The Edmonton Elks are looking for their first win of the year as they head to BMO Field to face the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. While I don't necessarily think they'll get that victory, my CFL selections for this Week 3 showdown do expect a close game. Here are my best free Elks vs. Argonauts predictions and free CFL picks for June 21.
Elks vs Argonauts prediction
My best bet
Elks +4.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Edmonton Elks have gone 0-2 to begin the year but they've looked far more competitive than they have been over the previous three seasons.
They allowed a fourth-quarter lead to evaporate against the Roughriders in their season opener and lost a competitive 23-20 clash last week against the defending champion Alouettes. Turnovers killed them in both contests, but if they are able to take care of the ball on Saturday, they should be able to keep this contest close.
The Toronto Argonauts are fresh off a bye after upsetting the Lions 35-27 in Week 1. Cameron Dukes has done an admirable job of holding the fort down while superstar QB Chad Kelly serves a suspension, but Dukes doesn't attack downfield like Kelly and he might be less than 100% due to an illness.
On the other side of the ball, Toronto's stacked stop unit from a year ago lost six starters in the offseason. The Argos surrendered 363 passing yards in their season opener and they'll be missing their best pass rusher in Folarin Orimolade on Saturday. That could make them vulnerable against an Elks aerial attack that has looked dangerous with former Argonaut McLeod Bethel-Thompson at the helm.
It's also important not to put too much emphasis on the bye week for the Argos. At this point in the season, teams are relatively fresh and the extra game for Edmonton should actually help with their chemistry. Take the road team with the points here.
Elks vs Argonauts same-game parlay (SGP)
Elks +4.5
McLeod Bethel-Thompson Over 305.5 passing yards
Ka'Deem Carey Over 71.5 rushing yards
Bethel-Thompson returns to Toronto where he started at quarterback for four years, leading the CFL with 4,731 passing yards in 2022. MBT played in the USFL last year, where he led that league in passing yards. He signed with the Elks in the offseason, giving them the best passer they've had in years.
Bethel-Thompson threw for 336 yards in Week 1 before throwing for 300 last week against an elite Montreal pass defense. The Argos had three starters in the secondary depart in the offseason and while Tunde Adeleke was signed to soften that blow, he's been sidelined with a knee injury.
I'm expecting this Elks offense to have success but I also think the Argos will be able to move the ball — especially on the ground. The Elks struggled against the run last year and gave up 116 yards on 19 carries versus Montreal last week. Carey led the CFL in rushing in 2022 and he should be able to roll up yards behind a strong offensive line in this matchup.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Elks vs Argonauts odds
Elks vs Argonauts live odds
Elks vs Argonauts opening odds
- Spread: Edmonton +6 | Toronto -6
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 | Under 50.5
Elks vs Argonauts spread and Over/Under analysis
- Early money has come in on the Elks and the Under which is a bit surprising given that they've started the year 0-2 and are on the road against a Grey Cup contender coming off a bye.
- The Elks lead the league in first downs but are second-last in turnovers with five.
- The Argos have the second-best Grey Cup odds at +350 per bet365 while the Elks have the worst at +2,500.
- There is a 60% chance of rain on Saturday, although wind is expected to be minimal.
Elks vs Argonauts game info
| Location: | BMO Field, Toronto, ON |
| Date: | Saturday, 6-22-2024 |
| Kick-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TSN |
Elks vs Argonauts key injuries
Elks: Kyran Moore WR (Out), J-Min Pelley DT (Out).
Argonauts: DaVaris Daniels WR (Out), Jonathan Jones LB (Out), Folarin Orimolade DE (Out), Tunde Adeleke DB (Out), David Ungerer III (Out).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Elks vs Argonauts weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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