As we inch closer to the end of the CFL season, it is time for a look at the CFL Week 20 power rankings. Sticking to the same format as last week with only the six playoff teams.
In the East, the playoff teams know exactly what their path looks like for the post-season. On the other end of the spectrum, the Western teams continue to battle for their position in the CFL playoffs. The final week of the regular season will provide us with that clarity. But for now, here is how each team ranks heading into Week 21.
1) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (14-3)
Last Week Ranking: 1
There is absolutely nothing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats can do the rest of the way to remove them from the number one ranking. This team continues to dominate even when there is nothing on the line to play for. Well, in terms of standings anyway. The Tiger-Cats secured their place as the top seed in the CFL East a couple of weeks ago, but that didn’t stop them from making a statement against the Montreal Alouettes this past weekend. The Tabbies defeated the Als on their home turf by a 38-26 score and looked good in doing so.
2) Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-5)
Last Week Ranking: 3
With their win against the Eskimos on Saturday, the Riders put themselves in first place in the CFL West. A 43-yard field goal by Brett Lauther with no time remaining on the clock secured the Riders’ control of their playoff destiny. A win next weekend against this same Eskimos squad, and the Roughriders secure first in the West Division playoffs.
3) Calgary Stampeders (11-6)
Last Week Ranking: 2
The Stamps drop a spot in this week’s ranks thanks to a tough 29-28 last-second loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The defending champs will need a win against B.C. next week and the Riders to lose to the Eskimos in order to win the CFL West. A tall order indeed, but stranger things have happened in the craziness of the CFL.
4) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-7)
Last Week Ranking: 5
Is there a quarterback controversy brewing in the ‘Peg? There seems to be. Recently acquired quarterback Zach Collaros turned back time and tossed two touchdowns while completing 22 of 28 passes for 221 yards for the Bombers. The Bomber offence had struggled lately under pivot Chris Streveler but looked like a rejuvenated team in their massive win over the Stampeders last Friday. That said, it is one game. And if Streveler is good to go next weekend, head coach Mike O’Shea has a tough decision to make.
5) Montreal Alouettes (9-8)
Last Week Ranking: 4
The Alouettes are the feel-good story of the CFL this season. But those good vibes aren’t enough to keep them at number four on this list. The Als are a lot of fun to watch and are a team that is easy to root for. However, this win-one lose-one cycle they are on won’t do them any favours come playoff time. Combine this with a loss to Hamilton last weekend, and it doesn’t inspire much confidence in their ability to become East Division champs.
6) Edmonton Eskimos (8-9)
Last Week Ranking: 6
With the return of Trevor Harris this weekend, there was optimism around the Eskimos and the city of Edmonton this week. And when the Esks opened up a 14-point lead on their rival Roughriders, that optimism was sky-high. But then hopes and dreams came crashing back down to earth as has often been the case in this Eskimos season. The Esks were unable to hold their lead, took the loss and are heading to the playoffs with a lot of question marks surrounding this team. Not a great spot to be in, to be sure.
The Last Word
With just one weekend left in the CFL season, these CFL Week 20 power rankings feel like they are spot-on in terms of where each team ranks heading into the post-season. However, a lot can change quickly in the CFL. It will be fascinating to watch the western games this weekend to see where each team ends up playing in the playoffs. As always, enjoy the games.
Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images
