Hamilton Tiger-Cats Week 8 Matchup

Location: Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, Alberta

Game Date: Sunday, July 28th, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM EDT

Where to Watch: TSN in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the US, CFL+ for International Viewers

DraftKings Odds: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (+3.5), Edmonton Elks (-3.5), O/U 52.5 points

In Week 7, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-5) were able to play just well enough to get their first win of the 2024 season against the Toronto Argonauts. This week, the Tiger-Cats have a crucial opportunity to win their second game of the season when they travel to Edmonton to face the Elks. While the Edmonton Elks (0-6) are winless this season, they have had a chance to win every game they have played this season, making this upcoming match a significant one, especially after their 20-14 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks last week.

The Tiger-Cats and Elks have had similar experiences so far. Both teams have, at times, played good football, but they always seem to find ways to make critical errors that lead to a loss. For Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats have played well on offence outside of several dropped passes in crucial situations, and they have also struggled to stop the efforts of their opponent’s offensive units. Edmonton has had similar issues with solid play but an inability to make the most important plays that have made the difference between winning and losing.

For Hamilton to be successful this week, they will need to be fundamentally sound and avoid making errors to set the Elks up for easy scoring situations. Making plays on the defensive side of the ball and special teams will decide the outcome of this game. Offensively, both teams have been dependent on their passing game and veteran quarterbacks. This week, the team that plays the most disciplined and strategic game, minimizing errors and maximizing opportunities, will have a significant advantage to secure another valuable win as both teams fight to catch up with division rivals that are quickly separating themselves in the division standings in the East and West.

Let’s analyze three key areas that the Tiger-Cats must succeed in if they expect to get their second win of the season and continue to stay within proximity of a potential spot in the playoffs.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Depth Chart

Edmonton Elks Depth Chart

Keys to Victory

Key to Victory #1: Establish the Running Game Early

So far this season, the Tiger-Cats’ offensive attack has relied on a pass-heavy attack led by quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. Mitchell has returned to a performance that resembles his during his prime years with the Calgary Stampeders. However, dropped passes by Tiger-Cats receivers have limited Hamilton’s ability to maximize their offensive production. A potential remedy to working past those dropped passes is to focus on establishing an effective running game with running back James Butler.

Against Toronto, Butler showcased his potential by gaining 50 yards on just 11 carries and scoring a rushing touchdown. He also caught four passes for 53 yards. The Tiger-Cats made significant investments during the off-season to strengthen their offensive line, a move that could greatly enhance their performance. If they can effectively utilize this line and Butler’s skills, while maintaining their steady production in the passing game, a win this week is well within reach, providing reassurance to the team and fans.

Key to Victory #2: Force Turnovers Against the Elks

A significant factor in the Tiger-Cats winning effort last week vs. Toronto was the ability of their defence to produce turnovers and convert them into points. Hamilton’s defence must continue forcing their opponents to turn the ball over and set up short-field opportunities for the Tiger-Cats offence. That will require the defensive front seven to pressure Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and then make getting possession of loose and tipped balls a point of emphasis.

During the season, the Elks have made several critical mistakes that have led to their six losses. The Tiger-Cats will need to make the Elks pay for those mistakes and prevent themselves from making those same types of game-changing errors. This week, the Tiger-Cats will need to be proactive on the defensive side of the ball to force the Elks into making mistakes that will allow Hamilton to pull ahead of Edmonton.

Key to Victory #3: Win the Field Position Battle

Another reason the Tiger-Cats have struggled during the first six games of the season is their execution on special teams. Unfortunately for Hamilton, special teams areas tend to lead to lousy field position, which determines how much margin for error the Tiger-Cats have on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. This week, both teams have shown a trend of making unforced errors during special teams situations. The team that can overcome that trend will have a chance to set themselves up for success, and this could be an area that could become a strength for Hamilton against the Elks if they can pay attention to the finer details and execute at a high level on special teams.

Injury Report

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Injuries

Out: OL Dayton Black (Achilles), DB Stavros Katsantonis (leg), DL Luke Brubacher (hamstring), WR Branden O’Leary-Orange (hamstring)

Doubtful: OL Joel Figueroa (shoulder)

Questionable: WR Jordan Murray (knee), DL Benoit Marion (knee)

Edmonton Elks Injuries

Out: DL Sam Acheampong (knee), DB Scott Hunter (knee), LB Michael Brodrique (groin), OL Hunter Steward (head)

Game Analysis

There is an old cliche in football that the team that makes the least number of mistakes will have the best chance to win the game. In this matchup, the Tiger-Cats and Elks have specialized in finding innovative ways to make critical mistakes, leading them to multiple frustrating losses this season. So, the outcome of this game will depend on which team can most make their opponents pay for their mistakes. This game features an exciting matchup at quarterback with Bo Levi Mitchell and McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who are both playing good football for their teams. How each team’s support players on offence, defence, and special teams perform will determine who wins this game in Week 8.

Game Prediction: Hamilton Tiger-Cats 28, Edmonton Elks 26

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