Super Saturday gave us four CFL games, and there is a lot to unpack after this weekend. BC made one of the biggest statements of the season against Montreal. Winnipeg’s defence completely shut down Saskatchewan. Toronto found a way to win again, and Edmonton continues to show why I have them at the top. Meanwhile, Calgary continues to fall.
Here are my updated CFL Power Rankings.
1. Edmonton Elks
The Edmonton Elks are the best of the best right now. They took care of Calgary again, clinched a playoff spot and continue to find ways to win football games. I’ve talked a lot about Edmonton’s slow starts this season, and that’s still something I want to see cleaned up. But when this team gets rolling, I don’t know if there is a more complete team in the CFL right now. They can score, their defence can make plays, and they have shown they can close out games.
Right now, Edmonton is the team to beat.
2. Montreal Alouettes
I’m keeping Montreal at number two, but that loss to BC definitely gets my attention. Giving up 48 points is not something we’re used to seeing from this team. I’m not going to completely change my opinion of Montreal because of one bad game. They’ve been one of the best teams in the CFL all season and have earned some room for error. But BC exposed some things.
The gap between Montreal and the teams behind them is getting a lot closer.
3. BC Lions
BC is coming. The Lions move up to number three after putting up 48 points against Montreal, and I don’t think anyone should want to play this team right now.
Remember, this team started the season 1-5. Now we’re talking about them as one of the most dangerous teams in the CFL. Nathan Rourke and this offence can take over a football game, and we’re starting to see BC put everything together at the right time. This isn’t just a hot team anymore.
BC is a legitimate contender.
4. Toronto Argonauts
Back-to-back wins for the Toronto Argonauts. And that’s a pretty big deal when you consider this is the first time they’ve won back-to-back games since picking up their second win of the season. But there is still A LOT to clean up.
Chad Kelly simply can’t keep throwing this many interceptions. Toronto has been able to overcome some of those mistakes, but against the best teams in the CFL, those turnovers are going to come back to hurt you. The good news is the Argos’ defence is playing some really good football right now. They’re making plays, keeping Toronto in games and giving the offence opportunities to find a way to win.
After everything Toronto has gone through this season, finally putting together consecutive wins is a step in the right direction. That’s enough for me to move the Argos up to number four. But if Toronto really wants to make some noise down the stretch, Kelly has to take better care of the football and the team needs to keep running the DAM BALL! Lets keep Smith rolling and open that play action.
5. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Saskatchewan has to be better than what we saw in the Banjo Bowl. Zero touchdowns. That’s the biggest issue for me. Winnipeg’s defence deserves a ton of credit, but if Saskatchewan wants to be considered one of the best teams in this league, you simply cannot have games where your offence doesn’t find the end zone. Six points isn’t good enough. I still believe Saskatchewan can be a dangerous football team, but they have to play better.
For now, they’re down to number five. Dropping them to the lowest I have had them over the last two season.
6. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Now THAT looked like Winnipeg Blue Bombers football.
Winnipeg’s defence was outstanding against Saskatchewan, holding the Riders to six points and, more importantly, zero touchdowns. That’s a statement. There are still questions around Winnipeg, and one win doesn’t suddenly erase everything we’ve seen this season. They still need to find ways to end drives with touchdowns not punts and field goals. But that defence showed exactly why nobody should count the Bombers out. Now can they win constantly.
If Winnipeg can consistently play like that, they are going to be a very tough team to deal with down the stretch. And maybe even a contender.
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton actually moves up a little in my rankings this week. They didn’t play on Super Saturday, but Calgary’s continued slide opens the door for Hamilton to move into number seven.
I still have questions about this team. Consistency has been an issue, and they need to figure out exactly what they are offensively. I personally feel they are out of the playoff race. But, if the math can math they will keep trying to make a push. Now they just need to pick a QB under centre.
8. Calgary Stampeders
What has happened to the Calgary Stampeders? Seriously, earlier in the season, I thought Calgary had one of the most dangerous offences in the CFL. Now I have them at number eight. The Stamps didn’t just lose to Edmonton. They got absolutely handled, 53-16. This team continues to struggle when it matters most, and what was once a really promising season is quickly falling apart.
There is still talent on this roster. But we’re past the point of talking about talent.
They need wins, and they need them now. And if they can’t beat Ottawa next win I feel they are done like the value menu dinner we all know and love.
9. Ottawa REDBLACKS
Ottawa stays at number nine. I’ll give them credit: they made Toronto work for that win. There were moments where Ottawa looked like they could finally get over the hump, but we’re saying the same thing again. Eventually, you have to win a football game. Close games and moral victories aren’t enough anymore. MBT did give them a shot but it sounds like he might not even start next game so honestly I have no clue what to say anymore,
Until Ottawa finally gets that first win, I can’t put them anywhere other than number nine.
Final Thoughts
The CFL is getting really interesting.
Edmonton is the best of the best right now, but Montreal is still right there.
BC might be the hottest team in football. Toronto has finally put together back-to-back wins, and its defence is playing great, but Chad Kelly has to stop turning the football over.
Saskatchewan has to respond after failing to score a single touchdown against Winnipeg, while the Bombers just reminded everyone how dangerous that defence can still be.
Hamilton moves up a little without even playing, while Calgary continues to fall.
And with the playoffs getting closer, we’re starting to find out which teams are actually ready to make a run.
