The Labour Day Classic was in full effect this past weekend and did not disappoint. As usual, the environment is simply different from that of any other regular-season game. It is the one game that does have a playoff atmosphere, and it did not disappoint. Saskatchewan and Winnipeg flexed their muscles, and Saskatchewan got the upper hand in their tilt vs. Winnipeg. In the battle of the Queen Elizabeth Way, Toronto shocked Hamilton and earned a much-needed win in the Hammer. Calgary was too strong, and Edmonton looked out of place as Calgary won the Battle of Alberta.
Hello CFL fans, here are your CFL News Hub power rankings. The Aftermath of week 13.
Record: 9-2
Previous rankling: 2
Good teams find ways to win. This was the case in another nail-biter of a game when Saskatchewan had another date with Winnipeg. Saskatchewan knew that they had to somehow, someway, halt the Winnipeg running game. Not only did they do just that, but they also did a complete shutdown, allowing a total of 26 yards. Brady Oliveira had 24 of those rushing yards. Saskatchewan continued their heavy-hitting, disrupting the Winnipeg offensive line with 5 sacks. On the offence, it was well balanced with Tommy Nield leading the way with 86 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, followed by Dohnte Meyers for 64 receiving yards, and KeeSean Johnson with 45 receiving yards. The ground attack was led by none other than AJ Ouellette with 89 rushing yards and 1 touchdown, and Mario Anderson with 34 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Winnipeg showed a lot of resilience late in the game and almost pulled off a victory. Saskatchewan was able to hold them off for a 34-30 victory.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, in Winnipeg.
Record: 8-3
Previous rankling: 1
The Stamps did not take anything for granted when they had a date with Edmonton. Calgary was looking to find ways to handle Edmonton and put a firm halt to their current 3-game winning streak. Calgary did just that with a convincing 28-7 victory. Calgary protected the football at all costs, not allowing any sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles. On the defence, they penetrated the Edmonton offensive line and made it a long day for Cody Fajardo to create any spark at any point during the game.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, in Edmonton.
Record: 6-5
Previous rankling: 4
There are times on a schedule when you wish there was something else you could have done that could have changed the outcome of the game. The Bombers felt these moments after their encounter with Saskatchewan. This is not to say that Winnipeg did not show up. They put up a big fight and experienced a 2nd half surge to keep within distance of winning this game. With the running game non-existent, Winnipeg was forced to counter mainly in the passing game. Any team that abandons the running game is generally not the same. Especially a Winnipeg team that has been the staple of a balanced offence. Going 8 for 21 on 2nd down attempts to extend drives was one area in which Winnipeg displayed inconsistencies.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, vs Saskatchewan.
Record: 6-5
Previous rankling: 3
The Tiger-Cats wanted nothing more than to put a pounding on Toronto on Labour Day. Just like the Winnipeg vs. Saskatchewan game, it was similar in nature. Both teams took jabs at one another as if it were a heavyweight boxing match until one team would either crack or wear down due to fatigue. In the end, it was nothing like it. Bo Levi Mitchell was the architect of a 4th quarter comeback for the Tabbies, connecting key passes to both Kenny Lawler and Kiondre Smith. They took the lead with 00:18 left on the clock and up 33-32. The Argos needed a miracle, and they got just that with a game-winning field goal with 00:01 left on the clock. Nick Arbuckle countered a magical drive like no other to seal a 35-33 victory.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, in Montreal.
Record: 4-8
Previous rankling: 8
With the Double Blue coming off a big win over BC the week prior, the Argos turned their attention to their most anticipated match against Hamilton. This game had all of the ups and downs as you would witness in a football game. Whoever made the trip to Hamilton on Labour Day got their money's worth with some high-level entertainment. Nick Arbuckle went toe-to-toe with one of the league's best in Bo Levi Mitchell. The Argos were looking to turn around their showing from their 51-38 loss to Hamilton at home in week 5. In the end, Toronto shocked the home crowd with a 35-33 victory. Spencer Brown was spectacular with 10 carries for 90 yards with a 9.0 average yards per carry. The unsung hero, as it has been for the last three weeks, was Jake Herslow. He was a thorn in the Hamilton secondary, accumulating 67 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
Next game: The Argos will be on a bye for week 15. Their next scheduled game will be at home on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, vs. Edmonton.
6 – BC Lions
Record: 5-6
Previous rankling: 6
The Leos were on a bye in week 13. They will turn their attention to Ottawa. BC is a team that is searching for consistency for the remainder of the 2025 CFL season. The talent is there. Unfortunately, it has cost them games that could have transitioned into wins.
Next game: Friday, September 5th, 2025, in Ottawa.
Record: 5-6
Previous rankling: 7
Montreal was on a bye in week 13. There is hope around the corner that Davis Aleander is healthy to play. Unfortunately for Montreal, their offence is not the same without the likes of Davis Alexander as their signal caller. With that said, it could be an issue if, by chance, Davis Alexander suffers another setback anywhere down the stretch.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, vs. Hamilton.
8 – Edmonton Elks
Record: 4-7
Previous rankling: 5
Just when Edmonton looked to be on the right track, the complete opposite was on display as seen on Labour Day. This was a game Edmonton needed to keep pace with a playoff spot. More importantly, to get a win in their division. Edmonton was exposed all game. No touchdowns scored, with a total of 7 points all game. On the defensive side of the ball, they were unable to create any sense of overall pressure on Calgary. Dedrick Mills tore up the Edmonton front 7 with 106 rushing yards on 17 carries with a 6.2 average yards per carry. On a positive note, they will meet up again in a back-to-back series. Edmonton needs to shake this one off and focus on the attention to detail that will be needed if they are to cause an upset and extend their win total against Calgary again.
Next game: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, vs. Calgary.
9 – Ottawa Redblacks
Record: 3-8
Previous rankling: 9
Ottawa was on a bye for week 13. They will now focus their attention on adding to their win totals for the remainder of the season. Ottawa fans are hopeful that QB Dru Brown will be fully healthy sooner rather than later, to play for pride, and make a possible push for a playoff spot.
Next game: Friday, September 5th, 2025, vs. BC.