Week 1 of the 2025 Canadian Football League season continues on Saturday, June 7, when the Edmonton Elks visit the BC Lions at BC Place. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. PT, and both clubs enter the new campaign with renewed optimism after busy off-seasons. For bettors, this Edmonton Elks vs BC Lions contest offers an early read on how these two offensive systems will perform now that the preseason is done and the games count.
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Edmonton Elks vs BC Lions Game Preview
The Lions have made a change at the quarterback position, as they will no longer give the ball to Vernon Adams Jr., whose 2,929 passing yards and 9.7 yards per attempt in 18 games last year led a vertical attack that ranked among the league’s most explosive. Instead, it is going to be Nathan Rourke under center for the Lions, after Rourke spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars post-college. BC will look to get Rourke off to a strong start against an Edmonton secondary that contributed to a year where the Elks allowed 500 total points in 18 regular season games.
Edmonton counters with quarterback Cody Fajardo, who came over from Ottawa in a trade that sent McLeod Bethel-Thompson to the Redblacks in exchange. Fajardo helped Montreal earn the best record in the East Division last season and got them to the East Division championship game. Fajardo had 16 touchdowns to just seven interceptions last season and will look to be efficient this year with his new team as well.
Betting Insights
- Current line: Lions -5.5, total 48.5
- BC went 9-9 straight-up last season, while the Elks went 7-11.
- The Lions were 3-6 on the road last year, while the Elks went 3-6 at home.
While the Lions are the favorites in this contest, the changes they have made at the most important position on the field will make this an interesting game. The same can be said on the Edmonton side, as bettors may want to wait and see how each team looks with their new signal-caller before placing any wagers.
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Edmonton Elks vs BC Lions Prediction
This contest will come down to which offense looks the most cohesive and composed in the face of some huge changes at quarterback. We expect BC to be that team, as they should prosper with Rourke under center. Still, expect some growing pains for both sides as they attempt to adjust in their first action in a game that counts.
Pick: Under 48.5. Projection: BC 24, Edmonton 21.
