The Edmonton Elks are no longer just a feel-good story; they're a legitimate Grey Cup contender.
Following their dramatic 36-34 walk-off victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Elks jump from No. 3 to No. 2 in this week's SportsCage.com CFL Power Rankings, trailing only the Montreal Alouettes. Saskatchewan slips one spot to third after suffering its first loss since Week 4, while the Toronto Argonauts make the biggest move of the week after their convincing win over B.C.
1. Montreal Alouettes (6-1) — Last Week: 1
The Alouettes remain the team to beat after winning their fourth straight game, defeating Hamilton 31-18. Montreal continues to find different ways to win, leaning on a balanced offence, a physical defence and a dominant ground game led by Travis Theis, who rushed for a career-high 156 yards. Until someone knocks them off, the Als stay on top.
2. Edmonton Elks (6-1) — Last Week: 3
Another jump up this week for the Elks.
Cody Fajardo had one of the best performances of his career, throwing for a career-high 510 yards and four touchdowns as Edmonton edged Saskatchewan on the final play. The Elks now own a league-best 6-1 record (tied with Montreal), boast the CFL's top takeaway defence and proved they can win a heavyweight battle against one of the league's elite teams.
3. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-2) — Last Week: 2
The Roughriders fall a spot, but not far.
Trevor Harris threw for 386 yards and four touchdowns while Kian Schaffer-Baker exploded for 185 receiving yards, yet Saskatchewan couldn't slow Cody Fajardo when it mattered most. The Riders remain one of the CFL's best teams, but after losing at home to Edmonton, they slide behind the Elks heading into this week's rematch.
4. Calgary Stampeders (3-4) — Last Week: 5
The Stampeders continue trending upward after dismantling Winnipeg 52-30.
Vernon Adams Jr. keeps rewriting the record book while Tyreik McAllister produced one of the most unique performances in CFL history with rushing, receiving and return touchdowns in the same half. Calgary's offence is rolling and looks capable of challenging anyone in the West.
5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-3) — Last Week: 4
The Bombers continue searching for consistency.
Winnipeg's offence still produced points, but four interceptions proved far too much to overcome against Calgary. Brady Oliveira reached another career milestone, but the Bombers have now dropped behind both Alberta clubs in the West pecking order.
6. Toronto Argonauts (3-4) — Last Week: 8
The biggest jump of the week belongs to Toronto.
The Argonauts controlled B.C. from start to finish despite losing Chad Kelly during the game. Makai Polk scored twice, the defence dominated, and Toronto finally looked like the team many expected before the season began. If they can stay healthy, they could continue climbing.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-4) — Last Week: 7
Hamilton stays put despite another loss.
The Tiger-Cats played the CFL's top-ranked team tough for stretches but couldn't capitalize on multiple turnovers. There are encouraging signs defensively, but consistency on offence continues to be an issue.
8. B.C. Lions (1-5) — Last Week: 6
The biggest fall of the week.
The Lions have now lost two straight games and continue searching for answers without Nathan Rourke. Toronto's defence overwhelmed B.C., while the offence struggled to generate sustained drives. Until the Lions show signs of life, they'll remain near the bottom of the rankings.
9. Ottawa Redblacks (0-6) — Last Week: 9
No movement for Ottawa.
The Redblacks remain in the basement after another week watching the rest of the league separate itself from the pack. They'll need to string together wins quickly if they hope to climb back into the playoff conversation.
