Weekly, SportsCage.com contributors from around Western Canada collaborate to rank the Canadian Football League teams. After week 20, the B.C. Lions remain atop the rankings, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders have slipped down the rankings.
Here is how the ranking broke down:
For the fourth week in a row, the contributors have almost unanimously agreed that B.C. is the top team in the Canadian Football League. The Lions seem to be playing the most connected football with all three phases of the game at the top of their game. Last week’s 37-24 win over the desperate Elks showed their ability to rise to the occasion. Hence, they have risen to the top of the power rankings.
At number two are the Montreal Alouettes, who climb a spot after their convincing 39-28 win over Ottawa. The contributors may argue that it was a win over the Redblacks, but the success the Als have with Davis Alexander is undeniable. Will he ever be beat as QB1 in Montreal?
Down a spot after a walk-off loss to Winnipeg are the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Yes, the Rides had eight different starters in the line-up for Friday’s game; yes, the Riders could have won the game. Do the Riders have momentum heading into the playoffs? Time will tell.
Staying in the fourth spot this week are the Calgary Stampeders. An impressive showing against Toronto netted the Stamps their 10th win of the season, 44-13. The Stamps are looking to get the swagger back that they had heading into Labour Day. With a renewed dedication to the run game and a defence that seems to have found its footing, the Stamps could be dangerous in the playoffs. Just not risky enough for the contributors to put them in the top three in this week’s ranking.
At number five are the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who were idle last week. That said, the contributors are going to keep a close watch to see how the Tabbies respond after their bye week against Ottawa on Friday night. Hamilton looked lacklustre against Calgary going into the break. Let’s see how they respond.
Up a spot from a week ago and into 6th on the ranking are the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Bombers scored a 17-16 win over the Riders on Friday night. Was that the cause of the jump? Or was it that the Bombers secured a playoff spot thanks to a B.C. win, officially confirming their place in the league’s top six? We will see if they can take another step this week when they host Montreal.
Falling out of the playoffs and down a spot in the rankings, we’re not sure which hurts more, the Edmonton Elks. After digging a deep hole early, the Elks were unable to rebound. The offseason will be interesting, but a home game against Calgary to wrap up the season will be interesting to see what type of statement they want to make heading into the offseason.
The Ottawa Redblacks find themselves in their familiar spot in the basement of the power rankings. Only once since Labour Day have the Redblacks been anywhere but ninth, and that was after the Labour Day rematch weekend when they passed Montreal. Talk about two teams going in different directions since then.
