Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers Picks and Prediction for Thursday, June 25, 2026
Use Code SSWC Edmonton and Winnipeg meet on Thursday night in an intriguing CFL matchup featuring two teams that have shown different strengths through the early portion of the 2026 season. The Blue Bombers enter the game with a productive passing attack led by Zach Collaros, while the Elks have leaned heavily on a dynamic ground game powered by Justin Rankin. Get in on the action with our free CFL picks.
Winnipeg's offense has been efficient through the air, with Collaros completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 654 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Edmonton has also received steady quarterback play from Cody Fajardo, who has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 497 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Both teams have demonstrated balance offensively, creating an interesting contrast between Winnipeg's passing production and Edmonton's explosive rushing attack.
The matchup also features productive special teams units. Sergio Castillo has connected on four of five field-goal attempts for Winnipeg, while Vincent Blanchard has been perfect for Edmonton, making all seven of his field-goal attempts. Those reliable kicking performances could play an important role in what projects to be a competitive contest.
Why Edmonton Could Control This Matchup
The Elks have a significant weapon in Justin Rankin. He has been one of the most productive offensive players on either roster, contributing both as a runner and receiver. On the ground, Rankin has accumulated 281 rushing yards on 31 carries, averaging an impressive 9.1 yards per attempt while scoring three touchdowns. He has also added 145 receiving yards on 10 receptions, giving Edmonton a versatile playmaker who can impact the game in multiple ways.
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Cody Fajardo has also provided efficient quarterback play. His 66.7 percent completion rate and 497 passing yards demonstrate an ability to keep the offense moving. Fajardo has protected the football well with just one interception while contributing an additional rushing touchdown. When combined with Rankin's production, Edmonton has shown the ability to generate offense through both the passing and rushing games.
Defensively, Edmonton has received strong contributions from several players. Nick Anderson leads the team with 13 total tackles, while Tyrell Ford has added 10. The Elks have also forced turnovers, with Chelen Garnes recovering a fumble and Kordell Jackson recovering two while returning one for four yards. Those extra possessions can become a major factor against a Winnipeg offense that has otherwise been efficient.
What Makes Winnipeg Dangerous
The Blue Bombers enter this game with one of the more productive passing attacks represented in the available statistics. Zach Collaros has thrown for 654 yards while completing 45 of 63 passes. His 107.5 efficiency rating reflects how effective he has been directing the offense, and his average of 10.4 yards per attempt shows Winnipeg's ability to create substantial gains through the air.
Collaros has several reliable targets at his disposal. Tommy Nield leads the receiving group with 163 yards on 10 catches, while Ontaria Wilson and Tim White have each recorded 139 receiving yards. Nic Demski has added 107 yards and a touchdown while averaging 15.3 yards per reception. The variety of contributors makes Winnipeg difficult to defend because production is spread throughout the receiving corps.
The Blue Bombers have also been effective on the ground behind Brady Oliveira. He has rushed for 145 yards on 23 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per rush and scoring one touchdown. Defensively, Winnipeg has generated pressure with Jake Ceresna, who has recorded three quarterback sacks, while Tony Jones leads the defense with 15 total tackles. That combination of offensive balance and defensive playmaking gives Winnipeg multiple paths to success.
Breaking Down the Matchup
From a passing perspective, Winnipeg appears to hold the advantage. Collaros has thrown for 654 yards compared to Fajardo's 497 yards, and the Blue Bombers' receiving group has produced several players nearing or exceeding 100 receiving yards. The efficiency numbers also favor Winnipeg, with Collaros carrying a higher quarterback efficiency rating and a higher completion percentage.
Edmonton's edge comes on the ground. Rankin's 281 rushing yards significantly exceed Winnipeg's leading rushing total of 145 yards from Oliveira. Rankin's average of 9.1 yards per carry has been particularly impressive and gives Edmonton the type of explosive rushing threat capable of changing a game with a single play.
Special teams could be another important factor. Blanchard has been perfect on seven field-goal attempts for Edmonton, while Castillo has converted four of five opportunities for Winnipeg. Both punters have produced strong averages, with Jamieson Sheahan averaging 49.6 yards per punt and Jake Julien averaging 48.8. The special teams battle appears relatively even, which places additional importance on execution by the offenses and defenses.
Final Prediction
This game features two teams with clear strengths. Edmonton's rushing attack, led by Rankin, has been one of the most productive units represented in the available statistics. The Elks also have a dependable kicking game and a defense that has shown an ability to create turnovers.
However, Winnipeg enters the matchup with the stronger overall passing production. Collaros has been highly efficient, the receiving corps has multiple contributors producing significant yardage, and Oliveira provides enough balance in the running game to prevent the offense from becoming one-dimensional. The Blue Bombers also feature a defense capable of making impact plays, highlighted by Ceresna's three sacks and Jones' team-leading tackle total.
Edmonton's rushing attack should keep the game competitive throughout, but Winnipeg's combination of passing efficiency, receiving depth, and overall offensive balance gives the Blue Bombers a slight edge heading into Thursday night's contest.
Picks
Moneyline: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Spread: Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Predicted Final Score: Edmonton Elks 24 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers 30
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