The Elks Haven't Won a Season Opener Since 2019, And Ottawa Just Unleashed a 1,038-Yard Beast

Alright, Seattle On Tap fam, buckle up! The CFL season kicks off this Saturday, and the opener between the Ottawa Redblacks and Edmonton Elks in Canada's capital is loaded with storylines. Both finished in their division basements last year, Redblacks at 4-14 and Elks at 7-11. But it's a new year, right? Both teams bring serious optimism, and let me tell you, Ottawa has a new weapon that could absolutely change the game, while Edmonton fights serious demons from their past.

Ottawa's New Offense is Ready to Erupt

The Redblacks aren't messing around, folks. They’ve brought in serious talent, starting under center with Jake Maier, a six-year veteran replacing Dru Brown. Maier is already laying down the law, telling the Ottawa Citizen, "If you want to be a championship team, you've got to win your home games." He stressed that winning at home "sets you up pretty nicely throughout the season," especially with five of their first seven games there. The real game-changer? Offseason addition Greg Bell in the backfield. This dude LED the East Division in rushing last season with a monster 1,038 yards! He also reeled in 62 passes, a CFL best for running backs, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. That's a dual-threat Maier will rely on heavily. Plus, Ryan Dinwiddie is rocking three hats as GM, head coach, and offensive coordinator. He knows how to win, leading the Toronto Argonauts to playoffs in four of five seasons and bagging two Grey Cups. He's preaching a new culture, stating his guys need to learn how to win because they've "lost for a few years." This new Redblacks squad is here to make noise!

Can Edmonton Finally Break Their Early Season Curse?

Now, let's talk Elks. They've got high hopes after finishing 2025 strong, but their early season history is brutal. We're talking 0-9 in 2023, 0-7 in 2024, and losing six of their first seven in 2025. They haven't won a season opener since 2019! That streak needs to end, like, yesterday. Head coach Mark Kilam focuses on the present, saying they're "just trying to focus on the things we can control, and that's how we prepare out here on the field." The pressure is definitely on. Their QB, Cody Fajardo, a nine-year veteran, is on the cusp of huge milestones, needing just three touchdown passes for 100 and two rushing scores for 50. Plus, he's a killer against Ottawa with a sparkling 9-1 record. And running back Justin Rankin led the entire league last season in total yards from scrimmage with 1,726. So they've got talent, but can they finally break free from that cursed early-season slump?

This Saturday isn't just another game, it's a statement. Can Ottawa's new offense, led by Maier and the beast Greg Bell, start strong at home? Or will Fajardo and Rankin finally get the Elks off to a winning start and rewrite their grim early-season narrative? You know I'll be glued to it. What do you think, Seattle? Who's taking it?

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.