Princess Auto Stadium, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Kickoff: 7:30 PM CDT / 5:30 PM PDT
Venue
Princess Auto Stadium — Winnipeg, MB
- Capacity: ~33,000
- Surface: Artificial turf
- Known for: Wind‑affected kicking game, loud lower bowl, and one of the CFL’s most hostile environments for visiting offenses
- Tactical impact: Wind and swirling cross‑currents often influence deep passing and long field‑goal attempts
Weather Forecast (Winnipeg, MB)
- Temperature: 72°F (22°C)
- Humidity: 49%
- Wind: 17 mph WNW
- Precipitation: 10% chance
- Impact: Strong crosswinds could limit vertical passing and tilt the game toward ground efficiency and field‑position battles — a classic Winnipeg home‑field dynamic
Injury Report
Edmonton Elks
- McLeod Bethel‑Thompson (QB) — Probable, minor shoulder tightness
- Kevin Brown (RB) — Probable, recovering from quad soreness
- Eugene Lewis (WR) — Questionable, ankle sprain
- Nyles Morgan (LB) — Out, hamstring tear Impact: Lewis’ status is the biggest swing factor; without him, Edmonton loses its top contested‑catch threat.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Zach Collaros (QB) — Probable, managing elbow inflammation
- Brady Oliveira (RB) — Questionable, groin tightness
- Dalton Schoen (WR) — Out, foot injury
- Willie Jefferson (DE) — Probable, minor knee irritation Impact: Schoen’s absence limits Winnipeg’s explosive passing options; Oliveira’s status directly affects their offensive identity.
Team Records & Season Context
Edmonton Elks (2‑0‑0)
- Points For: 54
- Points Against: 41
- Identity: Balanced offense, improved pass protection, opportunistic defense
- Notable: Edmonton is off to its best start in years, with Bethel‑Thompson showing veteran command
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1‑1‑0)
- Points For: 48
- Points Against: 47
- Identity: Physical run game, aggressive defensive front, veteran QB leadership
- Notable: Winnipeg is still adjusting to injuries at receiver and running back
Recent Team Form
Edmonton (Last 5 Games)
- W 27–20 vs Ottawa
- W 27–21 vs Saskatchewan
- L 18–24 vs Calgary (2025)
- W 31–28 vs BC (2025)
- L 17–26 vs Winnipeg (2025) Trend: Offense trending upward; defense still vulnerable to intermediate passing
Winnipeg (Last 5 Games)
- W 24–17 vs Montreal
- L 23–24 vs BC
- L 20–27 vs Saskatchewan (2025)
- W 29–14 vs Edmonton (2025)
- L 21–28 vs Calgary (2025) Trend: Inconsistent; defense strong early but fading late in games
Key Player Matchups
1. McLeod Bethel‑Thompson vs. Winnipeg’s Pass Rush
- MBT’s quick release vs. Jefferson & Jeffcoat’s edge pressure
- If Edmonton protects well, Winnipeg’s secondary can be attacked Advantage: Even
2. Brady Oliveira (if active) vs. Edmonton’s Front Seven
- Oliveira is Winnipeg’s engine; without him, the Bombers lose balance
- Edmonton’s run defense has been average through two weeks Advantage: Winnipeg (if Oliveira plays)
3. Eugene Lewis vs. Demerio Houston
- Lewis’ contested‑catch ability vs. Houston’s ball‑hawking instincts
- If Lewis is limited, Edmonton’s vertical threat diminishes Advantage: Winnipeg (slightly)
4. Dalton Schoen’s Absence vs. Edmonton’s Secondary
- Winnipeg loses its best route technician
- Edmonton can roll coverage toward Lawler Advantage: Edmonton
5. Special Teams: Marc Liegghio vs. Sergio Castillo
- Windy conditions elevate the importance of directional punting and FG accuracy Advantage: Winnipeg (Castillo more proven in wind)
Series History
- All‑time: Winnipeg leads the modern era series
- Last 10 meetings: Winnipeg 8–2 Edmonton
- 2025 meetings: Winnipeg won both matchups
- Edmonton has not won in Winnipeg since 2018
Betting Trends
Edmonton
- 5 of last 7: Over
- 4 straight: Scored 24+ points
- 6 of last 8: Allowed 20+ points
Winnipeg
- 7 of last 10: Under
- 5 of last 7: Failed to cover spread
- 6 of last 8: Scored first
GAME ODDS
Edmonton Elks 56
Winnipeg Blue Bombers – 3
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, June 24, 2026
