Elks vs Redblacks Odds, Predictions & Picks for June 5

• The Ottawa Redblacks are favorites in CFL Week 1 as they host the Edmonton Elks
• Last season, Edmonton was worst in the West and Ottawa last in the league
• See the Elks vs Redblacks odds, analysis and my predictions to kick off the CFL season for both teams

The Edmonton Elks (7-11 last season) kick off their season in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, to face the Redblacks (4-14), who were the worst team in the Canadian Football League a year ago. However, Ottawa is a slight 2-point favorite to begin the season with a W, as they’ve made a change at quarterback for 2026.

With both teams looking to turn the page on several disappointing seasons, who will come out on top in Week 1? Edmonton hasn’t made the postseason since 2019, and Ottawa has been in the playoffs just once in the last six campaigns.

Continue reading for the odds, analysis and my prediction.

Elks vs Redblacks Off-Season Outlook

Despite both franchises being stuck in the mud for several years, there’s reason for optimism on both sides. Edmonton has handed the reins over to Cody Fajardo at quarterback after he was named the starter in 2025 following the benching of Tre Ford. Fajardo isn’t the flashiest of QBs, but he’s effective, guiding the Elks to a respectable 6-7 record in his starts a year ago with 21 total TDs and just 7 INTs.

Ottawa has totally revamped things, giving the keys to two-time Grey Cup champion Ryan Dinwiddie (as Head Coach in 2022 and 2024 with Toronto) to be the HC and GM of the squad. He’s installed Jake Maier as his starting pivot and decided to use Dru Brown as the backup after the team went 2-7 in 2025.

The Redblacks beefed up their defense, bringing in linebacker A.J. Allen and defensive back C.J. Reavis to help turn the page on such a miserable campaign. I believe that HC Ryan Dinwiddie can change the culture immediately, particularly with a quarterback like Maier, who threw 44 touchdowns with the Stampeders in 2023-24.

Elks vs Redblacks Week 1 Odds

Odds as of June 6 at theScore Bet. Use a theScore Bet Alberta promo code to wager on CFL Week 1.

Check Alberta sports betting apps to see which one is best for you this upcoming CFL season.

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Ottawa opened as a 2.5-point favorite, but that number has been trimmed to -2, and the over/under total dropped from 51.5 earlier in the week to the current number of 50.5.

Elks vs Redblacks Prediction

My Prediction: Over 50.5 Points (-115 at theScore Bet)

The first two CFL games this season have been absolute barnburners, with results of 30-27 Montreal over Hamilton (OT), and Blue Bombers 30-28 victory over the Stamps, both of which cleared 50.5 combined points.

I’m expecting another shootout for tonight’s tilt, with Jake Maier the stronger QB than what Ottawa trotted out last year, and Cody Fajardo dependable and able to sustain long drives. He’s 9-1 against the Redblacks, and his dual-threat running back, Justin Rankin (nine rushing TDs, four receiving scores a year ago), should put enough pressure on Ottawa’s D.

Four of the last five meetings between these two units have resulted in at least 50 total points being scored, which is right where the line sits at 50.5. The influence of QB whisperer Dinwiddie will be the difference for more points being put on the board.

Recent H2H Results: EDM vs OTT

How to Watch Elks vs Redblacks

TV Network: CBS Sports Network (United States), TSN (Canada)

Away Team: Edmonton Elks

Home Team: Ottawa Redblacks

Date: Saturday, June 6th

Game Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Venue: TD Place Stadium

Location: Ottawa, Ontario