3DownNation CFL awards: the best and worst of Week 21

Paul Yates/B.C. Lions

Week 21 of the CFL season has officially come and gone, bringing with it a playoff-clinching win for Winnipeg, a low-scoring affair in Regina, a season-ending win for Steeltown, and a strong showing from Montreal’s backup quarterbacks.

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

Offensive player of the week: RB Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The 29-year-old saved his best for last, as he carried the ball 15 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns to help power his team to victory in a must-win game. The Winnipeg native’s 63-yard score marked the longest run of his career, and it turned out to be the game-winning score. The performance also saw Oliveira surpass Jon Cornish for third all-time among Canadian rushers in CFL history.

Honourable mention: REC Dymere Miller, Toronto Argonauts

Defensive player of the week: DL Elijah Alston, Edmonton Elks

The 25-year-old terrorized the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, recording four defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one interception. The six-foot-two, 256-pound defender dressed for only a handful of game this year due to Edmonton’s strong depth at defensive end, but he’s made a solid case for more playing time into the playoffs and in 2027.

Honourable mention: LB Wynton McManis, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Special teams player of the week: DB Nick Hallett, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The 32-year-old made four special teams tackles this week, helping Jamieson Sheahan average a sparkling 46.8 net yards on six punts. He also recovered a fumble from Seven McGee, which gave Winnipeg possession deep in B.C. territory midway through the second quarter. This was an elite special teams performance from Hallett, who rose to the occasion in a key game.

Honourable mention: K Marc Liegghio, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Breakout player of the week: DL Elijah Alston, Edmonton Elks

Do we need to reiterate how good this performance was? Alston made four defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one interception. Enough said.

Honourable mention: REC Kaseem Ferdinand, Montreal Alouettes

Offensive line of the week: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The unit of Stanley Bryant, Gabe Wallace, Tui Eli, Patrick Neufeld, and Jarell Broxton shook off a shaky start to command the line of scrimmage late against B.C. The big men up front allowed only one sack and helped Brady Oliveira enjoy his big day. This marks the second time Winnipeg’s offensive line has won this award this season.

Honourable mention: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Coach of the week: HC Jason Maas, Montreal Alouettes

Despite having already clinched first place in the East Division weeks ago, the Alouettes still looked polished and motivated on their trip to BMO Field. Montreal has officially completed the regular-season with the best record in the league at 14-4, which is also the team’s best year since 2009 when they went 15-3 en route to a Grey Cup win.

Honourable mention: HC Scott Milanovich, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

HOW DID HE HOLD ONTO THAT ONE?! 🤯

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— CFL (@CFL) October 24, 2026

Best play of the week: Dorian Singer’s deep catch

In the dying seconds of the first half, Singer elevated in the middle of B.C.’s defence to make a 24-yard grab and give his team a chance to add a 54-yard field goal before the break. The rookie receiver made an unbelievable play to hold onto the ball, as a hit from Robert Carter Jr. caused him to flip in the air and land on his head and shoulder.

Honourable mention: Tucker Horn’s touchdown pass to Dymere Miller

Worst play of the week: Trey Vaval’s muffed punt return

The 26-year-old has been arguably the best special teams player in the CFL this year, but he made a critical mistake at an inopportune time. Midway through the first quarter, Vaval was unable to corral a punt and Kieran Poissant recovered for the Lions. The turnover gave B.C. possession in Winnipeg territory and a chance to extend its lead.

Honourable mention: Kaidon Salter’s end zone interception

Best game of the week: Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts

This was far from an elite game, but it was the best of a weak bunch. Dustin Crum and Caleb Evans were solid under centre for the Alouettes, while Tucker Horn hit a dime to Dymere Miller on Toronto’s first offensive snap of the game. This was a one-score game for most of the fourth quarter until Montreal finally pulled away.

Honourable mention: Ottawa Redblacks at Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Worst game of the week: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at B.C. Lions

The first three quarters of this game were unbelievably sloppy, especially given how many veterans Winnipeg had in the lineup. Though the Blue Bombers eventually pulled away in the fourth quarter, it was a shockingly poor performance for a team that had to win in order to clinch a playoff berth.

Honourable mention: Edmonton Elks at Saskatchewan Roughriders