3DownNation CFL awards: the best and worst of Week 16

Leah Hennel/CFL.ca

Week 16 in the Canadian Football League has come and gone, featuring a beatdown in Steeltown, a historical win in Toronto, and an incredible kick in Calgary.

These awards are selected by 3DownNation’s contributors and will be presented weekly throughout the 2026 season. Enjoy.

Offensive player of the week: QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Ottawa Redblacks

The 38-year-old was sharp in his first start for the Redblacks, completing 27-of-48 pass attempts for 379 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Bethel-Thompson’s favourite target was Justin Hardy, who he targeted 19 times, though he also connected with Keelan White for three scores. The performance wasn’t perfect as he overthrew a few deep shots, but one has to wonder if Ottawa would have won a game earlier this season if they’d played Bethel-Thompson earlier.

Honourable mention: REC Keelan White, Ottawa Redblacks

Defensive player of the week: DB Adarius Pickett, Toronto Argonauts

The strong-side linebacker played like a man possessed on Saturday afternoon, tallying 13 total tackles, one pass knockdown, and one sack for the Boatmen. Pickett was effective as a pass-rusher, run-stopper, and in pass coverage, helping snuff out several Edmonton drives, and forcing the Elks to go one-for-six in the red zone. The three-time All-East Division selection is playing as well as ever at the age of 30.

Honourable mention: DB Nate Beauchemin, Montreal Alouettes

Special teams player of the week: K Rene Paredes, Calgary Stampeders

The 41-year-old was simply sensational for the Stampeders, going four-for-four on field goal attempts and four-for-four on convert attempts. Paredes tied his previous career-long with a 57-yard field goal late in the second half, but saved his best for last with a game-winning field goal as time expired (more on that in a moment).

Honourable mention: KR Montrell Washington, Edmonton Elks

Breakout player of the week: REC Dymere Miller, Toronto Argonauts

The five-foot-eleven, 184-pound target has breakaway speed, which was on full display during his first career start on Saturday. Miller made three catches for 90 yards and one touchdown, and returned one kickoff for 21 yards. It doesn’t seem to matter how many receivers in Toronto get hurt — the team just keeps putting in young players who step up and make plays.

Honourable mention: KR Montrell Washington, Edmonton Elks

Offensive line of the week: Calgary Stampeders

The unit of D’Antne Demery, Zack Williams, Christopher Fortin, Christy Nkanu, and Brad Ashmore helped Deonta McMahon rush 15 times for 102 yards, while Quincy Vaughn recorded four carries for eight yards and two touchdowns in short-yardage. Vernon Adams Jr. also wasn’t sacked, as he threw for 357 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the win.

Honourable mention: Montreal Alouettes

Coach of the week: DC Greg Quick, Toronto Argonauts

Defences have to be at their best in the red zone, which is exactly what Quick’s unit was against the Elks. Edmonton went one-for-six in scoring position, as Tarvarus McFadden and Benjie Franklin both intercepted Cody Fajardo in the end zone. Toronto’s defence was on the field for nearly 40 minutes at BMO Field but held up strong, allowing only 19 points on the day.

Honourable mention: OC Pat DelMonaco, Calgary Stampeders

Canadian Rene Paredes 62-yard walk-off field goal to break Ottawa hearts 💔 #Calgary #CalStampeders #Ottawa #Redblacks #RNation #CFL pic.twitter.com/deh6JtLSAg

— 3DownNation (@3DownNation) September 20, 2026

Best play of the week: Rene Paredes’ game-winning field goal

A 62-yard game-winning field goal? Wow. This was not only the play of the week, but arguably the play of the year. The kick was the third-longest in CFL history, and it saved the Stampeders season as they look to remain competitive for a playoff spot in the West Division. Paredes has made a lot of great kicks in his career, but this was an instant classic.

Honourable mention: Chad Kelly’s scrambling touchdown pass

Worst play of the week: Mark Korte’s bad snap

The veteran offensive lineman took over from David Beard at centre and promptly fired a snap over Cody Fajardo’s head. The ball got batted around the turf before eventually ending up in the hands of Argonauts defensive lineman Ralph Holley, who returned it for a 55-yard touchdown. In a tight game, every mistake matters, and this was the worst mistake of the week.

Honourable mention: Jake Dolegala’s short-yardage fumble

Best game of the week: Ottawa Redblacks at Calgary Stampeders

This matchup was expected to be a bit of a stinker but it was anything but. The game-winning kick from Rene Paredes was electric, both quarterbacks made impressive throws, Keelan White caught a career-high three touchdown passes, Jalen Philpot and Tevin Jones notched impressive scores, and Alonzo Addae made an exceptional diving interception. This game was dramatic, exciting, and well-played.

Honourable mention: Edmonton Elks at Toronto Argonauts

Worst game of the week: Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Hamilton’s comeback bid breathed some life into this game late, but it simply wasn’t competitive for most of the night. The Alouettes led 27-3 heading into the fourth quarter, as it’s become increasingly clear that the Tiger-Cats are bound to miss the playoffs. Montreal has now officially swept the season series against Steeltown at 3-0.

Honourable mention: Edmonton Elks at Toronto Argonauts