It was a light schedule in week 18 with only three scheduled games.  Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Montreal all had a bye in week 18.  Saskatchewan had a grind-out victory over Ottawa.  Hamilton embarrassed Toronto at BMO Field.  And, the week ended with BC continuing their 4-game winning streak with a win over Calgary.  With Ottawa officially out of the playoff race, Toronto soon followed.  It is also official that there will be a Western crossover for the upcoming 2025 CFL Playoffs.  For the week 19 scheduled games, it will be over the Canadian Thanksgiving Day long weekend.      

Here are your CFL News Hub Power Rankings – the Aftermath of Week 18.

1 – Saskatchewan Roughriders

Record: 11-4

Previous ranking:  1

Saskatchewan was on edge during its game against Ottawa, trying to halt its current 2-game losing streak.  Ottawa showed a lot of character, making it difficult for the Saskatchewan offence.  At the end of the day, good teams find ways to win, even if it was a bad performance.  Saskatchewan still maintains the best record in the CFL at 11-4.  With Toronto around the corner for their next scheduled game, they can inch closer to clinching the West Division.    

Next game:  Friday, October 10th, 2025, vs. Toronto.

2 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Record:  10-6

Previous ranking:  5

Hamilton’s goal in week 18 was simple.  Create more separation to edge closer to clinching the East Division.  Hamilton displayed a Hamilton-type performance over their arch-rivals, Toronto, at BMO Field.  The Hamilton defence was stellar with 9 sacks and 4 interceptions.  The Tiger-Cats as a whole were able to contain Toronto for the majority of the game with a commanding 47-29 victory.   

Next game:  Saturday, October 11th, 2025, vs. Calgary.

3 – BC Lions

Record:  9-7

Previous ranking:  6

The difference between BC now and before 8 weeks ago was their ability not to close out games when it mattered most.  It has been a big turnaround in the Leos Den.  Facing a struggling Calgary team, BC did its job, officially clinching a playoff spot.  Nathan Rourke played a great game despite tossing 2 interceptions.  He would go 25 for 32 in pass completions with 414 passing yards and 4 touchdown passes.  The BC defence was solid, allowing only 9 points entering the 4th quarter.  BC made a big statement with a 38-24 victory over Calgary.   

Next game:  BC will be on a bye in week 19.  Their next scheduled game will be on Friday, October 17th, 2025, vs. Edmonton.

4 – Montreal Alouettes

Record:  8-7

Previous ranking:  3

Montreal was on a bye in week 18.  They will now focus on their Thanksgiving Day game as they host Ottawa.

Next game:  Monday, October 13th, 2025, vs. Ottawa.

5 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Record: 8-7

Previous ranking:  2

Winnipeg enjoyed the week off with a bye in week 18.  It will be an interesting game when they head to Edmonton with both teams needing a win to solidify a playoff spot.   

Next game:  Saturday, October 11th, 2025, in Edmonton.

6 – Calgary Stampeders

Record:  8-7

Previous ranking:  4

Calgary fans are worried in Cow Town.  With the Stampeders currently experiencing a 4-game losing streak, they can be on the outside looking in in a hurry.  The Stampeders’ offence has been struggling to put points on the board.  With Winnipeg and Edmonton in the rearview mirror, Calgary will have a difficult setting with games against Hamilton, Toronto, and Edmonton, respectively.

Next game:  Saturday, October 11th, 2025, in Hamilton.

7 – Edmonton Elks

Record:  6-9 

Previous ranking:  7

Edmonton was also on a bye for week 18.  They will now have a date vs. Winnipeg.  This will be a playoff-type game, as both football teams need the win to continue a playoff run.  Mathematically, Edmonton will have to run the table with a 3-0 record and will need help to do so.  The Elks will need some losses in both Winnipeg and Calgary to potentially obtain a crossover spot.

Next game:  Saturday, October 11th, 2025, vs. Winnipeg.

8 – Toronto Argonauts

Record:  5-11

Previous ranking:  7

With the Argonauts on a slim chance of obtaining a playoff spot for the 2025 season, the game could not have been worse at the wrong time.  Nick Arbuckle went down early in the 1st quarter and did not return with an upper-body injury. Jaret Doege would come into relief, and was not productive to say the least.  There were pockets of the Argos as a whole making a game of it.  But the hill to climb was too big to overcome the obstacle.  They are officially out of a playoff hunt for the 2025 season.    

Next game:  Friday, October 10th, 2025, in Regina.

9 – Ottawa Redblacks

Record:  4-11

Previous ranking:  9

Ottawa could only play for pride for the remainder of the season.  It was a stingy display that they showed against the CFL’s best vs. Saskatchewan.  However, long losing streaks have been the norm in Ottawa this season.  It is something that they will have to address during the off-season with the CFL Draft and free agency.  It won’t be easy for Ottawa, as they close out their remaining games back-to-back against Montreal and a lone game against Winnipeg. 

Next game:  Monday, October 13th, 2025, in Montreal.