Week 8 of the CFL season kicks off on Thursday night, as the two best teams in the West Division square-off in Regina.
The 5-1 Elks will cross the Alberta border to take on the 4-1 Roughriders, who should be fresh coming off their bye week.
Let’s preview this critical mid-season clash and make a couple picks on the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Elks vs. Roughriders prediction, preview
It’s been a nice bounce-back season for the Elks, as the team has nearly won as many games so far in 2026 (5) as it won in all of 2025 (7). There’s a couple reasons for the turn-round, but probably none bigger than running back Justin Rankin. After breaking the 1,000 yard plateau for the first time last year, Rankin has looked like a man possessed in 2026. Rankin’s 522 rushing yards sit only two behind Calgary’s Dedrick Mills for the league lead, while his six rushing touchdowns pace the CFL. That said, Rankin was completely held in check in Week 7, registering a microscopic nine yards on seven attempts against the Lions. His struggles were one of the major reasons that Edmonton was only able to escape with a 19-17 home victory.
That performance is a bit of a red flag for me, as BC has just one win this season — ironically coming in Week 5 against the Elks. Edmonton also has a pair of lopsided wins over the lowly Redblacks, the CFL’s lone winless team in 2026. The Elks have outscored Ottawa by 31 points in their two meetings this season. Against everyone else? Edmonton has a -2 point differential. That’s a bit of a larger red flag.
Meanwhile, the Roughriders are the defending CFL Champions. They come in well rested after a bye week, and on the heels of a 38-7 drubbing of the Tiger-Cats in Week 6. Quarterback Trevor Harris wasn’t exactly infallible in that victory, as the veteran tossed a pair of interceptions, yet the 40-year-old has proven he still has what it takes so far in 2026. Despite only five starts, Harris ranks third in the league in passing touchdowns (12). It helps to have two dynamic receivers like KeeSean Johnson and Kian Schaffer-Baker, too. The duo rank top five in the CFL in both receptions and receiving yards.
On top of being an explosive offense, Saskatchewan also sports arguably Canada’s best defense, as the team enters Week 8 allowing the fewest opponent yards per contest (354.8). The unit has been especially stout at stopping the pass, surrendering a league-low 253.0 passing yards per game along with just four opposing passing touchdowns for the season as a whole — only two other teams are even in single-digits. It could be a long night for Cody Fajardo.
Elks vs. Roughriders pick, best bet
Best Bet: Roughriders -4.5 (-110)
The Elks have ridden a soft schedule to the pole position in the West Division, yet I think tonight is the night that the Roughriders put Edmonton in its place.
Strong Lean: Austin Mack Over 53.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
It’s a tough matchup, but I think the Elks will be playing from behind and leaning into their passing attack. Mack is fifth in the league in targets (48) and he’s exceeded this prop in three of his last four games. Opportunity shouldn’t be an issue.
