The Edmonton Elks had an impressive showing last week with a big upset win over the Calgary Stampeders. Not only was it a much-needed win to keep pace for a playoff spot, but it was also a team that looked dominant. It was the best game that they had played this season. The offensive line, the running game, and the defence looked like a well-oiled machine in a grind-out, old-fashioned type of football game. More importantly, they obtained their first within their division. With Edmonton fighting for a playoff spot, they will now head to Toronto to take on the Toronto Argonauts, who are also in the same position, battling for a playoff spot.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Location: BMO Field / Toronto, Ontario
Kickoff time: 3:00 PM EST
Channel: TSN / CTV
Stream: CFL +
Weather forecast at kickoff: Cloudy. 24 °C. It will feel like 28 °C with a mix of sun and clouds.
Wind gust: 17 kilometres per hour in a south-west direction.
Possibility of precipitation: 20%
Odds
Spread: Toronto Argonauts (-3.5) – 118 / Edmonton Elks (+3.5) – 104
Moneyline: Toronto Argonauts – 196 / Edmonton Elks + 162
Over / Under: Over 56.5 (-114) / Under 56.5 (-106)
Via FanDuel Sportsbook
Edmonton Elks Depth Chart
Toronto Argonauts Depth Chart
Edmonton Elks Injury Report
Edmonton’s current injury report indicates the following lone player listed as “out” for this game: FB Tanner Green (Ankle).
Toronto Argonauts Injury Report
Toronto’s current injury report released the following list of players listed as “out” for this game: DL Bryan Cox (Achilles), OL Sage Doxtater (Head), OL Anim Dankwah (Knee), and DL Tyson Hergott (Back).
Players to watch: Edmonton Elks
DL – Noah Taylor
Expect Noah Taylor to be an instrumental piece for the Edmonton defence tomorrow night. The beauty of his work ethic is the ability to make plays. It’s not just the obvious with a big tackle. What Noah Taylor does so well is flushing a play out of the pocket or closing a gap. He is a smart player and makes room for other teammates to make a play.
RB – Justin Rankin
Justin Rankin is a player who can control the clock. He wears down a defence with his hard running and impressive catches out of the backfield, which translates into large yards after the catch. He is one of the best triple-backs in the game in tough blocking, running, and catching. Expect Justin Rankin to have a big game vs. Toronto.
RB / KR – Javon Leake
The former Argo had his fair share of electrifying fans in Toronto before his departure to Edmonton via free agency. Toronto has experienced its fair share of bad special teams coverage this season. If he gets hot, Javon Leake can be a thorn in the Toronto defence and special teams.
QB – Cody Fajardo
Cody Fajardo has to be Cody Fajardo. If the offensive line plays to its potential, Cody will have a good chance of dissecting the Toronto defence. He has plenty of experience in the CFL and has played in big moments like this. Expect Cody Fajardo to take his team on his back if he needs to put Edmonton in a good position to put points on the board.
Players to watch: Toronto Argonauts
WR – Jake Herslow
He has been an unsung hero for the Argos in the last four weeks. He has taken giant steps and worked his way onto the depth chart, and his work ethic has paid off. He currently has 25 receptions, with 383 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, and is averaging 15.3 yards per catch. What Jake Herslow brings to the table is a player who has no fear running into traffic and taking a hit to catch a ball. For a small guy, he plays well above his size and can make you pay on the scoreboard or chew up some hard-earned yards.
WR – Makai Polk
Fresh from his recent stint with the Atlanta Falcons, Makai Polk was able to rejoin his Argos in time for week 13 when the Argos played Hamilton in the Labour Day Classic. It was as if he had not missed a beat, contributing with 6 receptions, 62 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. Maki Polk was a huge asset for Toronto in 2024, when he collected 61 receptions, 1024 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns.
LB – Wynton Mc Mannis
He is a player who leads by example. Other players feed off of his energy. What Wynton Mc Mannis is to a football team is something that you cannot buy. We’re not saying that there are players in the CFL who don’t have any work ethic. What we are saying here is that there are ones that have a work ethic that outshines others in the CFL. This is what Wynton Mc Mannis brings to the table. Expect him to have a big game and make plays that can change the course of the game.
QB – Nick Arbuckle
He is a quarterback who has been making noise this season for all the right reasons. Even with some of the games when the Argos have lost this season, he has generally played well enough to win the game. During the last 6 weeks, he has been a major force in the recent surge by the Double Blue. His 3828 passing yards currently lead the league. More importantly, he has experienced a career best thus far for the 2025 season. Nick Arbuckle has also trimmed down his interceptions, tossing only 2 interceptions in the last 5 games. If the game comes close in the 4th quarter, expect Nick Arbuckle to be an impact for the Argonauts.
Keys to an Edmonton victory
Continue running the ball.
Toronto has experienced issues this season, allowing way too many points. Edmonton must capitalize on this opportunity and pound the ball at will. They have the backfield to do it, so keep on doing it. It is inevitable at times when a football team causes a big upset and gains confidence. Edmonton cannot play a football game against Toronto and be complacent. If they do, they have just blown a great opportunity to further their chances for a possible playoff spot.
Do not fall flat.
It is inevitable at times when a football team causes a big upset and gains confidence. Edmonton cannot play a football game against Toronto and be complacent. If they do, they have just blown a great opportunity to further their chances for a possible playoff spot.
Win the special teams’ battle.
Edmonton has, for the most part, experienced a good season when it comes to special teams. Whether they’re pinning an opposition deep in their end, or on the receiving end of the punt or kickoff team, they have begun with good field position. Toronto has been decimated at times, with its kickoff or punt coverage allowing a lot of touchdowns. Edmonton has to set the tone in this game on special teams.
Get pressure on Nick Arbuckle.
Edmonton played their best game last week when they were finally able to penetrate the offensive line and make plays either with a sack or disrupt the running game. It has not been consistent this season for Edmonton when applying pressure on an offence. Toronto has a lot of weapons on the offence and can cause a lot of problems for Edmonton if they cannot keep it under control.
Prediction
Let us just throw it out there. This game will have a playoff-type flow. You have a hungry Edmonton team making a push for a playoff spot after a slow start to the season. You have a hungry Toronto team making a push for a playoff spot after a slow start to the season. The running game favours Edmonton. The passing game favours Toronto. The special teams favour Edmonton. The coaching favours Toronto. The overall offence favours both Edmonton and Toronto, with the defence getting the edge for Edmonton.
Final score:
Toronto Argonauts: 37
Edmonton Elks: 35
Both teams display a lot of character. Edmonton experiences some costly hiccups, leaving too much time on the clock for Toronto to counter in both halves and appear to be costly. Edmonton displays resilience in this game, but unfortunately, falls short.
