We're checking in on all nine CFL teams as Labour Day weekend approaches. The 113th Grey Cup is just over 10 weeks away, and contenders are jockeying for playoff seeding.
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BC | CGY | EDM | HAM | MTL | OTT | SSK | TOR | WPG
1. Montreal Alouettes (9-2)
The Alouettes top the rankings despite coming off their first lopsided loss of the season at Winnipeg, a defeat that also snapped their seven-game winning streak. Montreal dodged disaster, as MOP candidate Davis Alexander sustained a leg injury but managed not to miss a snap. That's great news for a prolific Alouettes offense that's averaging 35.9 points and 438.8 yards per game. Tyson Philpot is having a monster year - he's just 346 yards shy of Terry Evanshen's single-season receiving record for a Canadian (1,662).
Head coach Jason Maas and Co. are the clear front-runners to come out of the East Division for a second straight year and will be favored to hoist the Grey Cup.
2. Edmonton Elks (8-3)
The Elks are on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Head coach Mark Killam has molded his team into a legitimate contender ahead of the latest chapter in the Battle of Alberta. After setting the record for the longest home losing streak in CFL history a few years ago, Edmonton owns a 5-1 mark at Commonwealth Stadium this season. Cody Fajardo has done an admirable job of piloting the offense, and a defense allowing a league-low 25.4 points per game has helped fuel this impressive turnaround.
3. BC Lions (6-5)
The Lions have found their rhythm after stumbling to a 1-5 start. They enter the holiday weekend riding a five-game winning streak, and running back Zander Horvath has tallied a league-high 16 total touchdowns. The explosive tandem of Horvath and James Butler has helped lessen the burden on Nathan Rourke and the passing game. Defensive coordinator Mike Benevides has stamped his signature on the unit in recent weeks: BC's defense has recorded five takeaways over its past two outings.
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (7-4)
The Roughriders are keeping pace in the West Division and are coming off a win over the Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium. However, ball security is a concern. Before last weekend's victory, Trevor Harris had thrown at least one interception in eight straight games. Key contributors A.J. Ouellette, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Sam Emilus, Tevaughn Campbell, and Rolan Milligan Jr. have all been out with injuries, yet the team is staying above water.
The reigning Grey Cup champions halted a two-game skid when they defeated Toronto. However, Saskatchewan faces one of the CFL's toughest remaining slates, with the Banjo Bowl and a home-and-home against the Alouettes looming. If the Riders can get healthy, the Green Machine could be primed for another title run.
5. Calgary Stampeders (5-6)
Despite sitting in the basement of the West Division, Calgary could make some noise down the stretch. Dedrick Mills found his cape last weekend, galloping to a game-winning, 49-yard touchdown run against Hamilton. With Vernon Adams Jr. nearing full health, the Stamps are looking to climb the standings thanks to a league-leading offense averaging 36.9 points.
The path to the postseason won't be smooth for the Stamps, who play eight straight games before their next bye. Calgary needs to demonstrate resilience to have a chance at a deep playoff run.
6. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6-5)
Inconsistency haunted the Blue Bombers throughout the first half of the season. While there were flashes of brilliance, coach Mike O'Shea's squad was susceptible to letdowns. Blown coverages and costly penalties have been the main culprits on defense. However, after handing Montreal its second loss in convincing fashion last week, Winnipeg may have rediscovered its title-contending form.
The Blue Bombers also face a difficult road to the playoffs - their final seven games all come against playoff contenders. No team has been more battle-tested in recent years than the veteran-heavy Bombers, and they'll have to leverage that experience. On the plus side, Brady Oliveira has rushed for a league-leading 956 yards, and Zach Collaros has been looking like the two-time MOP version of himself.
7. Toronto Argonauts (5-6)
Montreal may be running away with the East Division, but the battle for the second spot continues. The Argonauts won four of five before their defeat by the Roughriders last week. Shawn Lemon's return to Toronto has been a boon: The 38-year-old has racked up an astounding eight sacks in five games. Chad Kelly is living dangerously, however, throwing seven touchdowns and eight interceptions over the last four games. Meanwhile, Damonte Coxie is approaching 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career.
The Boatmen have an opportunity to earn a home playoff game after opening the season with seven straight road games while the World Cup took over their city. Toronto is undefeated at BMO Field and can bolster its resume by sweeping Hamilton in their annual Labour Day clash.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-8)
The Tiger-Cats are riding the quarterback carousel. Bo Levi Mitchell is unlikely to return this season after undergoing ankle surgery. Tre Ford has shown flashes but hasn't done enough to keep Harrison Frost or Jake Dolegala off the field. While Ford has helped spark the run game, the Ticats have struggled to establish a balanced offensive attack.
Hamilton's third matchup against rival Toronto holds major playoff implications for both sides. The teams split their first two meetings, leaving a key tiebreaker advantage up for grabs.
9. Ottawa Redblacks (0-11)
Ryan Dinwiddie is having a disastrous first season as Ottawa's head coach and general manager. The Redblacks last won a game Sept. 2, 2025, under former coach Bob Dyce. The losing streak has resulted in lineup changes and highlighted the organization's lack of identity. The franchise recently fired vice president Shawn Burke a week after team president Adrian Sciarra stepped down.
Dinwiddie was brought in to help turn around a Redblacks squad that finished 4-14 last year. During Ottawa's bye week, the franchise must seriously consider whether its coach can solve the roster's many challenges.
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