Samwise CFL Newsletter
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Mitchell Ties Career Best With Five Touchdowns in Tiger-Cats' 41–27 Win Over BC Lions
Bo Levi Mitchell delivered one of the performances of the young 2026 CFL season Friday night at Tim Hortons Field, completing 15 of 18 passes for 285 yards and five touchdowns as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the BC Lions 41–27 in Week 3 action. The five-touchdown night tied Mitchell's career best in a single game. Kenny Lawler was Mitchell's favourite target, hauling in four passes for 81 yards and a score, while sizeable completions to Kiond́re Smith and Myron Mitchell on the opening drive set the tone early. The victory was Hamilton's first home win of 2026 as BC fell to 0–2 on the season.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Elks Move to 2–0 for First Time Since 2019 With 32–29 Overtime Win Over Alouettes
The Edmonton Elks opened their 2026 home slate with a dramatic 32–29 overtime victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, improving to 2–0 for the first time since 2019. Running back Justin Rankin supplied the offensive firepower, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the third quarter on runs of 36 and 47 yards, before Elks quarterback Fajardo punched in the overtime winner on a keeper. Montreal starter Alexander suffered the first regular-season loss of his starting career as the Alouettes fell to 2–1. The Elks' strong start has them tied atop the West Division with the defending champion Saskatchewan Roughriders heading into Week 4.
Sources: Global News
Roughriders Hold Off Late Stampeders Rally for 40–37 Overtime Win in Calgary
The Saskatchewan Roughriders needed overtime to preserve a 40–37 win over the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday at McMahon Stadium, with backup quarterback Tommy Stevens scoring the decisive short-yardage touchdown in the extra period. Roughriders starter Trevor Harris completed 23 of 36 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Calgary rallied late when Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Tevin Jones for a touchdown in the final minute of regulation to force overtime, but Stevens put the matter to rest. Saskatchewan remains undefeated at 2–0 following a pair of closely contested victories as the reigning Grey Cup champions defend their title.
Sources: Global News, 3DownNation
Chad Kelly Throws for 424 Yards and Four Touchdowns as Argonauts Earn First Win Over Redblacks 44–24
Chad Kelly delivered an impressive 424-yard, four-touchdown performance on Saturday in Ottawa as the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Redblacks 44–24 to earn their first win of the 2026 CFL season. Kelly completed 25 of 32 passes—with four interceptions—but his playmaking ability overwhelmed Ottawa's defence throughout. Kevin Mital led Toronto's receiving corps with eight catches for 178 yards, while David Ungerer III, Damonte Coxie, Tyler Kahmann and Makai Polk each found the end zone. Ottawa quarterback Jake Maier threw for 281 yards, and off-season addition Ayden Eberhardt drew a game-high 13 targets for 129 receiving yards.
Sources: CFL.ca, 3DownNation
Ottawa Redblacks Open 0–2 With Questions Mounting After Lopsided Loss to Toronto
The Ottawa Redblacks sit at 0–2 after Saturday's 44–24 defeat to the Toronto Argonauts, marking a difficult start to the 2026 season under head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. Quarterback Jake Maier showed promise in defeat, throwing for 281 yards, and off-season acquisition Ayden Eberhardt demonstrated his playmaking potential with 13 targets and 129 receiving yards. However, the Ottawa defence struggled to contain Chad Kelly, who posted one of the strongest statistical performances of the young CFL season. The Redblacks face a growing gap in the East Division standings, where Montreal and Hamilton have each established 2–1 records following Week 3.
Sources: 3DownNation
Saskatchewan and Edmonton Share West Division Lead After Both Win in Overtime
The West Division enters the week with co-leaders following a pair of overtime thrillers on Saturday. The defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders survived a 40–37 overtime battle in Calgary, while the Edmonton Elks edged the Montreal Alouettes 32–29 in overtime at home. Both clubs now sit at 2–0 atop the West Division with four points, while Winnipeg holds third at 1–1. The Calgary Stampeders and BC Lions remain winless at 0–2 after the early portion of the 2026 CFL regular season. Saskatchewan and Edmonton will test their undefeated starts in the coming weeks as divisional play intensifies.
Sources: Global News, Global News
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
1. Montreal — 4 pts (2-1-0)
2. Hamilton — 4 pts (2-1-0)
3. Toronto — 2 pts (1-1-0)
4. Ottawa — 0 pts (0-2-0)
Western Conference
Western Division
1. Saskatchewan — 4 pts (2-0-0)
2. Edmonton — 4 pts (2-0-0)
3. Winnipeg — 2 pts (1-1-0)
4. Calgary — 0 pts (0-2-0)
5. BC Lions — 0 pts (0-2-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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