After a weekend filled with upsets in the CFL, there is a shift coming to the Power Rankings as the Calgary Stampeders perfect season has come to a screeching halt.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Last week: 1
The Stampeders perfect season is no more. After an embarrassing loss to the Roughriders that was filled with turnovers, the Stampeders seven-game winning streak has ended. Despite the fact that Bo-Levi Mitchell completed four touchdown passes he only had a 61% completion percentage and threw an interception that went the other way for six points. The Stamps also lost all three of their fumbles. This depleted Calgary team will have to regroup before Saturday when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Last week: 2
No surprises this week for the Eskimos as they handled the Alouettes without much trouble under smokey Edmonton skies. Mike Reilly made light work of the Alouettes secondary, throwing for over 400 yards and three touchdowns. The only blemish on Reilly’s line was his interception. Rookie Shaquille Cooper had an impressive start rushing for 102 yards on 17 carries and catching five passes for 41 yards and a major. The Eskimos will travel to Tim Hortons Field as underdogs this Thursday to face the struggling Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
3. Ottawa Redblacks
Last week: 4
Trevor Harris and the Redblacks marched into Investors Group Field last Friday and snapped Winnipeg’s three-game winning streak in dominant fashion. William Powell was the first running back to exceed 100 rushing yards against the Blue Bombers front seven. Trevor Harris was efficient yet again throwing for 361 yards and turning the ball over just once on a fumble. The Redblacks will get a week of rest before returning home to face the Montreal Alouettes.
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Last week: 3
It was an embarrassing 23-point loss at home last Friday for the Blue Bombers. There were not many positives to take away from this game for the Winnipeg, who simply were outplayed by Ottawa. Matt Nichols threw for 291 yards, his highest mark this season as he continues to try and shed the “game manager” title. The Blue Bombers face a tall task this Saturday as they head to McMahon and try to hand the Stampeders their second consecutive loss.
5. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Last week: 6
After a series of curious decisions over the last couple weeks from Chris Jones, it all paid off as the Roughriders managed to ruin the Stampeders perfect record. Defence is what won this game for the Riders. Their defence and special teams generated five turnovers two of which, went the other way for touchdowns. They also managed to sack Bo Levi Mitchell five times. Saskatchewan will look to go above .500 when they travel to B.C Place to face the Lions on Saturday.
6. B.C Lions
Last week: 5
After an encouraging win against the Edmonton Eskimos, the Lions fell back down to earth in the second half of their tilt with the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday. Heading into the half with a seven-point lead, the Lions did not manage to score a second-half touchdown. The dagger was a costly fumble from Emmanuel Arceneaux as the Lions were driving into field goal range late in the fourth quarter. B.C will need to bounce back in a must-win game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders this Saturday at home.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last week: 7
After a weekend of sitting at home, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats did not get any help as both Ottawa and Toronto won last week, further complicating the East Division standings. Jeremiah Masoli and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats host Mike Reilly and the Eskimos this weekend. They will hope to keep pace with an Eastern playoff race that is looking much tighter than it was a month ago.
8. Toronto Argonauts
Last week: 8
After another narrow second-half comeback against the B.C Lions, the Toronto Argonauts are now in the playoff conversation in the East. They will look to add to their win total this weekend and take sole possession of second place as they travel to Montreal looking to hand the Alouettes their ninth loss of the season.
9. Montreal Alouettes
Last week: 9
The quarterback carousel on Montreal continues to turn as Johnny Manziel was out with a concussion. Antonio Pipkin got the start for the Alouettes and managed to produce two touchdowns and just one turnover. The Als defence allowed another 560 yards of total offence so the only real positive for Montreal to take away from this game is, they managed to cover the spread. Johnny Manziel will look to return from his concussion to face the Toronto Argonauts at home this Friday.
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