The Edmonton Elks have opened the season with a perfect 3-0 record. This football team has played some inspirational football, defeating Ottawa, Montreal, and Winnipeg.
However, there is still a lot of football left in the 2026 CFL season. The Elks will head to Kelowna, BC to take on the BC Lions. Edmonton will have a chance to attempt to reverse their misfortunes, as BC has owned their number in the last five seasons.
There will be another shake-up at the middle linebacker position due to the injuries to both Nick Anderson and Brock Mogensen. At the middle linebacker spot, the Elks will start their 1st round pick: Dariel Djabome.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, July 4th, 2026
Location: Kelowna Apple Bowl / Kelowna, British Columbia
Kickoff time: 7:00 PM EST
Channel: TSN
Stream: CFL +
Weather forecast at kickoff: 11°C cloudy. It will feel like 21 °C with a wind gust of 26 km/h from the west. P.O.P will be 10%.
Odds
Spread: Edmonton Elks (-1.5) – 106 / BC Lions (+1.5) – 114
Moneyline: Edmonton Elks – 118 / BC Lions – 102
Over / Under: Over 57.5 – 115 / Under 57.5 – 105
Via FanDuel Sportsbook
Edmonton Elks Depth Chart
BC Lions Depth Chart
Injury Reports
Players to watch: Edmonton Elks
RB – Justin Rankin
Justin Rankin has been lights out for the Edmonton offence. He is the current rushing leader among yards with 387 and 4 touchdowns. He is just as effective in the passing game with 154 receiving yards and a 15.1 average yards per catch.
DB – Tyrell Ford
If there is a player on the defensive secondary that will need a big game vs BC, then it will be Tyrell Ford. He has the talent and speed to bait a quarterback into throwing a pass in an open space. What makes Tyrell Ford so special is his speed and ability to make an impact on the defensive coverage.
K – Vincent Blanchard
It's not often that a kicker gets mentioned for a player to watch. He does not have a lot of games under his belt, with only 22 (including this season). However, he has been a perfect 8 for 8 in the field goal department. If the Edmonton offence is struggling, try to get into field goal range; Vincent Blanchard will help you out.
Players to watch: BC Lions
QB – Nathan Rourke
He is currently 5th among all CFL quarterbacks in passing yards with 1,083, followed by 4 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. He’s a difficult quarterback to stop as he has a high football I.Q. Don’t be surprised if Nathan Rourke makes something out of nothing on a broken play, or busted coverage.
WR – Justin McInnis
He has been one of the go–to targets in the last two seasons for Nathan Rourke. Justin McInnis has the talent to shake off defenders and dial up his speed into second gear on a dime. If he has his day, it will be a long day for the Edmonton secondary.
RB – James Butler
Just because the BC running game has been subpar, James Butler has been a staple in the BC offence for his three seasons, in two different stints. Edmonton fans know all too well that James Butler was a nemesis and can control the clock at will.
LB – Darnell Sankey
From his days as a Stampeder, Roughrider, and an Alouette, Darnell Sankey has been a staple on defence. He brings a load of spirit on your defence with game-changing plays. He currently has a lifetime tackle total of 473, in 77 games played.
Keys to an Edmonton victory:
Do not overlook BC.
Just because their record is 0-3, this team can still put up points on the scoreboard. Do not be complacent in this game. BC will have to play desperate football in this game to avoid a 0-4 start. It is vital for Edmonton not to take plays for granted.
Exploit a weak defence.
You know you’re in a good spot with a 3-0 record. The running game has been the bread and butter of the Edmonton offence. On the other side of the field is a BC team that has allowed 113 points in 3 games. Do not let them off the hook, and make it a miserable day for BC.
Contain Nathan Rourke.
Everyone knows that Nathan Rourke can carry a team on his back as he has many times. If Edmonton lets Rourke take full control of a game, it will be difficult to reverse the momentum.
Prediction
Final Score
Edmonton Elks: 38
BC Lions: 29
Expect a lot of offence in this game. Both teams will establish some pretty good long drives. Nathan Rourke will do all he can to help BC secure their 1st regular-season win in 2026. However, somehow, someway, the Elks' running game will be too much to handle for the BC defence.