Keep an eye on Zach Collaros and the Winnipeg blue bombers who are just one win away from claiming the top spot in the West Division standings.
Winnipeg (5-6) has rallied from a 0-4 start to secure three consecutive victories, bringing them within a point of the leading Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1). The Bombers will face off against the Roughriders, who are winless in their last five games (0-4-1), in the first game of their Labour Day home-and-home series on Sunday night.
On Friday, Winnipeg edged out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26-23 with Collaros’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Lawler in the final moments. The night before, the Toronto Argonauts secured a 20-19 win over Saskatchewan, and the Ottawa Redblacks defeated the B.C. Lions 34-27 on Saturday night to remain undefeated at home (5-0-1) at TD Place.
These results have created a crowded West Division standings, with Winnipeg tied with B.C. (5-6) for second place, while Saskatchewan remains ahead. Edmonton (3-8) is still in the mix despite a tough 21-17 loss to the Montreal Alouettes (10-1) on Sunday night.
Montreal leads the East Division going into its bye week, ahead of Ottawa (7-2-1). Toronto (6-4) is in third place, but their record would lead the tightly packed West Division.
Collaros’s late touchdown pass was crucial for Winnipeg’s victory, but running back Brady Oliveira was also pivotal. Oliveira, the CFL’s rushing leader with 809 yards, ran for 120 yards on 18 carries, marking his fourth 100-yard game of the season.
Winnipeg’s resurgence is also due to a strong defense, which leads in fewest offensive yards allowed (315.9 per game) and offensive touchdowns allowed (17), and is second in fewest offensive points allowed (19.5). Despite being tied for last in sacks (17) with Calgary, the Bombers are first in second-down conversions (39.8 percent) and tied for first in fewest touchdown passes allowed (nine, with Ottawa).
Saskatchewan has struggled recently, with Trevor Harris throwing for 190 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions last week, as the Riders converted only five of 21 second-down attempts (28.6 percent).
The Riders are 3-2 at home, while Winnipeg has a poor 1-4 road record. Saskatchewan’s most recent win came against the Bombers on July 19 in Regina.
In Victoria, Ottawa aims for a sweep after Dru Brown’s impressive performance last week with 390 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Redblacks’ offense amassed 451 yards. Ottawa is 6-1-1 against the West Division and 2-2 on the road. Nathan Rourke will start his third consecutive game for the Lions, who are 3-1 at B.C. Place Stadium but will host this game at Royal Athletic Park, their first outdoor home game since 2011.
In Hamilton, Chad Kelly will make his second consecutive start for Toronto (6-4), facing a colder reception at Tim Hortons Field than he received at BMO Field last week. Kelly threw for 322 yards and an interception against Saskatchewan. Bo Levi Mitchell will start for the Ticats (2-9) for the first time on Labour Day since 2019, seeking to end a four-game losing streak. The Ticats’ defense will have another week to work with senior defensive assistant Chris Jones in what is essentially a must-win game for them.
In Calgary, the Stampeders (4-6) return from their bye week just two points ahead of Edmonton (3-8), which saw its three-game win streak end last week against Montreal. Jake Maier will start for Calgary, which has won 10 of the last 11 Labour Day games. It’s uncertain if McLeod Bethel-Thompson will start again in place of the injured Tre Ford (ribs-chest). The Stampeders have benefited from a solid ground game, with three different 100-yard rushers in the last four games.
