Elks vs Roughriders odds
- Spread: Elks +3.5 (-105) | Roughriders -3.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Elks +164 | Roughriders -198
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (-110) | Under 57.5 (-110)
Elks vs Roughriders key injuries
Elks: Carter O'Donnell OL (Doubtful), Tyron Vrede LB (Doubtful), Brett Boyko OL (Questionable), Royce Metchie DB (Questionable), Brock Mogensen LB (Questionable).
Roughriders: Darius Bell OL (OUT), Dylan Djete WR (OUT), Nelson Lokombo DB (OUT), Morgen Runge FB (OUT), Mathew Sexton WR (OUT), Ryder Varga LB (OUT), Rolan Milligan Jr. DB (Questionable).
Elks vs Roughriders trend
The Elks have covered against the Roughriders in five of their last seven meetings.
How to watch Elks vs Roughriders and game info
| Location | Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK |
| Date | Thursday, July 23, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
