Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sports
Football
CFL
Last year, the Elks swept the series for the first time since 2004
Published Aug 29, 2025 • 3 minute read
Edmonton elks
The Edmonton Elks' Justin Rankin (5) and the Edmonton Elks celebrate a touchdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats'during CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium, in Edmonton Saturday Aug. 2, 2025. Photo by David Bloom Photo by David Bloom /Postmedia
Article content
“So, you’re telling me there’s a chance.”
Advertisement 2
Toronto Sun
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
Enjoy additional articles per month
Get email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
It’s a line made famous by Jim Carrey’s character, Lloyd Christmas, who finds he’s facing one out-of-a-million odds in the 1994 comedy classic, Dumb and Dumber.
Article content
Article content
And while the Edmonton Elks’ chances of making playoffs weren’t much better following a 1-4 start to the season, a three-game win streak has them at least pointed back in the right direction. And at a time when another famous quote applies — albeit moreso in Canadian Football League circles — “The season doesn’t really start until Labour Day.”
At 4-6 heading into the annual home-and-away series against the rival Calgary Stampeders, the Elks would find themselves in the crossover spot if playoffs were to begin tomorrow, and punching their first post-season ticket since 2019.
opening envelope
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
But for as long a journey as it’s been to get back to that point, there is still plenty of ground to cover in the schedule before they can make it a reality.
And the next stop on their path is McMahon Stadium on Monday (4 p.m., TSN, 880 CHED), where they will face a surging Stampeders squad that sits second in the West Division (7-3).
Last year, the Elks swept the series for the first time since 2004. It would be huge to do so again, but winning one of those games is probably essential to any playoff hopes.
Here are the current standings in the west:
Saskatchewan: 8-2
Calgary: 7-3
Winnipeg: 6-4
B.C.: 5-6
Edmonton: 4-7
Here are the current standings in the East:
Hamilton: 6-4
Montreal: 5-6
Toronto: 3-8
Ottawa: 3-8
On paper, the Elks, with four wins, are only one game behind B.C. and two games behind Winnipeg.
Advertisement 4
Article content
A deeper dive, though, shows in three games, Edmonton has two losses to the Lions and one to the Bombers. That hurts big time when it comes to potential tie-breakers.
The Elks somehow need to pass either B.C. or Winnipeg, and in conjunction with doing so, they also need to finish with a better record than Toronto and Ottawa to avoid a crossover the other way.
The next two weeks will tell us a lot.
B.C. and Ottawa play back to back. If either team sweeps the series, obviously, it will dramatically help the cause in Edmonton.
The Riders and Bombers play back to back, too. No doubt, a sweep by the Riders would be very helpful to the Elks.
Toronto travels to Hamilton on Labour Day. If you’re an Elks fan, it will be time to yell: “Oskee wee wee,” on Monday.
Advertisement 5
Article content
And most of all, Edmonton needs to pull off an upset in McMahon. If not, the return game to Commonwealth Stadium almost becomes a must win.
So, yes, Mr. Carrey. There IS “a chance.” And perhaps a much better chance than Lauren Holly’s classic line of “one out of a million.” In fact, if the Elks win on Monday, which would make it four straight, the chance suddenly will become very real.
Four in a row? Back in July, that would have sounded like just another line from the movie. Maybe even the dumbest of them all.
E-mail: gmoddejonge@postmedia.com
On X: @GerryModdejonge
Read More
[Edmonton Elks defensive back Kordell Jackson turns to run after making an interception during second half CFL football game action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. A big part of GM Ed Hervey's off-season was shoring up an Elks defence that last season was last in offensive yards (394.6 yards per game) and passing yards (313.4 yards) allowed per game and second-last overall in touchdowns surrendered (54).
Edmonton Elks chase fourth straight win when they face Calgary Stampeders on Monday](https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/edmonton-elks-chase-fourth-straight-win-when-they-face-calgary-stampeders-on-monday?itm_source=index&utm_source=read-more)
2. [Ottawa Redblacks defensive lineman Aidan John (93) tries to tackle Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) during second half CFL action in Ottawa, on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.
Visiting Elks win third straight with 30-20 victory over Redblacks](https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-elks/visiting-elks-win-third-straight-with-30-20-victory-over-redblacks?itm_source=edmonton-elks&utm_source=read-more)
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add EdmontonJournal.com and EdmontonSun.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Comments