The Edmonton Elks head to Winnipeg for a Week 4 showdown with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after an impressive start to the 2026 season. Edmonton opened the year with a road win over Ottawa and followed it with a statement victory over Montreal, giving the Elks one of the league’s strongest early resumes. Winnipeg enters this contest with a 1-1 record after defeating Calgary in Week 1 before falling at home to Hamilton in Week 2.
The Blue Bombers return from a bye week looking to regain their footing, while Edmonton arrives with growing confidence and a chance to establish itself as a legitimate contender in the West Division. Here, I break down this division matchup and make my Elks vs Blue Bombers predictions before kickoff on Thursday.
Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers Pick
- Pick: Winnipeg Blue Bombers -3
- Confidence: 3.5 out of 5
Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers Model Projection
- Score Projection: Winnipeg Blue Bombers 31 – Edmonton Elks 27
- Win Probability: Winnipeg Blue Bombers 63%, Edmonton Elks 37%
Edmonton deserves respect after starting the season with consecutive victories, including a high-scoring win over Montreal. However, Winnipeg benefits from extra preparation following its Week 3 bye. The Blue Bombers have already shown they can score points, putting up 30 against Calgary and 27 against Hamilton despite the loss.
The biggest concern for Edmonton is sustaining offensive efficiency on the road against a veteran Winnipeg team that has historically responded well after defeats. The Elks have enough offensive firepower to stay competitive throughout the evening, but Winnipeg’s experience, home-field advantage, and additional rest create a favorable setup for the hosts. Expect a competitive game through three quarters before the Blue Bombers create separation late.
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Date & Time: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Broadcast: TSN, CTV, CBSSN
Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers Same Game Parlay
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers Moneyline -166
- Over 54.5 Total Points -115
Parlay Odds: +196
The first leg of this Same Game Parlay backs Winnipeg to win at home after a bye week. The Blue Bombers have already produced 30 points against Calgary this season and should benefit from additional preparation time. Their offense showed plenty of upside despite the Week 2 loss to Hamilton.
The second leg targets the over. Edmonton has scored 29 points against Ottawa and 39 against Montreal through its first two games. Winnipeg has also participated in games totaling 58 and 64 points this season. Both offenses have shown an ability to generate explosive plays, making a total in the mid-50s attainable.
Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers Game Preview
Edmonton enters Week 4 as one of the CFL’s early surprises. The Elks opened the season with a 29-21 road victory over Ottawa before following it up with a 39-32 win over Montreal. Scoring 68 points across two games has highlighted significant offensive improvement compared to recent seasons.
The Elks have also shown the ability to win in different ways. Against Ottawa, the defense made enough plays to secure a road victory. Against Montreal, the offense carried the load in a game that turned into a shootout. That versatility has made Edmonton one of the more interesting teams through the first month of the season.
The running game of the Elks has been the most impressive thing about them so far. Quarterback Cody Fajardo is averaging just under 250 passing yards per game, but running back Justin Rankin leads the CFL in rushing with 281 yards in two games on an impressive 9.1 yards per carry. His performance will be important again in this matchup.
There are still concerns, however. Edmonton’s injury report includes linebacker Nick Anderson, receiver Joe Robustelli, defensive lineman Tomari Fox, and long snapper Luke Burton-Krahn. Depth could become a factor against a physical Winnipeg roster.
For Winnipeg, the season has featured both highs and lows. The Blue Bombers escaped Calgary with a 30-28 victory in Week 1 before surrendering 37 points in a home loss to Hamilton. The offense generated 57 total points across those two contests, but defensive consistency remains a work in progress.
Veteran quarterback Zach Collaros remains the focal point of Winnipeg’s offense. His ability to diagnose coverages before the snap and distribute the football efficiently has been a major factor in the club’s sustained success over the past several seasons. When Winnipeg protects Collaros effectively, the offense typically produces scoring opportunities in bunches.
The bye week could prove valuable for a defense that struggled against Hamilton. Winnipeg’s coaching staff had additional time to address coverage issues and improve communication in the secondary. That preparation may be especially important against an Edmonton offense that has been one of the CFL’s most productive units through the opening weeks.
Expect Edmonton to move the ball and create scoring chances, but Winnipeg’s experience and rest advantage should make the difference. The Elks are capable of covering if their offense continues its current pace, yet the Blue Bombers remain the stronger overall roster. A competitive game is likely, with Winnipeg pulling away in the fourth quarter and securing a victory by approximately four points.
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