Both teams are in similar situations when looking closely and trying to make a Roughriders vs Elks prediction. Saskatchewan and Edmonton both got beaten up in a brutal Western Division last season. The Elks went 0-9 at home last season and were the league’s worst team.
The Roughriders are typically a team that fairs well in the CFL standings. However, last season Saskatchewan fell to 6-12 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The Roughriders have beefed up their roster and hope a win over Edmonton to start the season will be able to begin to change their fortunes.
The Elks will host this game in a matchup between two teams that made plenty of changes to their makeup during the offseason.
Roughriders vs Elks Information
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Edmonton Elks information
Location of the game: Commonwealth Stadium
Date & Time: Sunday, June 11, 2023 7:01 p.m.
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Roughriders vs Elks Recent Scores
Anyone who make CFL picks last season knows Edmonton didn’t find much success on the scoreboard. The Elks lost two of their three games to the Roughriders. Edmonton did win the team’s most recent meeting 26-24 in Saskatchewan.
Roughriders vs Elks Betting Analysis
Saskatchewan brings in a veteran quarterback
A big factor for people making Roughriders vs Elks predictions will be Saskatechewan’s decision to bring in Trevor Harris at quarterback. Harris is a two-time Grey Cup champion who had a solid season with Montreal last year. Harris passed for 4,157 yards last season with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Wide receiver Jake Wieneke also joined the team from the Alouettes, following Harris. On defense, Saskatchewan added Micah Johnson. The Roughriders finished last season 6-12 and would like to find a path back to the playoffs.
Elks brought in a lot of hired guns
Edmonton didn’t want to be a game people looked at as an easier one on the CFL schedule anymore. This offseason, the Elks added wide receiver Eugene Lewis who played for Montreal during the past five seasons. He had caught 276 passes for 4,347 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Edmonton quarterback Taylor Cornelious has made progress in each of his two seasons in the CFL. The question for people making a Roughriders vs Elks prediction is whether will he be able to to one step further this season. Cornelious passed for 2,768 yards last season with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Edmonton also brought back defensive back Ed Gainey and defensive lineman Christian Rector.
Injury Report Updates
There are no major injury updates for the first game of this season.
Roughriders vs Elks Betting preview
Despite Edmonton’s recent struggles at home, CFL odds show there is some optimism that the Elks could turn things around. Edmonton is a 2.5-point favorite and -135 on the moneyline. Saskatchewan is +115. The over/under has been set at 45.5 points.
Roughriders vs Elks Betting prediction
Cornelious will be the key piece for Edmonton this season. The Elks quarterback has shown some promise but has still struggled to throw touchdowns and limit turnovers. In the CFL, quarterbacks have the potential to put up big numbers in the right setup.
Saskatchewan bringing in Harris was a good move. While Harris is getting older, he has still shown the ability to put up good numbers and help teams win game. The Roughriders will take advantage of Harris’ experience and grab a victory on the road to start the season.
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