Calgary Stampeders vs Edmonton Elks Preview
The Calgary Stampeders host the Edmonton Elks at McMahon Stadium on Sunday, September 2nd. This is a clash between the West Division’s two weakest teams. It’s their first meeting this season with Calgary hoping to avenge their last loss to the Elks.
Both sides are coming off defeats and want to get their seasons back on track. A victory would inject some much-needed positivity into their campaigns. This is a must-win game for them to stay in touch with the leaders.
Calgary Stampeders vs Edmonton Elks Key Stats and Head-to-Head
The Stampeders and Elks have played each other many times throughout their histories. In recent years, Calgary dominated this rivalry, winning eight of their past 10 clashes. However, Edmonton is the most recent victor with a tight 25-23 victory last September.
This was an entertaining game with the Stampeders coming from behind to win. The Elks started well with a touchdown from their first possession. But Calgary came roaring back and led 17-7 at halftime. Edmonton was on a five-game losing streak, so nobody expected them to respond the way they did.
Elks backup QB Taylor Cornelius cut the deficit with a touchdown before the starter Tre Ford found Eugene Lewis in the end zone. Ultimately, Dean Faithful’s field goal won the game for Edmonton as time expired. It was a scintillating comeback, with Kevin Brown stealing the show. The running back rushed for 143 yards in a dominant performance.
Neither side enters this game in breathtaking form. The picture is better for Calgary, with a 4-6 record after 10 games. A win over the Elks would level them with Winnipeg and BC. They’ve lost their last two games and only won two of the past five.
Meanwhile, the picture is worse for Edmonton, who must win this game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They enjoyed a three-game winning streak before losing to Montreal last time out. However, that was a close match, so there’s a good chance they could bounce back.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson will face the Stampeders for the first time as Edmonton’s starting QB. The two-time Grey Cup champion had an excellent record against Calgary during his days with Toronto and hopes to maintain that run. He threw two touchdowns against the Alouettes with Kevin Brown also impressing.
Welcome back KB!
RB Kevin Brown putting on a show in the first act 🎬#GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/nTBAvB1c1F
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) August 26, 2024
Jake Maier is his opposite number. He was solid in their last match against the Redblacks as he completed 24 of 32 pass attempts for 269 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Kylin Hill and Ishmael Hyman were Calgary’s major threats on the day.
Calgary needs more depth in the receiver’s room with Malik Henry and Auden Tate both out of action. There are questions over their practice methods because both men went down this week. This makes Maier’s job even more difficult, and it’s difficult to back them.
Calgary Stampeders vs Edmonton Elks Predictions
Predicted score: Calgary Stampeders 19 – 23 Edmonton Elks
The CFL West Division is tight this season, so it’s tough to call this game. We believe the Elks should have enough in the tank to defeat the Stampeders. This may come as a surprise for anyone placing an online bet because Edmonton is the underdog at Novibet. However, we think they’re in a better place right now.
They’re coming off a defeat against one of the CFL’s best teams. There’s no shame in that and it may even make them stronger for the rest of the season. They turned around their early poor form to have a three-game-winning run before the Montreal game. That’s why our football prediction is that the Elks will win.
We believe they’re in a better place than the Stampeders who are treading water. Calgary has a home advantage, which could be a major factor. Elks interim head coach Jarious Jackson has enough big-game experience to settle his players. Jackson is a four-time Grey Cup champion and had a positive influence on his roster.
The quarterback battle will also be very interesting. There’s a deficit of quality across the CFL right now. Jake Maier is a third-year starter for Calgary, but we don’t rate him. He’s capable of some big passes and exciting moments but lacks consistency. Maier has 2,624 yards this season and a 72.2 percentage but the numbers don’t reflect his consistency.
Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson (left) and brother Craig, a Stamps assistant, show off their Grey Cup rings. They and Stampeders fans hope they can turn their season around and qualify for another playoff run this year. Stamps have not missed the playoff since 2004. pic.twitter.com/XdyBqTPDaG
— Daryl Slade (@Stampeders1945) August 24, 2024
Bethel-Thompson isn’t a flashy player, but he has a proven track record in the CFL. They didn’t win their last game, but it wasn’t Bethel-Thompson’s fault as he threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. If this becomes a QB duel, we’d back Bethel-Thompson to win it.
Dave Dickenson is a Calgary legend, but his team needs better in-game playcalling. It was ridiculous to allow the Redblacks into field goal range in their last clash. Meanwhile, he needs more from his attackers. If Kylin Hill adds touchdowns to his yardage, he’ll be one of the league’s premier running backs.
In-play betting is always useful during CFL games. These clashes are also very competitive, so the odds can fluctuate. If Calgary takes the lead, Edmonton will try to pull off another exciting comeback.
Calgary Stampeders vs Edmonton Elks Betting Tips
The Calgary Stampeders enter this game as favourites. It’s -167 for the Stampeders to win. A $10 bet on them to win outright would make a $5.99 profit if successful. Betting on Calgary may seem like a smart decision, but we don’t trust them.
They’re extremely inconsistent, so that’s why it’s wiser to back Edmonton on the moneyline. The Elks enter this game as +130 underdogs. This time, a successful $10 stake would make a sizeable $13 profit. It’s very attractive because these are closely matched sides. Edmonton also had more momentum before they ran into the Alouettes.
You can also bet on the Regulation Result. This time it’s +135 for Edmonton to win and -161 for the Stampeders. A tie is a massive +1400 with $10 potentially winning $140. This may be tempting if you want to use our welcome bonus.
Spread betting is another option. This makes more sense if you want to back the Stampeders. You can take them at -137 on a -2.5 spread if you think they’ll win. Another option is backing the Elks on a +2.5 spread at +107.
There are many over-under markets in CFL betting. You can wager on the total number of points in this game. It’s +150 for there to be fewer than 46.5 points overall points, which correlates with our scoreline prediction.
Alternatively, you can bet on each team’s total number of points. We believe the Stampeders will score fewer than 27 because of their wide receiver woes. This over-under bet is available at -125. They’ve only achieved over 27 twice in their past five games.
As the great Alan Jackson once said, it's time for a good time #OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/RiDzw9MyFu
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) August 12, 2024
Edmonton looks good for under 23.5 points at -116. This time, a $10 stake would win $8.62. Neither side is especially scintillating in attack. Bethel-Thompson is a proven quarterback at the CFL level, but he’s on the decline. Meier is average at best.
Another option is the halftime/full-time result. It’s +195 for Edmonton to win both halves, which is very tempting. However, a lucrative pick is for Calgary to win the first half, with the Elks winning the match. The price is a massive +575 for a potential $57.50 from $10.
You can bet on the futures too with the Stampeders at +4000 to win the Grey Cup. The Elks are even bigger outsiders at a staggering +6000. It would be a massive shock if either team was around at the business end of the postseason, but stranger things have happened. It’s closer for Calgary to reach the final at +2200, but that’s still a wild bet.
Calgary Stampeders Team News
Malik Henry is the biggest concern after a season-ending injury in practice this week. Auden Tate also went down, which is a big problem for the Stamps. Adam Konar, Tyson Middlemost, and Matt Shiltz are out of this game too.
Sean McEwen and Nick Statz are both questionable with the latter suffering a groin strain. Cole Tucker had limited practice this week but should make the roster for this game.
Edmonton Elks Team News
The Elks added Clayton Bradley and Jalen Green to their practice roster this week. The Americans hope to become contenders for this game. They’ve cut D’Marcus Adams and Tairiq Stewart. Kyran Moore remains out for the season with an ACL tear. Gavin Cobb and Jarret Doege are also out of action.
