Thursday, July 13, is one of the slowest days on the sports betting calendar, but the CFL does have a contest on the schedule featuring two teams that have a combined 1-8 record. Hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, and at least there’s something to wager on until MLB picks up again on Friday.
For those looking for some action, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are heading west to battle to the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium.
Bet on Tiger-Cats vs. Elks
Hamilton enters the contest as a slight 1-point favourite, and the total is set at 42.5 points.
Here’s a look at the matchup featuring odds from bet365:
Tiger-Cats vs. Elks odds
| Tiger-Cats Moneyline Odds | -120 |
| Elks Moneyline Odds | +100 |
| Spread | Tiger-Cats -1 (-110) |
| Over/Under | 42.5 points (over -110, under -110) |
| Time/Date | Thursday, July 13, 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN |
All odds courtesy of 
About the Tiger-Cats (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS, 2-2 o/u)
Last game: Saturday, July 8. Hamilton won 21-13 over the Ottawa Redblacks and covered the spread as a 2.5-point home favourite.
Stats to know:
- Hamilton’s offence has come out on top in time of possession in each game, and the Tiger-Cats lead the league averaging 32.28 TOP.
- Since joining the Ticats, Marc Liegghio is 9-for-9 on field goal attempts.
- Hamilton is allowing a league-worst 31.2 points per game this season.
Player to watch: James Butler
With starting quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell on the shelf, Hamilton’s lead back is being relied on heavily to carry the offence. Butler amassed 62 yards on 17 carries to go along with two receptions last week, and he took several big hits from the Ottawa defence throughout the game. On a short week, you have to wonder if fatigue will be a factor.
About the Elks (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS, 1-4 o/u)
Last game: Thursday, July 6. Edmonton lost 12-11 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on the road, but did cover the 6.5-point spread.
Stats to know:
- Edmonton and Hamilton have played 99 games in CFL history; Edmonton holds a 60-38-1 record in the matchup.
- The Elks won their lone game against the Ticats last year, 29-25, at Tim Hortons Field. Prior to that, Hamilton had won its five previous games against Edmonton.
- The Elks are averaging just 12.4 points per game through five games, the worst mark in the league.
- Edmonton has the dubious distinction of owning a 19-game home losing streak. Overall, the Elks have lost nine straight contests dating back to last season.
Player to watch: Kevin Brown
Last week, the running back registered a season-high 15 carries for 65 yards, while adding two receptions for 26 yards. Hamilton’s defence is allowing 118.8 rushing yards per game (second-worst in the league).
Total: under 42.5 points
Team rankings
| Team | Points per game | Points allowed per game | Sacks | QBR | Takeaways |
| Hamilton | 19.5 (7th) | 31.2 (9th) | 11 (5th) | 71.4 (7th) | 8 (3rd) |
| Edmonton | 12.4 (9th) | 24 (8th) | 8 (6th) | 76.1 (6th) | 7 (7th) |
Injury reports
Weather
Forecasts are calling for temperatures around 22C with a 30% chance of thunderstorms this evening in Edmonton. There’s also a smoke advisory in effect due to nearby wildfires. Winds will be light out of the northwest at 16 km/h.
Betting trends
- The over is 6-0 in the past six meetings in Edmonton.
- The Elks are 17-38 ATS in their past 55 home games.
- Hamilton is 2-7 ATS in its past nine road games.
Line moves
This spread opened at Hamilton -2.5 and has moved to Tiger-Cats -1 as we approach kickoff. The low total of 42.5 points hasn’t moved since opening on Monday.
Recommended wagers
- This really looks like an excellent opportunity for the Elks to finally snap their dreaded home losing streak against a Hamilton team that has struggled to move the ball without their QB1 under centre. However, how can you back a team that hasn’t won at home since Oct. 12, 2019? The Elks are fade material until they prove otherwise. Take Hamilton -1.
- Both of these teams have really struggled to score touchdowns early in the season and that’s reflected in the low total of 42.5 points. Why not grab the first score of the game to be a field goal at +125 or a rouge at +500?
