Labor Day weekend is here, and the most interesting matchup might be between the surging 2-9 Elks as +5 road dogs against the wallowing 3-5 Stampeders. The results could have huge playoff implications come November, as the third spot in the West division is still up for grabs and a potential crossover spot in the East.

This match is the first of the home-and-home series traditionally played in September. Calgary is 5-1 straight up (SU) in the last three series and 4-2 against the spread (ATS). When the game is held in Calgary, the Elks have the better ATS record at 2-1. Last year's meeting saw the Stampeders fail to cover a double-digit spread (-11.5) but pounded the Elks in the rematch 56-28 as -8.5 favorites. In the first game, the Elks
kept the Stampeder's offense off the field most of the game-winning the time of possession 35:18 to 24:42 but lost the turnover battle 3-2. Edmonton also gave up 75 yards on penalties and was sacked six times for a loss of 38 yards.

In the following week's rematch, Edmonton won the turnover battle, gave up fewer sacks, and took fewer penalties, but the Stampeder offense was too much as they amassed a total of 467 total yards, 180 of those on the ground. Tommy Stevens was unstoppable in short-yardage opportunities, scoring four times from the 1-yard line, and the home losing streak continued for the Elks as they lost 56-28.

In recent weeks, a resurgent Elks team has come alive as they have now won in back-to-back weeks, finally ending their 22-game home losing streak against Ottawa in week 12. The move over the bye-week to promote Jarious Jackson to offensive coordinator and start Canadian national Tre Ford at quarterback has paid off, as they've gone 2-1 SU since then and have averaged 27.6 points per game (PPG) in that span.

The Elks, under head coach Chris Jones, have played well on defense and special teams, but now, with their offense clicking, they are a solid three-phase team.

Calgary has had similar troubles as the Elks so far this year, going 1-4 SU at home and averaging only 22.6 PPG. They are 1-4 SU in their last 5, and their single victory came against a Toronto team that played most of the game with their backup, Cameron Dukes, who replaced starter Chad Kelly after he went out in the second quarter with an ankle injury. The Stamps traded scores last week with Toronto for three quarters, as Jake Mairer threw four touchdown passes, but Toronto shut them out in the
fourth and overtook them for good, winning 31-39 in the end.

The Stamp's recent SU results have been pretty dismal, to be certain, but considering the strength of opponents they've faced (first and second-division leaders), they've played well, keeping scores close and having a chance to win most games.

Other than the loss in BC, where the Stamps were pummeled 9-37, the defense and special teams have played well enough to give them a chance to win; if their offense comes alive like it did last week, they could take this one.

Weather was a factor a couple of weeks ago in their narrow 19-18 defeat to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a crosswind hampered both team's passing game. The current forecast is for cloudy and 16 degrees Celsius. Both teams appear fairly healthy with no key injuries to note, but Calgary had three defensive linemen that did not practice Thursday or Friday. Therefore, Mike Moore, Kelon Thomas, and TJ Rayam's
status for game day is uncertain.

Teams are always motivated on Labor Day, whether they are playing for playoff spots or pride. These teams are fairly even on paper, but Edmonton has done well in Calgary on Labor Day, posting a 2-1 ATS record.

Additionally, Calgary plays a lot of close games where they trade scores until the end. Two struggling teams often play close games against each other as neither one can take the lead and hold it. Furthermore, I
I never feel confident backing teams with a 3-8 record when they're giving points.