The BC Lions are still looking for their first win after losing in Kelowna 41-33 to the Calgary Stampeders last week. They will play again this week at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna, this time taking on the undefeated Edmonton Elks, who are coming off a 23-18 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Game Details:
Date/Location: Saturday, July 4, 2026 / Apple Bowl, Kelowna, BC
Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM ET, 4:0 PM PT
Channel: TSN, RDS (Canada), CFL+ (USA, Global)
Radio: 730 CKNW/Lions Audio Network/Sher-E- Punjab Radio AM 600
Odds (If you place bets, please do so responsibly in moderation):
Spread: B.C. +1.5 (-110), Elks -1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: B.C. +105, Elks -126
Over/Under: 58.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
B.C. Lions (0-3): The BC Lions have yet to secure a win in 2026 after falling in a high-scoring contest to Calgary last week in Kelowna 41-33. Nathan Rourke threw for 483 yards and three touchdowns with 1 interception, but the team lost the turnover battle 2-0.
Edmonton Elks (3-0): The Edmonton Elks are the only undefeated team in the CFL after grinding out a 23-18 win over Winnipeg. Cody Fajardo was efficient, and Justin Rankin continues to be a force. Edmonton’s defence has been opportunistic, and they will bring a balanced, physical approach into Kelowna.
Lions' Keys to the Game
Slow Down Justin Rankin
Rankin rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown last week against Winnipeg. BC’s front seven needs to be dieal in and stay disciplined against the run and prevent Edmonton from controlling the clock and wearing down the defence.
Generate Pressure on Fajardo
Cody Fajardo has been steady this season. Consistent pressure from Mathieu Betts, Levi Bell and the interior could help disrupt Edmonton’s rhythm and create negative plays.
No Turnovers
BC has had 4 turnovers in the last 2 games. The offense has been very dangerous, but the margin of error has not been high with some vulnerabilities shown on the defensive side early this season.
Get the Run Game Going
Last week BC handed the ball to their running backs only 9 times, with Butler rushing 6 times for 20 yards and Zander Horvath rushing 3 times for 6 yards. There needs to be more run support to keep BC’s offense multidimensional.
5 Lions to Watch
12 QB Nathan Rourke
Rourke threw for 483 yards and three touchdowns and 1 interception last week against Calgary. He has 1,083 yards and 4 touchdowns with 2 interceptions over 3 games.
4 WR Keon Hatcher Sr.
Hatcher tore it up last week, catching 0 of his 13 targets for 162 yards. He has 13 receptions for 226 yards over 2 games this season. He crossed 5,000 receiving yards in his CFL career last week.
84 WR Jermaine Jackson
Jackson had a monster game as well, catching 6 of his 7 targets for 149 yards and a touchdown.
90 Mathiue Betts
Betts had 4 tackles, including his 2nd sack of the season last week.
98 DE Levi Bell
Bell had 2 tackles, including his first sack last week.
5 Elks to Watch
7 QB Cody Fajardo
Fajardo went 25/35 for 267 yards and a touchdown last week. He has passed for 764 yards and 3 touchdowns with 1 interception so far this season.
5 RB Justin Rankin
Rankin rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown against Winnipeg and has been Edmonton’s most consistent offensive weapon early in the season. He leads the league in rushing yards with 387 over just 3 games and has 4 touchdowns. He currently has a highly impressive 8.4 yards per carry. He’s also the team’s leading receiver currently with 13 receptions for 154 yards.
11 WR Kaion Julien-Grant
Julien-Grant led the Elks in receiving last week, catching 6 passes for 84 yards. He has 11 receptions for 140 yards on the season.
18 WR Joshua Cephus
Cephus was the most targeted receiver for Edmonton last week, catching 6 of his 9 targets for 51 yards. Austin Mack was also highly targeted, catching 5 of his 8 targets for 58 yards.
50 LB Joel Dublanko
Dublanko was tied for first in tackles with Chelen Garnes for Edmonton last week with 6 and also had a sack. He has 12 tackles over 3 games so far this season.
Injury Report:
Depth Charts:
Score Prediction:
I predict the BC Lions to win 31-28. I expect the Lions to find a way to get their first win at home. I just don’t see BC starting the season 0-4.