CFL Power Rankings: Stamps, Ticats surge into mid-July

With six weeks of CFL action in the books, we're sizing up the landscape on the road to the 112th Grey Cup in the latest edition of theScore's CFL Power Rankings.

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1. Calgary Stampeders (4-1)

After handing the Blue Bombers their first loss in Week 5, Calgary delivered an encore performance over the previously undefeated Roughriders last week. The Vernon Adams Jr. acquisition is paying dividends - he's thrown five touchdowns over the past two weeks and torched Saskatchewan with a 428-yard passing performance. Tailback Dedrick Mills is a nice complement to Adams, and the emergence of 2025 first overall pick Damien Alford has been a boon in the absence of Reggie Begelton. The Stampeders' defense has played a significant role in the team's early success, too, limiting opposing offenses to just 16.6 points per game, the best mark in the league.

2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1)

Saskatchewan charged out of the gates, imposing its will with a ground-and-pound formula and tailback A.J. Ouellette serving as the focal point. The Roughriders are third in the CFL with 114 rushing yards per contest and are limiting opponents to an average of 80 yards on the ground. A stingy defense is backing up the offense, and head coach Corey Mace looks to have set up his squad for prolonged success. While their bid for a perfect season came to an end last weekend, the Riders remain in the thick of a contentious battle for the top spot in the West Division.

3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-2)

Explosive and entertaining weren't common descriptions for Hamilton's offense a year ago, but here we are. Bo Levi Mitchell is two weeks removed from a five-touchdown performance against Toronto and is playing with the exuberance of a 25-year-old. Mitchell's connection with receiver Kenny Lawler has the Tiger-Cats leading the CFL with 31.6 points per game and averaging 299.2 passing yards per contest. An opportunistic defense has chipped in 13 turnovers to help the Tabbies collect three straight wins after an 0-2 start, elevating them to first place in the East Division.

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-1)

The Blue Bombers remain a staple in the West Division conversation, where three teams have just one loss through six weeks of action. Brady Oliveira is back in the fold after missing time due to a shoulder injury and had 112 yards on 19 touches in Week 5 versus Calgary. Zach Collaros had a pair of pick-6s in that matchup, Winnipeg's first loss. The Bombers are mortal, and they may need to rely on their defense as offensive injuries mount.

5. Montreal Alouettes (3-2)

The Alouettes are in a bit of a rut. After starting the year with three consecutive wins, Jason Maas' club has lost back-to-back contests going into its first open week. Davis Alexander's absence in each defeat can't be overlooked. His potential return ahead of an East Division clash against the Argos could help the Als return to their prolific form. Montreal's defense remains stout, allowing the second-fewest points per game (19.8) through five outings.

6. B.C. Lions (3-3)

The Lions were relieved to have Nathan Rourke back under center to begin July after the star signal-caller missed two games with an oblique issue. After passing for 352 yards in a win against Montreal in Week 5, Rourke threw for 345 yards in a victory over Edmonton to lift B.C. to a 3-3 record. James Butler's 207 scrimmage yards against the Elks provided the type of firepower the offense desperately needed. B.C.'s defense has locked down opposing passing games to the tune of a league-leading 181.8 yards per outing, but the same can't be said about a run defense that's giving up the second-most yards (124.7) through six matchups.

7. Toronto Argonauts (1-4)

The Boatmen have been competitive each week but are struggling to tread water. Injuries have depleted their running back group and sidelined several core pieces, including linebacker Wynton McManis. Thursday's matchup against Montreal could serve as the return game for several starters, including 2023 CFL MOP Chad Kelly. Defensive end Andrew Chatfield Jr. has been a revelation on the Argos' defense, leading the league with five sacks.

8. Ottawa Redblacks (1-5)

Dru Brown's hot start to the season hasn't resulted in many wins for the Redblacks. Ottawa's 13 turnovers through six contests have stunted the franchise from securing a second win. It's a familiar tune for head coach Bob Dyce's squad, which has endured hiccups despite flashes of positive momentum. The Redblacks' fortunes are unlikely to change if they continue to pile onto their staggering 54 penalties, which have cost them 479 yards.

9. Edmonton Elks (1-4)

It wasn't hard to doubt the Elks after the team once again stumbled out of the gate to an 0-3 start. Edmonton found its stride against Ottawa in Week 5 to notch its first win in July since 2022, but followed it up with a lopsided loss to the Lions. The latest defeat opened the door to a potential quarterback controversy after Tre Ford was benched for Cody Fajardo. With a lack of production on both sides of the ball, head coach Mark Kilam is in a similar position to his predecessor, Chris Jones.