Through six weeks of the 2026 season, three teams have emerged as early frontrunners.

Two shouldn’t surprise you. The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes, both sitting 4-1 after wins on the weekend, met in the 112th Grey Cup in November and entered this year as favourites once again.

Then there’s the Edmonton Elks who are the returning kids on the block. They now sit 4-1 after a one-sided win on Thursday and are in good shape to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

This week’s MMQB is focusing on one element that’s helped define each team’s strong start to the season.

RELATED » Overreaction Monday: 5 hot takes from Week 6 » Roughriders take care of Tiger-Cats in dominant home win » Balanced Alouettes attack fuels win over Stamps » Blue Bombers hold on to defeat Argonauts at home » Rankin, Elks defence lead Edmonton past Ottawa on Thursday » Subscribe to the CFL’s newsletter for exclusive offers and league updates

JUSTIN RANKIN | RUNNING BACK

There’s just no other way to go.

Third year tailback Justin Rankin is having a summer for the ages. After going off for another 107 rushing yards and two majors in Thursday’s 40-17 win over Ottawa, Rankin leads the league with 513 yards and six touchdowns. When you factor in Rankin’s........

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