It’s a new season and a fresh start for both the Edmonton Elks and BC Lions, with new head coaches at the helm for 2025 and plenty of intrigue around this Week 1 clash.
The on-field storylines are just as compelling, including two Canadian quarterbacks squaring off in the CFL’s opening week for the first time ever, and my Elks vs. Lions predictions point to BC getting the upper hand.
Check out my CFL picks and betting nuggets for this June 7 showdown.
Elks vs Lions prediction
My Elks vs Lions pick: Lions -5.5 (-115 at BET99)
‘We need to be a balanced offense that can win on any given day, however that looks.’
That was new BC Lions head coach Buck Pierce’s simple message for his team this preseason, and it all starts with quarterback Nathan Rourke, who struggled after signing in BC partway through last year but has now had the benefit of a full training camp with the Lions.
Expectations remain high for Rourke, and his connection with top receiver Justin McInnis will determine the ceiling for this BC offense. McInnis led the league in receiving yards in 2024, and I’m bullish on that duo giving the Edmonton Elks fits here.
The Lions have dominated this matchup over the past few years, winning seven of the last eight outings against Edmonton and covering the spread in six of those contests, so I’m laying the points with the hosts and trusting Rourke to show why he has been on the bubble of several NFL rosters.
While the Elks surged to a 33-16 victory against BC last August, the visitors have started slowly each of the past three seasons, and it’s fair to question how much time this revamped roster will need to gel under first-year head coach Mark Kilam.
Elks QB Tre Ford is 9-9 as a starter and showed exciting flashes last season, but he had a couple of multi-interception games along the way. Ford tossed one pick in a brief appearance in Edmonton’s final preseason game – against the Lions last week – and the turnover battle could be a decisive factor on Saturday.
Rourke had some rough giveaways in 2024, but he only threw two interceptions across his final four outings. With a Snoop Dogg show as part of this home opener at BC Place, I’m wagering on the Lions to make the fewest Bad Decisions.
Elks vs Lions same-game parlay (SGP)
Lions -5.5
Lions -3 — 1H
Under 49.5
I’m doubling down on the Lions by adding the 1H spread for my SGP. BC Place should be rocking, and the Elks could be prone to some early miscommunications on the road with so many new faces. Look for the hosts to make a fast start.
The Under also seems like a value pick. It’s been a winning ticket in five of the last six meetings between these teams, including a 24-21 scoreline in BC last season, and there are plenty of defensive playmakers on these rosters.
Both teams will have some rust to shake off early in the season, so it would be no surprise if the punters are busy in this one.
The Lions shut out the Elks twice in 2023 and, while I don’t expect that type of defensive dominance from BC this weekend, I still prefer the Under on a 49.5 line.
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Elks vs Lions odds
Elks vs Lions live odds
Elks vs Lions opening odds
- Spread: Edmonton +5.5 | BC -5.5
- Moneyline: Edmonton +205 | BC -250
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 | Under 48.5
Elks vs Lions trend
The Lions posted a 6-3 home record last season. Find more CFL betting trends for Elks vs. Lions.
How to watch Elks vs Lions and game info
| Location | BC Place, Vancouver, BC |
| Date | Saturday, 6-7-2025 |
| Kick-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | TSN |
Elks vs Lions key injuries
Elks: Noah Curtis (O), Skyler Griffith (O), Brett Boyko (Q).
Lions: Marcus Moore (Q), Tyler Packer (Q), Anu Una (Q).
Find our latest CFL injury reports.
Elks vs Lions weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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