The Edmonton Elks (2-7) visit Ottawa (1-8) in a battle of last place teams from their respective divisions.
Elks vs Redblacks Betting Odds
Spread: Ottawa -4.5
Total: 48
When: Aug. 19, 2022, at 7 p.m. EDT
Venue: TD Place โ Ottawa, Ontario
Elks vs Redblacks Betting Preview
Some weeks you get good games and other weeks you get games like this one, as these two teams have combined for three wins this season, all of which came on the road. Edmonton is in that spot in this week and can take a little bit of comfort in the fact they are 2-0 against the East so far this season after wins at Hamilton and Montreal.
The Elks probably deserved a little better last week, as they outgained Saskatchewan 365 to 261 but gave up two TDS in the final 4:30 of the game to lose to the Roughriders 34-23. Taylor Cornelius struggled passing the ball a little bit but did run the ball for 86 yards and a pair of scores. He threw for 209 yards and was picked off once.
Despite Ottawaโs 1-7 record, the Redblacks have been outscored by just 40 points this season and they have three losses by a field goal or less. The Redblacks are coming off a bye week, which should give Nick Arbuckle a bit more time to become familiar with the offense. Ottawa hasnโt named its starter yet, but either Arbuckle or Caleb Evans will be on a short leash.
The Redblacks have moved the ball better than Edmonton this season, although there isnโt much difference in the scoring department. Ottawa is averaging 19.4 points to Edmontonโs 18.7. The Redblacks are second in the league in rushing attempts and should be able to gain some yards against the Elks, who allow a league-high 124 yards per game.
Elks vs Redblacks Betting Trends
Elks
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Edmonton’s last 8 games when playing Ottawa
Redblacks
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa’s last 8 games when playing Edmonton
Ottawa is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Edmonton
Elks vs Redblacks Pick & Prediction
The price is a little steep on the Redblacks, considering theyโve won just a single game this season, but this is a good spot for Ottawa in a game they need to win. A healthy dose of rushing the ball would be a good thing to take pressure off the quarterbacks and also take advantage of Edmontonโs struggles against the run this season. It is going to be a little tougher without running back William Powell, who will miss the game.
Arbuckle came over from Edmonton in a trade last month, so he knows the Elksโ offense and not too sure Edmonton can change things up too much with Cornelius.
Pick: Ottawa -4.5