CFL Week 5 Power Rankings
1. Calgary Stampeders
Last week: 1
The Stampeders remained the only perfect team in the CFL this weekend after embarrassing the Ottawa Redblacks at TD Place. Calgary’s defence generated five turnovers while their offence managed not to turn the ball over once. The Stampeders biggest concern heading into their matchup at home next weekend with the Montreal Alouettes will be the availability of Bo Levi Mitchell.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Last week: 4
The Eskimos had another tight battle with James Franklin and the Toronto Argonauts this week and came out in the win column. The Eskimos are now 3-2 only behind Calgary. The Edmonton offence has some things to figure out after being held under 20 points in consecutive weeks after exceeding that number in their first three games. The Eskimos get a break before travelling to Montreal to face the Alouettes.
3.Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last week: 5
After two of the teams ahead of them suffered embarrassing losses the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have jumped up to third place in this weeks power rankings. They have a rematch with the Saskatchewan Roughriders this weekend at Tim Hortons Field. Jeremiah Masoli will look to be the first quarterback in CFL history to throw for 300+ yards in 10 consecutive games, and more importantly, get the Tiger-Cats a win.
4.Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Last week: 2
After a stunning loss at the hands of Travis Lulay and the BC Lions, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have fallen to 2-3. Despite narrow two narrow losses, the fact of the matter is their only wins have come against Drew Willy and Jonathan Jennings. Matt Nichols job will be in question after his performance Saturday night as well. The Blue Bombers will look to bounce back in Toronto next Saturday in what a lot of fans will be calling a must-win game in order to keep pace with the West.
5.Ottawa Redblacks
Last week: 3
Another embarrassing loss at the hands of the Calgary Stampeders, this time, at home. Trevor Harris and the Redblacks’ offence have some work to do this week after Harris was pulled from the game early. His final stat line was not pretty with just 93 yards and a pair of interceptions. Unfortunately, Trevor Harris’ task next Friday at home does not get much easier facing the B.C Lions. The Lions’ secondary will be fired up after generating three interceptions this weekend.
6. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Last week: 6
After a week of rest, it is looking like the Roughriders will be using Duron Carter on defence again this weekend and will still be without Zach Collaros. Brandon Bridge has been named the Riders’ starter, although Bridge could be splitting snaps with David Watford again. The strategy worked two weekends ago at home against the Tiger-Cats so it will be interesting to see if they can execute again, this time on the road.
7. BC Lions
Last week: 9
After back-to-back shameful losses to the Eskimos and Blue Bombers, Travis Lulay was ready to return. Lulay did not get off to the best start throwing a weak pass that was easily picked off in his first drive back. However, in what was the most impressive comeback so far this season it seems as though there is hope in B.C on both sides of the ball. The Lions will travel to Ottawa next Friday as they look to win their second-consecutive game since July 21st, 2017.
8. Toronto Argonauts
Last week: 7
After putting up a valiant effort in Edmonton this weekend the Argos ended up back in the loss column falling to 1-3. Despite the loss, the combination of James Wilder Jr. and James Franklin in the backfield is looking promising. The Argonauts are making better use of their young talent and getting Wilder Jr. move involved in the offence. They will look to crawl out of the bottom of the CFL’s East division next week as they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This game will likely be a “must-win” for both teams.
9. Montreal Alouettes
Last week: 8
After a week off it looks like Drew Willy will be returning to the helm of this Montreal Alouettes’ offence this week. The team is traveling to Calgary to face the Stampeders – which is never an easy task. Things don’t get any easier the week after as they have to face the Eskimos. These next two weeks are going to be very challenging for this Alouettes team.
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