Game Details
| Matchup | Ottawa Redblacks (1–3) vs. Edmonton Elks (0–3) |
| Date | Sunday, July 6, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB |
| Broadcast | TSN, RDS, CFL+ (International) |
Recent Form & Storylines
Ottawa is coming off a 29–16 loss to Toronto and has yet to win a road game this season. QB Dustin Crum is expected to start after Dru Brown suffered a head injury in Week 5. Edmonton is winless but has lost each of its last three games by just three points. QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson leads the CFL in passing yards (1,225) and is looking to convert close games into wins. This is the first of a home-and-home series between these two teams, with the rematch set for July 19 in Ottawa.
Tactical Breakdown
Ottawa Redblacks
Head Coach: Bob Dyce
Offensive Identity: Balanced attack with Ryquell Armstead leading the ground game
Key Strength: Run game (109.8 YPG, 4th in CFL)
Key Weakness: Passing efficiency (59.3% completion rate, 8th in CFL)
Edmonton Elks
Head Coach: Chris Jones
Offensive Identity: Pass-heavy offense with Bethel-Thompson and deep threats
Key Strength: Passing offense (306.2 YPG, 3rd in CFL)
Key Weakness: Run game (61.0 YPG, last in CFL), red zone defense
Key Matchups to Watch
| Matchup | Why It Matters |
| Dustin Crum vs. Edmonton Secondary | Crum is mobile and efficient; Elks allow 325.7 pass YPG (worst in CFL) |
| Ryquell Armstead vs. Elks Front Seven | Armstead is 4th in CFL in rushing; Elks allow 107 rush YPG |
| Bethel-Thompson vs. Ottawa DBs | MBT leads CFL in passing yards; Ottawa missing 3 starting DBs |
| Dillon Mitchell vs. Alonzo Addae | Mitchell has 2 TDs in last 3 games; Addae leads Ottawa in INTs |
Injury Report
Ottawa Redblacks
OUT: DB Brandin Dandridge, DB Alijah McGhee, DB Justin Howell, LB Tyron Vrede, WR Bralon Addison
QUESTIONABLE: QB Dru Brown (concussion), WR Jaelon Acklin
Edmonton Elks
OUT: DL Antonio Alfano, LB Michael Brodrique, DL J-Min Pelley, LB Jake Taylor
IN: LB Derrick Moncrief (returning from injury), DL Shawn Oakman (starting debut)
GAME ODDS
Ottawa Redblacks – 1.5
Edmonton Elks 52.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, July 5, 2025
