Week 3 delivered overtime drama, statement wins and a major shake-up in the middle of the Canadian Football League standings.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders remain the unanimous choice at the top of the SportsCage CFL Power Rankings after surviving a double-overtime thriller in Calgary, while Hamilton and Toronto made the biggest moves of the week.
At the other end, Ottawa stays locked into ninth after falling to the Argonauts, and B.C. suffered the biggest drop following a lopsided loss in Hamilton.
1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0) (Last Week: 1)
No movement at the top.
The Roughriders backed up their No. 1 ranking by finding another way to win.
Saskatchewan outlasted Calgary 40-37 in double overtime on Saturday in one of the CFL’s most entertaining games of the young season. Short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens scored twice, including the game-winning plunge in the second overtime period.
Trevor Harris threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns while Kian Schaffer-Baker continued his red-hot start with eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
The Riders built a 23-7 halftime lead, survived a Calgary comeback and once again showed they can win in multiple ways.
Consensus No. 1. No debate this week.
2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-1) (Last Week: 4)
Biggest riser of the week.
Hamilton looked every bit like a contender in a dominant 41-27 victory over B.C.
Bo Levi Mitchell was surgical again, posting a perfect quarterback rating for the second consecutive week while throwing five touchdown passes.
The Ticats are rolling offensively and suddenly look like one of the league’s most complete teams.
3. Montreal Alouettes (2-1) (Last Week: 2)
The Alouettes lost, but not enough to tumble far.
Montreal dropped a rain-soaked overtime game in Edmonton and suffered Davis Alexander’s first regular-season loss as a starter.
There is no shame in losing on the road in difficult conditions, but the offence disappeared for stretches after building an early lead.
Still one of the CFL’s elite — just not No. 1 anymore.
4. Edmonton Elks (2-0) (Last Week: 5)
Maybe the biggest surprise through three weeks.
The Elks improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2019 and earned one of the league’s best wins by knocking off Montreal.
Justin Rankin exploded for 179 rushing yards and two touchdowns while Cody Fajardo delivered in overtime.
Edmonton is earning respect quickly.
5. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0) (Last Week: 6)
Didn’t play — still moved up.
Sometimes bye weeks work in your favour.
With B.C. falling and Calgary still searching for its first win, Winnipeg quietly climbed a spot without taking the field.
6. Toronto Argonauts (1-1) (Last Week: 8)
Another major mover.
Toronto jumped two spots after dismantling Ottawa 44-24.
Chad Kelly threw for 424 yards and four touchdowns — and somehow did it despite four interceptions.
The offence showed explosive potential and looked far more dangerous than it did in Week 2.
7. B.C. Lions (1-2) (Last Week: 3)
The biggest fall of the week.
Billed as a heavyweight quarterback matchup, B.C. never showed up.
Nathan Rourke struggled against Hamilton’s defence, and injuries continue to pile up around the Lions' receiving corps.
From No. 3 to No. 7 is a reminder of how quickly things can change early in the CFL season.
8. Calgary Stampeders (0-2) (Last Week: 7)
There are no moral victories — but Calgary showed life.
The Stampeders stormed back from 16 points down and forced overtime against the league’s top-ranked team.
Vernon Adams Jr. delivered late, and Dedrick Mills found another gear in the fourth quarter.
Still, close losses don’t count in the standings.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS (0-2) (Last Week: 9)
No movement.
Ottawa remains the unanimous choice at the bottom.
The REDBLACKS had opportunities after forcing four Chad Kelly interceptions, but could not convert enough of them into points.
Until Ottawa starts closing games and protecting the football, they stay here.
SportsCage Week 3 Power Rankings:
- Saskatchewan
- Hamilton
- Montreal
- Edmonton
- Winnipeg
- Toronto
- B.C.
- Calgary
- Ottawa
