Ottawa Redblacks vs Edmonton Elks Picks and Prediction for July 9, 2026
Use Code SSWC The Ottawa Redblacks travel to face the Edmonton Elks in a Week 6 CFL matchup on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MDT at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The game will be televised on TSN in Canada and streamed on CFL+ in the United States and international markets. Check out all of our free CFL picks.
Ottawa enters the contest still searching for its first victory of the season at 0-4, while Edmonton has enjoyed a strong start with a 3-1 record. The difference in records immediately highlights the challenge facing the Redblacks as they look to earn their first win against an Elks team that has already established itself with three victories through four games. The betting market reflects that gap, making Edmonton the favorite heading into Thursday night's matchup.
Why Ottawa Could Control This Matchup
Ottawa's offense has shown the ability to move the football through the air behind quarterback Jake Maier. He has completed 97 of 145 passes for 1,079 yards while posting a 66.9 percent completion rate. Maier has thrown six touchdown passes against three interceptions and carries a quarterback efficiency rating of 94.0. His average of 7.4 yards per pass attempt demonstrates consistent production in the passing game.
The Redblacks also feature a balanced group of receiving options. Justin Hardy leads the team with 18 receptions for 261 yards and two touchdowns, while Ayden Eberhardt has added 17 catches for 222 yards and one score. Eugene Lewis has contributed 160 receiving yards, and Kalil Pimpleton has provided another 143 yards. Keelan White has matched Hardy with two receiving touchdowns despite totaling just 99 receiving yards, giving Ottawa another reliable scoring option in the passing attack.
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On the ground, Ottawa has spread carries among multiple runners. Greg Bell has carried the ball 29 times for 114 yards, while Daniel Adeboboye has been productive with 100 rushing yards on only 17 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and scoring one rushing touchdown. Jake Maier has also contributed with his legs, adding 21 rushing yards, giving Ottawa several different ways to generate offense.
What Makes Edmonton Dangerous
Edmonton has received steady quarterback play from Cody Fajardo throughout the opening portion of the season. He has completed 101 of 149 passes for 1,159 yards while posting a 67.8 percent completion percentage. Fajardo has thrown six touchdown passes with four interceptions and owns a quarterback efficiency rating of 93.2 while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt.
The Elks have several dependable receiving targets who have contributed consistently. Austin Mack leads the group with 20 receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Justin Rankin has caught 23 passes for 254 yards, while TJ Luther has added 17 receptions for 186 yards. Kaion Julien-Grant has also been productive with 172 receiving yards and two touchdown catches, giving Edmonton multiple playmakers throughout the passing game.
Perhaps the biggest difference for Edmonton has come on the ground. Justin Rankin has been outstanding with 406 rushing yards on 53 carries, averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per attempt while scoring four rushing touchdowns. Cody Fajardo has chipped in with 46 rushing yards and another touchdown, providing additional balance to an offense that has been productive both through the air and on the ground.
Breaking Down the Matchup
This game features two teams heading in opposite directions based on their early-season records. Ottawa enters at 0-4 looking to break into the win column, while Edmonton owns a strong 3-1 mark through four games. Playing at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium also gives the Elks home-field advantage for this Week 6 meeting.
Quarterback production has been relatively similar. Jake Maier has completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 1,079 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, while Cody Fajardo has completed 67.8 percent of his attempts for 1,159 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions. Both quarterbacks have been accurate and have generated comparable passing production, making the supporting cast and rushing attack important factors in this matchup.
The biggest statistical separation comes in the rushing game. Ottawa's leading rusher, Greg Bell, has 114 rushing yards, while Daniel Adeboboye has added another 100. Edmonton, meanwhile, has leaned heavily on Justin Rankin, who has already accumulated 406 rushing yards and four touchdowns while averaging 7.7 yards per carry. That production gives the Elks a significant advantage in establishing offensive balance, while both teams also feature multiple productive receivers capable of contributing in the passing game.
Final Prediction
Ottawa has enough offensive pieces to remain competitive. Jake Maier has managed the passing game efficiently, and the Redblacks have several receivers who have contributed throughout the opening four games. If Ottawa continues distributing the football effectively and receives another efficient performance from its quarterback, it has the potential to keep the contest close well into the second half.
Still, Edmonton enters this matchup with the stronger overall profile. The Elks have the better record at 3-1, productive quarterback play from Cody Fajardo, multiple reliable receivers, and an outstanding rushing attack led by Justin Rankin. That combination of offensive balance gives Edmonton more ways to sustain drives and create scoring opportunities.
Playing at home while carrying the stronger record makes the Elks the more complete team entering Thursday night's contest. Ottawa's offense should produce enough plays to stay within striking distance, but Edmonton's balanced attack gives the home team the edge to improve its record.
Picks
Moneyline: Edmonton Elks
Spread: Edmonton Elks
Predicted Total: Over
Predicted Final Score: Ottawa Redblacks 24 – Edmonton Elks 31
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