CFL Power Rankings: Risers, fallers and mid-season awards favourites

We have now reached the midway point of the CFL season, and long-lingering questions are starting to get answers.

Some clubs have delivered on their pre-season promise, while others have struggled out of the gate. Injuries and poor performances have already reshaped the outlook on the season, but fortunes can change quickly in an 18-game season.

As always, the CFL is a league defined by swings in momentum. A hot month can turn a middling season into a playoff push, while injuries or poor execution can send a contender spiralling.

The rankings you saw ahead of Week 1? They certainly look a lot different now.

Here’s where all nine teams stand:

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-1)

Pre-season ranking: 4th

The Roughriders have taken a big step forward in solidifying themselves as Grey Cup contenders. A balanced attack (second in points per game), stingy defence (fewest points allowed per game) and dominant performances have made them the team to beat. At this rate, the biggest question is simply whether they can sustain this pace into November, when the games matter most.

2. Calgary Stampeders (6–3)

Pre-season ranking: 9th

The Stampeders are proving that a lot can change in one off-season as general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson has put his team back into a contending position. Vernon Adams Jr.'s strong play at quarterback has changed the dynamic of Calgary's offence, while the defence has seen a resurgence under co-ordinator Bob Slowik. Calgary is firmly in the mix for a West Division crown, but keeping pace with Saskatchewan will be tough.

3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-4)

Pre-season ranking: 7th

Could this be the year the Tiger-Cats end their Grey Cup drought? Bo Levi Mitchell is having a throwback season thanks in part to the addition of Kenny Lawler. The duo have been tough to stop while powering the TiCats to the top of the standings. With the pace they're on, they're likely to earn their spot in the East Final, which would give them a major advantage come November.

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-4)

Pre-season ranking: 1st

It has not been the type of season we've come to expect from Winnipeg. Yet despite a three-game losing streak, the Blue Bombers remain in the thick of things. Their playoff experience makes them a team that you can't take lightly, but they need Zach Collaros and Brady Oliveira to be at their best if they want to be in the mix to play at a home Grey Cup.

5. B.C. Lions (5-5)

Pre-season ranking: 6th

It's tough to gauge what the Lions are right now. At times, their offence has looked unstoppable, which has led to some impressive wins. But defensively, they need to show that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with the elite teams in the league. B.C. will need to find another gear if it wants to contend for one of the playoff spots in the West, but the crossover could also be in play given how the East Division has performed.

6. Montreal Alouettes (5-5)

Pre-season ranking: 3rd

The defending East Division champs have been steady and looked like a formidable contender out of the gate. However, a hamstring injury to starting quarterback Davis Alexander has the team trending in the wrong direction. Without Alexander, Montreal is 1-5 this season. After third-string quarterback Caleb Evans suffered a knee injury with backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson also on the six-game injured list, the Alouettes will have to turn to James Morgan to take the snaps. While Montreal still has the talent on defence to be competitive, its quarterback situation will need to improve if it wants to hold its playoff spot.

7. Edmonton Elks (3-6)

Pre-season ranking: 8th

The Elks are still finding their identity under new leadership. There have been strides, but they remain on the outside looking in after a brutal start. Cody Fajardo has improved the team's outlook, leading them to back-to-back wins, but the playoffs still look like a long shot in a tough West Division.

8. Ottawa Redblacks (3-7)

Pre-season ranking: 5th

It’s been a tough road for Ottawa this season in what should have been a great opportunity to take a big step forward. Dru Brown has battled injuries and inconsistent play, but the Redblacks aren't going away quietly. Given the way the East Division has played, there is still an opportunity for Ottawa to turn its season around, but the margin for error is slim, and the team is running out of games to turn things around.

9. Toronto Argonauts (2-8)

Pre-season ranking: 2nd

It's been a season to forget for the Grey Cup champions. The Argos have stumbled badly with inconsistent play on all three phases, an offensive line that has taken a big step back and disappointing losses that have led to head coach Ryan Dinwiddie calling out his players on multiple occasions. While the team still has hope of turning things around with half a season left to play, the team has to find a way to stack up wins or start looking ahead to 2026.

The playoff push isn't the only race to keep an eye on in the final half of the season.

The frontrunners for the CFL awards are starting to take shape, and there are a few individuals who will make their case to receive some hardware.

Here are the leading contenders for each award:

Most Outstanding Player (MOP)

The contenders: Bo Levi Mitchell (Hamilton), Trevor Harris (Saskatchewan), Vernon Adams Jr. (Calgary)

Once again, it's looking like the award will be given to a quarterback — and it seems like each week, someone new makes their claim. Right now, Mitchell leads the league in passing yards, but Harris has the better quarterback rating, and Adams Jr. has the most yards per attempt. It might come down to the wire for which quarterback takes hold of the league's highest honour.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player

The contenders: Jaylon Hutchings (Calgary), Jameer Thurman (Saskatchewan), Tyrice Beverette (Montreal)

Defence is among many reasons the Stampeders have emerged as contenders with Hutchings leading the way, recording six sacks despite being targeted with consistent double teams. Thurman was a priority to bring back in the off-season and he continues to be an anchor for a Roughriders defence that is the top unit in the league. Beverette has earned top grades among linebackers by Pro Football Focus with three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles so far this season.

Most Outstanding Canadian

The contenders: Nathan Rourke (B.C.), Nic Demski (Winnipeg), Adrian Greene (Calgary)

After a rocky return to the CFL late last season, Rourke has found his form this season as a dynamic playmaker. The Lions quarterback is third in passing yards and touchdowns and has an impressive 110.4 rating, which has him comfortably in the lead for his second Most Outstanding Canadian award. Demski is showing that he has a lot left in the tank, leading all Canadian receivers in yards and touchdowns. Greene has been a big playmaker for the Stampeders on defence, leading the CFL with four interceptions.

Coach of the Year

The contenders: Corey Mace (Saskatchewan), Dave Dickenson (Calgary), Scott Milanovich (Hamilton)

What Mace has done with the Roughriders this season has been impressive. Saskatchewan has been competitive despite losing some core players to injuries, especially on the offensive line and at receiver. As a defence-first coach, Mace's unit ranks near the top of the league in points allowed, sacks and yards allowed. It's tough seeing anyone else challenging him unless the Roughriders are unable to maintain their pace.

Most Outstanding Rookie

The contenders: Derek Slywka (Toronto), Damien Alford (Calgary), Christopher Fortin (Calgary)

There was a lot of buzz around Slywka during Argos training camp for his ability to play on both sides of the ball. While we have only seen him used on defence, those skills have been on display with the two touchdowns he scored against Ottawa, including a missed field goal that he returned for 100-plus yards.

Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman

The contenders: Jermarcus Hardrick (Saskatchewan), Jarell Broxton (B.C.), Pier-Olivier Lestage (Montreal)

Both the Lions and Roughriders have done a formidable job protecting their quarterback, with their O-lines playing a part in their team's running game as well. Hardrick has ranked among the top linemen in the CFL, according to Pro Football Focus, and seems like he'll be in the conversation as long as the Roughriders continue to stay at the top of the league.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player

The contenders: Isaiah Wooden (Hamilton), Sean Whyte (B.C.), Kalil Pimpleton (Ottawa)

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