The 2025 CFL season has crystallized a competitive landscape where a few teams stand out as clear contenders, while others emerge as intriguing dark horses capable of disrupting expectations. The Saskatchewan Roughriders lead the West Division with a strong 6-1 record, showcasing a balanced team with depth and coaching continuity that gives them a sustainable edge. Their ability to maintain consistent performance on both sides of the ball, combined with a robust defense and efficient offense, positions them as the top contender in the West. Calgary Stampeders, sitting just behind at 5-2, also merit serious consideration due to their potent offense and disciplined coaching staff, which have kept them competitive in close games.
In the East Division, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes both hold 5-2 records, reflecting their status as the primary contenders in the East. Hamilton’s recent clinching of a playoff berth and home playoff date underscores their resilience and depth, particularly on offense where quarterback Zach Collaros has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. Montreal’s balanced attack and solid defensive schemes have allowed them to stay neck-and-neck with Hamilton, making their upcoming matchups pivotal for division supremacy. Toronto Argonauts and Ottawa Redblacks lag behind in the East, with records of 2-5 and 1-6 respectively, indicating they are currently out of contention but could still play spoiler roles.
Among the dark horses, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers stand out despite a middling 3-3 record. Their recent dominant 40-3 victory over Hamilton signals a potential resurgence fueled by a high-powered offense and opportunistic defense. If they can maintain health and consistency, Winnipeg could upset the playoff picture, especially given their experience and coaching stability. The Edmonton Elks, though with a less impressive record, have demonstrated the ability to win tight games, as seen in their narrow 27-25 victory over Saskatchewan. Their tenacity and potential to capitalize on late-game situations make them a team to watch for surprises.
Coaching continuity is a critical factor separating contenders from pretenders this season. Teams like Saskatchewan, Calgary, Hamilton, and Montreal benefit from experienced coaching staffs that have implemented sustainable systems emphasizing player development and adaptability. This stability contrasts with teams still searching for identity or undergoing significant roster turnover, which often struggle to maintain form over a full season. Depth across key positions, especially quarterback and defensive backfield, also plays a decisive role in sustaining competitive edges, as injuries remain a constant threat in the physically demanding CFL schedule.
In summary, the 2025 CFL season’s top contenders are Saskatchewan and Calgary in the West, and Hamilton and Montreal in the East, each combining strong form, depth, and coaching continuity. Dark horses like Winnipeg and Edmonton have shown flashes of potential that could disrupt the playoff race if they capitalize on momentum and maintain health. The evolving dynamics of these teams will be critical as the season progresses toward the playoffs and the quest for the Grey Cup intensifies.