The Edmonton Elks have begun the season with a 2-0 record and have been playing some great football. Like always, when you’re a football team during long periods of a rebuild, this feels a lot different when success has been the result. It’s very early in the season, and there is a lot more work to do as the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Tonight, the Elks will be on the road when they take on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Game Details
Date: Thursday, June 25th, 2026
Location: Princess Auto Stadium / Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EST
Channel: TSN
Stream: CFL +
Weather forecast at kickoff: 20°C with a mix of sun and clouds. It will feel like 21 °C with a wind gust of 15 km/h from the north east. P.O.P will be 30%. There is a high risk of scattered thunderstorms from daybreak through the night.
Odds
Spread: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (-3.5) – 104 / Edmonton Elks (+3.5) – 118
Moneyline: Winnipeg Blue Bombers – 182 / Edmonton Elks + 150
Over / Under: Over 55.5 – 115 / Under 55.5 – 105
Via FanDuel Sportsbook
Edmonton Elks Depth Chart
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Depth Chart
Injury Reports
A big blow to Edmonton will be at LB with Nick Anderson out with a hamstring injury. Brock Mogenson will be slotted in as the middle linebacker.
Players to watch: Edmonton Elks
RB – Justin Rankin
He has been the most valuable piece of the Edmonton offence. What Justin Rankin brings to an offence is a dual threat to the running and passing game. He is a tough body to take down with his bruising running style in the open field.
DB – Tyrell Ford
He is a player who can come up with big plays when it matters most. Expect Tyrell Ford to be a key part of the Edmonton defence when defending the Winnipeg passing game.
WR – Austin Mack
This was a good acquisition for Edmonton this season to add depth in the wide receiver department. He has all the tools to be a premier receiver in the CFL. The most touchdowns he has scored in a season were 4 in his rookie year in Montreal. With only 2 games played, Austin Mack is already at the halfway mark.
Players to watch: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
LB / DB – Redha Kramdi
He is a multi-positional player you would love to have on your roster. Whether he is in the defensive backfield or lining up as a linebacker, Redha Kramdi makes an impact every time he is on the field.
WR – Nic Demski
His receiving yards speak for themselves, with 3 straight 1,000-plus yard seasons. More importantly, Nic Demski is a game-changer who thrives on big plays in clutch moments.
RB – Brady Oliveira
Don’t be fooled by the Blue Bombers’ lack of offensive production. Brady Oliveira can carry a team on his back, as he has for quite some time. If he gets hot, watch out. His 4 consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus rushing yards speak for themselves.
Keys to an Edmonton victory:
Maintain the intensity.
Winnipeg has been Edmonton’s kryptonite for a long time now. Winnipeg will come out heavy with a hard-running game, along with a defence that will throw everything at you. Edmonton must match the play of the game at all costs. Do not get down. Shake off a miscue and focus on the next play.
If it's not broken, don’t fix it.
The Edmonton offensive line had done a good job so far in creating spaces for the running game. It is vital for Edmonton not to abandon a balanced offence. If the running game comes out weak, do not abolish it. Edmonton has the luxury of having one of the best running backs in the CFL with Justin Rankin.
Stay mentally tough
With both wins against Ottawa and Montreal, respectively, there were times when the shift was moving towards the opposition. Edmonton’s mental toughness was put to the test in both games. Whenever you’re facing adversity and good things come to light, it builds confidence for a football team.
Prediction
Final Score
Edmonton Elks: 27
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 23
Expect a heavy-hitting game between Winnipeg and Edmonton. Edmonton will make plays to extend long drives to put themselves in good spots to score points. There will be some mistakes. However, Edmonton will counter to make plays that matter most at the right time. The emotional high from the Montreal victory will be present on the field tonight.