The Edmonton Elks fell short in Toronto last week, unable to capitalize on multiple opportunities. Edmonton was not able to hit the ground running in the red zone, where the Elks were only 1-for-6 in scoring chances. More importantly, the Elks’ offence had the ball for 38:45 and were empty-handed most of the time.
The positive for the Elks is that they will learn and move forward when they host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a game Hamilton will be playing for pride, along with a slim playoff chance.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Location: Commonwealth Stadium / Edmonton, Alberta
Kickoff time: 7:00 pm EST
Channel: TSN
Stream: CFL +
Weather forecast at kickoff: 9°C with a mix of sun and clouds. It will feel like 5 °C with a wind gust of 47 km/h from the northwest. P.O.P. will be 30%.
Odds
Spread: Edmonton Elks (- 7.5) – 118 / Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+7.5) – 104
Money line: Edmonton Elks – 430 / Hamilton Tiger-Cats + 330
Over / Under: Over 57.5 – 110 / Under 57.5 – 110
Via FanDuel Sportsbook
Game Notes:
Hamilton swept the season series in 2025.
The Ticats have won the teams’ last six games in Edmonton.
30-yard+ completions allowed | HAM: 13 (1st)
Harrison Frost is 1-2 as a starter. Last week, Harrison Frost set career-highs in passing yards (330) and passing TDs (three).
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. has 16 receptions for 166 yards and three TDs in his last two games
Jamal Peters has 24 career interceptions.
Edmonton is 2-0 this season after coming off a bye week.
Big plays for | EDM: 45 (2nd)
Turnover ratio | EDM: +18 (1st)
Last week, the Elks had 38:45 of possession time – the highest mark since 1994.
Cody Fajardo is 6-3 against Hamilton. He is on pace for his first 5,000-passing-yard+ season.
Justin Rankin is 58 rushing yards shy of his second consecutive 1,000-yard+ season. He also has 581 receiving yards.
Source: CFL
Depth Charts
Note: Hamilton has not published a depth chart as of now.
Injury Reports
Edmonton
David Beard – OL – Calf injury – Questionable
Gavin Meyer – WR – Hamstring injury – Doubtful
Jacob Plamondon – FB – Shoulder injury – Out
Joseph Roubustelli – WR – Foot injury – Out
Austin Mack – WR – Non-football related – Available
Hamilton
Daniel Bell – FB – Shoulder injury – Questionable
De’Jon Benton – OL – Shoulder injury – Available
Jonathan Dennis – Knee injury – Available
Mike Fox – DL – Head injury – Out
Loik Gagne – LB – Knee injury – Out
Owen Hubert – DL – Back injury – Questionable
Robert – Panabaker – DB – Hamstring injury – Out
Nathanial Dumoulin Duguay – OL – Knee injury – Available
Jamal Peters – DB – Head injury – Out
Brandon Revenberg – OL – Foot injury – Questionable
Isaiah Wooden – WR – Ankle injury – Questionable
Players to watch: Edmonton
DB – Tyrell Ford
He is the one defensive back in the league who is so precise in the defensive backfield. He displays the art of timing on a big hit, or baiting a quarterback transitioning into an interception.
RB – Justin Rankin
He needs only 58 rushing yards to join the 1,000-yard club this season. His dual-threat in a game is a nightmare for a defence. Once he hits the hole, he is full steam ahead, accelerating into third gear.
QB – Cody Fajardo
The quiet quarterback in the CFL. It’s not a bad thing. Cody Fajardo leads by example. He is not that “raw, raw, raw” guy being vocal. He is smart with the football. He rarely places the ball in bad areas that will hurt his team.
DL – Noah Taylor
Noah Taylor is one of the best bookends in the CFL. He has the agility, strength, and vision to attack a play with a purpose. Expect Noah Taylor to play a big role when halting a Hamilton running play or applying pressure on Harrison Frost.
Players to watch: Hamilton
WR – Kenny Lawler
Kenny Lawler is the best wide receiver in the CFL in the art of running routes and beating a defender on yards after the catch. His athleticism is impeccable on a jump ball and when hitting full speed in an open field.
DB – Stavros Katsantonis
Without a doubt, one of the most intelligent players on a defence. He has vision, anticipation, and knows how to analyze a play before and after the snap. Stavros Katsantonis's 5 interceptions and 40 tackles are all the evidence you need to know.
DL – Julien Howsare
His play on defence is similar in nature to Winnipeg’s Willie Jefferson. Julien Howsare is a master of dropping back into coverage and transforming into a linebacker during a play. He has good hands for breaking up a pass or obtaining an interception. He is a big problem for teams with his raw power as a pass rusher.
RB – Larry Roundtree
In his first year in the CFL, Larry Roundtree has shown that he can own the running game. He had some good games for the Black and Gold this season for 606 rushing yards, 1 touchdown and a 4.2 average yards per carry.
Keys to an Edmonton victory:
Win the running game.
Even though it was a loss last week in Toronto, the running game tandem with Justin Rankin and Cody Fajardo was great with 152 total yards. If they can incorporate ShunDerrick Powell to relieve some of the load off of Justin Rankin, it will add another element to the ground attack.
Don’t be afraid to kick long-distance field goals.
As the season moves closer to the postseason, take some shots at a long field goal. Vincent Blanchard has been incredible on special teams for Edmonton, with 35 of 38 attempts and a 92.1% success rate. His longest field goal is currently 57 yards. If the timing is right, like 00:02 left on the clock in a quarter, test a couple of long attempts if permitted.
Do not underestimate Harrison Frost.
In his first season in the CFL, Harrison Frost has shown good-quality decisions. He has also been thrown to the lion's den with little to no preparation time, with only five games played this season.
Put pressure on the Hamilton offensive line.
If the Elks can pressure the Hamilton offensive line at a good rate, it will transition to Harrison Frost being placed in a position to force the ball when he doesn’t want to. He has placed the ball in bad areas of the field out of desperation this season. Keep the pressure on.
Win the special teams battle.
Losing Javon Leake was a big blow for the Elks, as he is still on the 6-game injured list. Focus on creating the wedge to obtain good field position. On the flip side, pin the ball as best as you can where Hamilton has to work hard on a return.
Prediction
Final Score
On one side, you have a Hamilton team attempting to prolong the possibility of missing the playoffs. The Tabbies will embrace a big fight as a last-ditch effort. They will be aggressive and make plays to extend drives to get into scoring position as much as possible.
Edmonton Elks: 32
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: 28
It’s hard to go against an Edmonton team that has been phenomenal in the takeaway battle. The x-factor will be who coughs up the ball in crucial areas of the field, along with the timing of the game.