The Edmonton Elks enter week 4 of their CFL season on the road vs. the BC Lions.

With the Edmonton Elks currently sitting at a 0 – 3 record, there is a lot of optimism to a certain degree. In all three losses thus far, the Edmonton Elks have lost all three games by a total of 14 points. Not to mention that they went toe-to-toe with the Montreal Alouettes in a week 2 loss (23-20), followed by a loss in Toronto (39-36).

With that said, the schedule will never be any easier as they take on a Grey Cup contender in the form of the BC Lions.

Game Details

Date / Location:  Thursday, June 27th, 2024 / BC Place Stadium / Vancouver, British Columbia

Kickoff Time:  10:00 pm EST

Channel:  TSN / TSN+

Weather Forecast:  15 Degrees Celsius.  It will feel like 15 Degrees Celsius with a mix of sun and clouds.

Wind Gust:  17 kilometres per hour in an east direction.

Percentage of Precipitation:  40%

Odds

Spread: BC Lions – 7.5 (-110) / Edmonton Elks + 7.5 (-110)

Money line: BC Lions – 360 / Edmonton Elks + 280

Over / Under:  Over 52.5 (- 120) / Under (49.5 (-102)

Via FanDuel Sportsbook

Injury Report:  Edmonton Elks

Extended Edmonton Elks Injury Report

Injury Report: BC Lions

Edmonton Elks Depth Chart

With much-needed help now arriving for the Edmonton Elks offensive line, RT Brett Boyko will make his season debut vs. the BC Lions.

BC Lions Depth Chart

Players to Watch:  Edmonton Elks

Kevin Brown

He might only have 100 rushing yards in three games thus far, but sooner rather than later, he will have a breakout game.

One might say that the stingy BC will shut down the Edmonton running game.

And that is true.

But, if Edmonton can counter the BC defence, this will open up the running game.  

I am not saying that Kevin Brown has to run for 100 yards or more to have a chance to cause an upset over the BC Lions. What could be equally effective if Kevin Brown has at least 150 yards in total offence, there is a good chance the ground game collectively will open up for the Elks’ offence.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson

He currently sits second in passing yards (978). The only other quarterback ahead of McLeod Bethel-Thomson will be on the opposite squad. Vernon Adams Jr. currently has 1038 passing yards, with 6 touchdown passes, and a lone interception.

If McLeod Bethel-Thompson can clean up the costly mistakes in the 4th quarter, the Elks will be in a better spot to close out this game. With 6 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions, McLeod Bethel-Thompson has played well enough to have the Elks quite possibly being a 3-0 team.  

However, costly mistakes as a whole, have been the nemesis for the Elks this season.

Players to Watch: BC Lions

Ben Hladik

The Vernon, BC-born player had a monster season in 2023 for a total of 107 tackles and 5 sacks for the BC Lions.

Fast forward to the 2024 CFL season, and it appears that he has not missed a beat with 25 tackles entering week 4.

The Edmonton offensive line will have to be in sync in this game to minimize Ben Hladik causing havoc behind the line of scrimmage.  

Alexander Hollins

He was lights out in 2023 with 1173 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns.

Enter 2024, one of the most electrifying wide receivers in the game has already had 402 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns entering week 4.

The Edmonton Elks secondary will be tested on just about any passing play created by the BC offence when Alexander Hollins is on the field.

Keys to an Edmonton Victory

Pass Protection

The Lions’ defence thrives on offensive miscues when the opportunity presents itself. Can the Elks’ pass protection not cause breakdowns when the Lions open the floodgates during the pass rush?

If they can limit the breakdowns, and the offence protects the ball, there is no reason why they cannot put up enough points for a victory.   

Establish a Running Game 

The passing game has been great for the Elks this season. It is quite the opposite when it comes to the grown game.

Sooner than later, the running game has to have a flow to their respective offence.

The Elks need to be effective against BC and try to wear down the BC front seven as much as possible.

Prediction

The City of Edmonton already suffered a gut-wrenching loss at the hands of the Florida Panthers on Monday, June 24th, 2024 in game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals losing 2-1.

The City of Edmonton had one wild ride for the ages.

Even though the natural emotion of feeling upset by the loss, there was a great sense of pride amongst the Edmonton fans in what they had accomplished this season. 

This is what the Elks have to do when they approach this season. Start being a believer in yourself, as opportunities are few and far between when making a run for a Grey Cup.

Final Score

Edmonton Elks:  29

BC Lions: 27

The Edmonton Elks play a much better error-free game at key moments during the game to keep themselves within striking distance of the BC Lions.

The running game will have its issues but will come up in key moments in controlling the clock in the second half.

No team goes undefeated in the CFL and upsets do happen no matter what week it is.

This could be the day the Edmonton Elks break down the first door.

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