CFL Week 7 features key matchups and potential storylines

By Ethan Gagnon — 14 July 2026 — 4 min read

Week 7 of the CFL season is set to feature several compelling matchups across the country. The schedule includes four games over three days, with teams vying for crucial wins as the season progresses. Several writers are closely tracking the outcomes, with Kristina Costabile currently holding the lead in picks, followed closely by Jamie Nye.

The action kicks off on Friday, July 17, with the BC Lions visiting the Edmonton Elks. The Elks are coming off their fourth win of the season, while the Lions return from a bye week. This game marks the second encounter between these two teams this season. In their previous meeting, the Lions secured their only win of the year, holding Elks running back Justin Rankin to 19 rushing yards, though he gained 100 yards through the air. The Lions’ run defence proved effective in that game, while the Elks‘ physical defence has been strong, forcing 16 turnovers this season. Writers are split on this game, with 60% favouring Edmonton.

Saturday doubleheader highlights rivalries

Saturday, July 18, features a doubleheader, starting with the second installment of the Philpot Bowl between the Montreal Alouettes and the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. This game is the second half of a home-and-home series. In their previous matchup, Montreal’s balanced offense and strong defensive play secured a win against Calgary. Vernon Adams Jr. of the Alouettes has thrown 14 touchdowns this season, tying for the league lead with Toronto’s Chad Kelly. Calgary’s quarterback has not thrown any interceptions this season, a statistic shared only with Davis Alexander, whom he will face on Saturday. Most writers, 80%, are picking Calgary to win this game, anticipating a series split.

The second game on Saturday night is the first Battle of the QEW of 2026, featuring the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Both teams enter the game with a 2-3 record and two-game losing streaks. Hamilton will be without Bo Levi Mitchell, who is expected to miss significant time due to injury. Backup quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Tre Ford have seen action for Hamilton, combining for 181 passing yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and seven points in recent play. The Argonauts‘ offense, led by Chad Kelly, sits first in passing yards per game and second in offensive points scored. Kelly has thrown 14 touchdowns but also a league-leading eight interceptions. Hamilton’s defence, which recorded two interceptions last week, will need to be strong against Toronto’s dangerous offense. The majority of writers, 80%, believe Toronto will win this matchup.

Sunday’s game features potential storyline

Week 7 concludes on Sunday, July 19, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hosting the Ottawa Redblacks. This game presents a potential storyline involving Dru Brown, who started for Winnipeg last week in place of an injured Zach Collaros and led the team to victory. Brown, who previously lost the starting job in Ottawa before being traded to Winnipeg, could face his former team. The Redblacks are still searching for their first win of the season, having dropped to 0-5 last week after a loss to Edmonton. Ottawa has struggled on both offense and defense, ranking last in points for, net offense, and rushing yards per game offensively, and last in net offense allowed and rushing yards allowed defensively. All writers, 100%, are picking Winnipeg to win this game.

The week’s matchups promise competitive football across the league, with several teams looking to improve their standings. The performance of key players like Justin Rankin, Vernon Adams Jr., and Chad Kelly will be central to their teams’ success. The Lions‘ run defence and the Elks‘ turnover-forcing defence will be key in their Friday night game. The Alouettes and Stampeders will look to continue their offensive and defensive strategies from their previous encounter. Meanwhile, Hamilton will need to find offensive rhythm against Toronto’s high-scoring attack, and Ottawa will aim for their first victory against a strong Winnipeg side. The games will be broadcast on TSN, RDS, and CFL+ throughout the weekend.

As the season progresses, every game holds significance, and Week 7 is no exception, with key rivalries and potential upset opportunities on the horizon. The CFL season is nearly a third complete, and the standings are beginning to take shape.

Source: cfl.ca