Elks can move six points clear of Blue Bombers with Friday win
Edmonton hosts Winnipeg with sole possession of first place and the season series tiebreaker on the line.
The Edmonton Elks (7-3) can extend their lead atop the CFL's West Division by beating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-4) at home on Friday night. A win would put Edmonton six points ahead of Winnipeg and secure the season series and tiebreaker, after the Elks already beat the Bombers 23-18 on the road June 25. The teams close out their season series Oct. 16 in Edmonton.
Both clubs enter on winning streaks. Quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for 301 yards and a touchdown as Edmonton routed Toronto 42-12, outscoring the Argonauts 31-3 in the second half. JJ Ross had two interceptions, including an 85-yard pick-six, as the Elks forced six turnovers. Running back Justin Rankin also broke out of a slump with 108 total yards and a touchdown.
Winnipeg beat Ottawa 33-21 behind Brady Oliveira, who ran for 74 yards and a touchdown and has piled up 309 rushing yards over his last three games. The Bombers own the CFL's top pass defence but rank last against the run, while Edmonton's ground game sits fourth overall despite averaging 109.1 yards per game.
Edmonton hasn't won a season series against Winnipeg since 2018. The Elks are 4-1 at home this season, while the Bombers are 3-0 on the road but just 1-3 against divisional opponents this year.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.