There’s a new team sitting atop the SportsCage.com CFL Power Rankings after Week 4.
The Montreal Alouettes climb into the No. 1 spot following a dramatic 37-35 victory over Ottawa. At the same time, the Edmonton Elks continue their impressive rise, jumping two spots to No. 2 after knocking off Winnipeg on the road.
For the first time this season, and the first time in SportsCage.com Power Rankings history, there is a tie, with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats sharing third place.
The rankings generated plenty of debate this week. Montreal appeared on every ballot from first through fifth, while Edmonton collected four first-place votes despite also appearing as low as sixth on one ballot.
1. Montreal Alouettes (Last Week: 2)
The Alouettes continue to prove they're the CFL's most complete team. Davis Alexander threw for 345 yards and two touchdowns while Tyson Philpot exploded for 198 receiving yards in a thrilling win over Ottawa. Even after allowing the REDBLACKS to mount a furious comeback, Montreal found the answers late to improve to 3-1 and extend its winning streak over Ottawa to 12 games.
2. Edmonton Elks (Last Week: 4)
Nobody made a bigger statement in Week 4 than the Elks.
Edmonton erased questions about its ability to finish games by surviving Winnipeg's comeback before Cody Fajardo engineered the game-winning drive in the closing minutes. Justin Rankin continues to emerge as one of the CFL's top running backs, while the defence forced timely turnovers in a 23-18 victory that has the Elks off to their first 3-0 start since 2017.
T-3. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Last Week: 1)
The Roughriders slip two spots after suffering their first loss of the season, a 40-34 setback against Toronto at Mosaic Stadium.
Despite the defeat, Trevor Harris threw for 409 yards, and Saskatchewan showed plenty of fight by battling back repeatedly. Injuries and turnovers proved costly, but the Riders remain among the league's elite heading into Friday's matchup with Ottawa.
T-3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Last Week: 2)
Hamilton didn't play this week but remains among the CFL's top contenders. The Tiger-Cats hold steady despite sharing third place as other teams around them strengthened their resumes.
5. Toronto Argonauts (Last Week: 6)
The Argonauts continue climbing after handing Saskatchewan its first loss.
Chad Kelly threw for 321 yards, rookie receiver Tyler Kahmann scored twice, and Toronto's defence forced three critical turnovers, including ending Trevor Harris' streak of 196 consecutive passes without an interception. A road victory over the previously unbeaten Riders carries significant weight.
6. Calgary Stampeders (Last Week: 8)
Calgary moves up despite remaining below several teams with similar records.
The Stampeders finally found the win column with a 41-33 victory over B.C. Vernon Adams Jr. earned the 50th victory of his CFL career, while the offence delivered big plays and the defence generated four sacks. Even with the win, voters remain cautious until Calgary proves it can build consistency.
7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Last Week: 5)
Winnipeg slides after letting a 17-point deficit become too much to overcome.
The Blue Bombers briefly grabbed the lead in the fourth quarter before Edmonton answered with a late touchdown drive. Zach Collaros finished with 290 passing yards and two touchdowns, but Winnipeg's inability to close out the comeback drops them in this week's rankings.
8. B.C. Lions (Last Week: 7)
Nathan Rourke threw for 462 yards, but it wasn't enough as the Lions fell to Calgary in Kelowna.
The offence produced explosive numbers, yet defensive struggles and missed opportunities leave B.C. still searching for its first win of the season.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS (Last Week: 9)
Ottawa remains in ninth despite nearly pulling off a stunning comeback against Montreal.
Jake Maier threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns, while Kalil Pimpleton's kick-return touchdown nearly sparked an improbable rally. The REDBLACKS showed plenty of resilience, but until they start turning competitive performances into victories, they'll remain at the bottom of the rankings.
SportsCage.com Week 4 CFL Power Rankings
- Montreal Alouettes (Last Week: 2)
- Edmonton Elks (Last Week: 4)
- Saskatchewan Roughriders (Last Week: 1) – Tie
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Last Week: 2) – Tie
- Toronto Argonauts (Last Week: 6)
- Calgary Stampeders (Last Week: 8)
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Last Week: 5)
- B.C. Lions (Last Week: 7)
- Ottawa REDBLACKS (Last Week: 9)
