# The 2026 CFL News Hub Power Rankings – the Aftermath of Week 20

Source page: https://profootballnewshub.com/cfl/news/2026-cfl-news-hub-power-rankings-aftermath-week-20

By Dino Sepe · Published 2026-10-21 16:36 UTC · Updated 2026-10-21 16:36 UTC

There were many implications on the line in Week 20. It also had all the elements fans wanted: fighting for some final playoff spots that were available in the West Division.

The week began with the biggest surprise. Ottawa finally won a game to break their 0-16 record with a seesaw battle over Toronto, 40-39. The Edmonton defence were the difference-makers in a 35-27 win over Winnipeg. Saskatchewan hung on in a narrow 16-12 win over Montreal. Week 20 ended with a 32-13 Calgary win over BC to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Hello CFL Fans! Here are your CFL News Hub Power Rankings after Week 20.

**1 –**[Montreal Alouettes](https://en.montrealalouettes.com/)

Record: 13-4

Previous ranking: 1

For a team that rested Davis Alexander, Tyson Philpot, Tyler Snead, Stevie Scott III, and Lorenzo Burns, Montreal made it difficult for Saskatchewan.

At the end of the day, when you have the best record in the regular season, it makes it easier for other depth players to get more playing time. After all, it is one of the perks that come with a successful season.

Moreover, it gives more rest for starters and re-evaluates which players could be placed in certain strategies or scenarios.

The work is still not done in Montreal, as their main goal now is to get to the Grey Cup. It’s one game at a time.

Next game: Friday, October 23rd, 2026, in Toronto.

**2 –**[Edmonton Elks](https://www.goelks.com/)

Record: 13-4

Previous ranking: 3

Congratulations to the City of Edmonton on clinching the West Division!

After many losing seasons since 2021, the Elks have been the feel-good story in the CFL this season.

Edmonton played an exceptional game to close out their home games in front of their own fans.

The Elks’ defence was the story, causing many obstacles for Winnipeg. It’s a good problem to have when an Edmonton team leads the league in all of the most important defensive categories.

Next game: Saturday, October 24th, 2026, in Saskatchewan.

**3 –**[BC Lions](https://www.bclions.com/)

Record: 10-7

Previous ranking: 2

It was a game for BC; it could not mathematically move up or down in the West Division standings.

After halftime, Nathan Rourke, Justin McInnis, and Keon Hatcher were relieved of their duties.

With nothing to play for and gearing up for the playoffs, Kaidon Salter experienced some valuable game time lessons.

BC could not do much offensively with only 23:33 of time of possession. Salter was 6 for 14, 113 yards, 1 interception, and 23 rushing yards on 3 attempts.

Next game: Friday, October 23rd, 2026, vs. Winnipeg.

**4 –**[Calgary Stampeders](https://www.stampeders.com/)

Record: 9-9

Previous ranking: 7

Calgary took full advantage by exploiting a rested BC Lions team.

Knowing that this was their last scheduled game of the season, Vernon Adams Jr. went to work.

Vernon Adams Jr. tossed the ball at will, letting his arm do the talking with 324 yards, 1 touchdown pass, and 1 interception.

Deonta McMahon had a big day, running 105 yards on 5 carries.

Unfortunately for Calgary, they don’t hold their own destiny. The Stampeders will have to wait to see the outcome in Week 21. Calgary fans are hoping for a Winnipeg loss, as Winnipeg won the series 2-1 over Calgary.

Next game: None. Calgary completed their regular-season schedule in Week 20.

**5 –**[Toronto Argonauts](https://www.argonauts.ca/)

Record: 9-8

Previous ranking: 4

The upset loss to Ottawa isn’t the real issue here, as Toronto might have lost more than a meaningless game.

Chad Kelly would go down early and be replaced by Nick Arbuckle.

With the playoffs starting in two weeks, the timing couldn't be worse.

The Argos played well, but the more desperate team won.

The reasoning was likely for Kelly to play up to halftime and be replaced by Arbuckle. On the flip side, the Argos could have rested Kelly and shared the duties between Nick Arbuckle and Tucker Horn.

Next game: Friday, October 23rd, 2026, vs. Montreal.

**6 –**[Saskatchewan Roughriders](https://www.riderville.com/)

Record: 9-8

Previous ranking: 6

The big picture is Saskatchewan punched their ticket to the postseason.

The bad part for the Roughriders was the lack of execution against the Montreal defence. Adding a long stretch of inconsistent football this season by the defending Grey Cup Champions, there was no sense of urgency for a team fighting for a playoff spot.

It was not pretty; Saskatchewan were able to overcome a stingy Montreal team to clinch a playoff spot.

Next game: Saturday, October 24th, 2026, in Saskatchewan.

**7 –**[Winnipeg Blue Bombers](https://www.bluebombers.com/)

Record: 8-9

Previous ranking: 5

The result is simple for Winnipeg – win, and you're in. It’s as simple as that.

Winnipeg felt immense pressure from the Edmonton defence, causing problems for Zach Collaros.

The Bombers’ defence got steamrolled, giving up 212 yards from the Edmonton running game.

With BC resting players, this could be Winnipeg’s last shot for a playoff spot.

Next game: Friday, October 23rd, 2026, in BC.

**8 –**[Hamilton Tiger-Cats](https://ticats.ca/)

Record: 5-12

Previous ranking: 8

Hamilton was on a bye in Week 20.

It’s unfortunate for Hamilton fans to see their leader, Bo Levi Mitchell, go down in Week 5 suffering a serious ankle injury.

The news became official on Monday, September 14th, 2026, that he would be inactive for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Fans could only wonder how far the Hamilton Tiger-Cats could have gone this season with the presence of Bo Levi Mitchell orchestrating the Hamilton offence.

Next game: Saturday, October 24th, 2026, vs. Ottawa.

**9 -**[Ottawa Redblacks](https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/)

Record: 1-16

Previous ranking: 9

Congratulations to the Ottawa Redblacks for overcoming adversity in their first win of the 2026 season.

Bryson Barnes was spectacular in his first-ever start for Ottawa. He brought a run-and-gun offence and spread the ball to all corners of the field, stretching the Argos defence.

He also brought life throughout the game, completing 27 of 37 passes for 339 yards, 2 touchdown passes, and an average pass completion of 9.2 yards.

When a big play was needed, Bryson Barnes would call his own number, continuing key drives with 62 yards on the ground.

The Redblacks were on borrowed time to prevent a winless season. At the moment, they brought some pride to the Nation’s Capital for Ottawa fans.

Next game: Saturday, October 24th, 2026, in Hamilton.

From Pro Football News Hub. More at https://profootballnewshub.com/llms.txt
