3DownNation CFL picks: can Tre Ford lead Edmonton Elks to first win of season?
3Down Staff August 10, 2023

Thursday, Aug. 10: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Edmonton Elks — 9:00 p.m. EDT

The Edmonton Elks have finally made a quarterback change following the demotion of offensive coordinator Stephen McAdoo, naming Tre Ford as their starting quarterback. The second-year Canadian passer went 1-2 as a starter last season, though he suffered an injury early in one of those losses. He’s faced with a tough task this week as the Blue Bombers are coming off a huge win over the B.C. Lions, though Winnipeg has struggled to defend against mobile quarterbacks at times this season.

DUNK: Tre Ford creates energy for Edmonton and problems for Winnipeg.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: ELKS.

HODGE: Unless Tre Ford runs for 200 yards, Edmonton has no chance.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: BOMBERS.

ABBOTT: Tre Ford’s 4.4 speed ain’t enough to win, but it is enough to cover.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: ELKS.

BALLANTINE: People I’ve spoken to who watch the Elks regularly aren’t expecting much more from Ford, which is a bad sign for Edmonton.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: BOMBERS.

FILOSO: Tre Ford instantly makes the Elks better, but Winnipeg is still Winnipeg.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: ELKS.

GASSON: Edmonton will get a coaching change bump but is it enough against one of the best teams in the league?
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: ELKS.

GRANT: The Elks are coming off a bye with their most dangerous quarterback now at the helm and Winnipeg just crushed their only competition in the West. I smell an upset.
Straight-up: ELKS. Against the spread: ELKS.

HOSKINS: Edmonton’s changes give them a bump but they’re still playing one of the most dangerous teams in the league. I’ll say they keep it closer than expected.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: ELKS.

KLEIN: This could be a letdown spot for Winnipeg after last week’s big win, but they could suffer a massive letdown and still be better than Edmonton.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: BOMBERS.

MCGUIRE: How is the betting line only 12.5 points? Chris Jones is setting Tre Ford up to fail.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: BOMBERS.

SMITH: Tre Ford, Dee Ford, Ford Bronco. Winnipeg by a million.
Straight-up: BOMBERS. Against the spread: BOMBERS.

TOTALS STRAIGHT-UP: Winnipeg 10, Edmonton 1
TOTALS AGAINST THE SPREAD: Edmonton 6, Winnipeg 5