What could go wrong, did go wrong for the Edmonton Elks in week 19 vs. Montreal for their last scheduled home game for the 2023 CFL season.

After going up 21-3 midway through the 3rd quarter, the Alouettes stormed back by flipping the script. Montreal would answer the bell in the form of 32 unanswered points to take control of the game and in the end, walk away with a 35-21 victory.

In the end, the Elks accumulated another defeat to add to the loss collum. It was another game that they just let slip away, as it has been the norm this season for the Elks.

The Edmonton Elks (4-13) will end their CFL regular season schedule in Winnipeg, Manitoba when they take on the pride of the Western Division, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (12-4). 

Unfortunately for the Edmonton Elks, they will be going toe-to-toe with a team that will do anything within their power to win tomorrow, and officially clinch the Western Division.

On the other hand, the BC Lions are hoping for Winnipeg to lose their last two remaining games to squeeze in their chances of winning the Western Division. All the Lions can do is win their remaining game tonight against Calgary, who are also fighting for something as they are still mathematically in the playoff hunt.

In essence, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers control their destiny in the form of a win and rest players for their week 21 finale at Calgary. In the end, winning one out of the two remaining games will make it official for Winnipeg to take the Western Division. However, a BC Lions loss vs Calgary will also make it official as Winnipeg won the season series vs. the BC Lions 2-1.

Since there is nothing up for grabs for the Elks, utilize the whole roster and get them involved. Especially, with roster players that had very little to no playing time this season.

Game Details 

Date / Location: Saturday, October 21st, 2023 / IG Field / Winnipeg, Manitoba

Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM EST 

Channel: TSN / TSN+   

Weather Forecast 

Temperature: 13 Degrees Celsius, will feel like 11 Degress Celsius. Cloudy, with some showers.    

Wind Gust: 44 Kilometers per hour.         

Percentage of Precipitation: 40% 

Odds 

Spread: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -11.5 (-110) / Edmonton Elks +11.5 (+110) 

Money line: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -650 / Edmonton Elks +490       

Over / Under: Over 50.5 (-110) / Under 50.5 (-110) 

Edmonton Elks Week 20 Depth Chart at Winnipeg Blue Bombers

As of now, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have not unveiled their depth chart vs Edmonton on their site.

Injury Report: Edmonton Elks

Injury Report: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Players to Watch: Edmonton Elks

Marloshawn Franklin Jr:  Although he has only played seven games with the Elks this season, he has shown some good signs of promise in the defensive secretary when playing free safety. The Detroit, Michigan native and product of the University of California Berkeley looked pretty solid in week 7 when you guessed it, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He had the difficult task of marking Kenny Lawler which was also his return to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this season. Moreover, he had Kenny Lawler stride for stride in a chess match that was impressive to see for the majority of the game. Kenny Lawler might have had the upper hand at the latter parts of the game, but Marloshawn Franklin Jr showed a lot of poise in that game, along with the limited games played thus far. 

Gavin Cobb:  Gavin Cobb has worked his tail off to be slotted in as a wide receiver/slot back. The University of Manitoba product might not have flashy numbers as he is not a go-to target with only 11 receptions for 214 receiving yards. What stands out is his 19.5 yards per catch. In a game with no playoff implications for the Edmonton Elks, it would be interesting if Tre Ford spreads the ball to other targets on the field to see about the skill set with other roster players. Because at the end of the day, players are fighting for jobs next season. In the case of Gavin Cobb, he did show some good stuff this season with minimal reps. He does have the talent and skill to be part of a full-time roster player for next season. 

Players to Watch: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Demerio Houston:  He did have a full practice, and is listed as questionable for this game vs the Elks. What Demerio Houston brings game in-game-out is a fear towards many quarterbacks in the CFL. His vision to read a play is simply outstanding. His all-round game has got better each season since he has been in the CFL. And his numbers do not lie. With 48 tackles and 7 interceptions might show only the achievement stats. What is off the record is how many key tackles or pass break-ups he does without ease. Tre Ford will have to know where it is at any given time when it comes to the Elks’s passing game. 

Brandon Alexander:  Take your pick in the Winnipeg secondary as they are loaded with talent. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan base has a good problem to have when it comes to a personal preference on who they love on their roster. And Brandon Alexander is another roster player that comes with a lot of positives. With Alexander and Houston in the secondary, it’s a matter of picking your poison. They are a 1 and a 1A as far as their skill sets are concerned. More importantly, the presence and chemistry they both have on the field on game day is something special. 

Prediction 

Final Score

Winnipeg Blue Bombers: 37

Edmonton Elks: 20

Sadly, it has come down to this for the Edmonton Elks. There are some good pieces in place for the 2024 season. But, that is for another discussion.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers do not take the Edmonton Elks lightly, and they take what they feel belongs to them.

The Edmonton Elks show flashes of a good fight, but in the end, the overall skillset and depth of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be too much to overcome with this game tomorrow.

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