CFL Game Preview: Edmonton Elks (0-2-0) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-0-0)

Game Context & Stakes

The Edmonton Elks are still searching for their first win of the 2025 CFL season after back-to-back losses to BC and Montreal. Quarterback Tre Ford has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Elks’ defense has been porous, allowing a league-worst 34.5 points per game. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers, meanwhile, are off to a strong 2–0 start, sweeping the BC Lions in consecutive weeks. Their defense has been elite, giving up just 17.0 points per game, and they’ve covered the spread in both outings. Winnipeg has won seven straight head-to-head matchups against Edmonton dating back to 2022, including a 55–27 blowout in their last meeting.

Key Players to Watch

Edmonton Elks

Tre Ford (QB): 486 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs – mobile threat with upside

Justin Rankin (RB): 100 rushing yards – averaging 5.0 YPC

Steven Dunbar Jr. (WR): 113 receiving yards – top target in the passing game

Loucheiz Purifoy (DB): Veteran presence in a struggling secondary

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Zach Collaros (QB): 179 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs – efficient but needs to limit turnovers

Matthew Peterson (RB): 172 rushing yards, 1 TD – averaging 6.4 YPC

Keric Wheatfall (WR): 213 receiving yards, 1 TD – explosive deep threat

Willie Jefferson (DE): 2 sacks – disruptive force off the edge

Team Stats & Trends

Category	Edmonton Elks	Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Record	0–2	2–0
Points Per Game	21.0	30.5
Points Allowed	34.5	17.0
Total Offense	330.0 YPG	375.0 YPG
Total Defense	438.5 YPG (9th)	310.0 YPG (2nd)
ATS Record	0–2	2–0

Winnipeg is 8–3 ATS in its last 11 games, while Edmonton is 1–6 ATS in its last 7.

Tactical Breakdown

Edmonton Keys to Victory:

Protect Tre Ford and establish the run with Rankin

Limit explosive plays from Wheatfall and Peterson

Win time of possession to keep Winnipeg’s offense off the field

Winnipeg Keys to Victory:

Pressure Ford and force turnovers

Feed Peterson early to control tempo

Exploit Edmonton’s secondary with play-action deep shots

Matchup to Watch:

Keric Wheatfall vs. Loucheiz Purifoy – Wheatfall’s speed vs. Purifoy’s experience could be a game-changer

The Bombers’ defense is too stout and their offense too balanced for Edmonton to keep pace. Expect Winnipeg to cover the spread and remain undefeated.

GAME ODDS

Edmonton Elks                                  50.5

Winnipeg Blue Bombers               – 10

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 25, 2025