3Down Power Rankings: New No. 1

By 3Down Staff

Oh, what a difference one loss makes.

Edmonton was defeated for the first time in 2017 and that’s caused 3Down rankers to put not one, but two teams ahead of the Eskimos – both of which have accumulated a smaller amount of points season to date.

Calgary Stampeders’ Jerome Messam uses an oxygen mask while standing on the bench during the first half of a game against the B.C. Lions in Vancouver, B.C., on Friday August 18, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

1. Calgary Stampeders (last week 2)

The Stamps sucked the air out of B.C. fans by running their record to 15-0 off bye weeks since 2005. Led by linebacker Alex Singleton the defence created four turnovers. Calgary’s hit their mid-season stride.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers celebrate a touchdown by quarterback Dan Lefevour against the Edmonton Eskimos during the first half of CFL football action in Winnipeg, Thursday, August 17, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Trevor Hagan

2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (last week 3)

When big men are jumping – or trying to – into the stands the celebrations are real. Those offensive linemen are a key factor why Matt Nichols and Andrew Harris should be firmly in the MOP conversation nearing the halfway point in the season.

Edmonton Eskimos head coach Jason Maas reacts after a Winnipeg Blue Bombers touchdown during the first half of CFL football action in Winnipeg, Thursday, August 17, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Trevor Hagan

3. Edmonton Eskimos (last week 1)

With injuries piling up at a ridiculous rate, Edmonton was bound to lose at some point. Mike Reilly and the offence had a slow start and could not come all the way back.

B.C. Lions’ head coach Wally Buono gestures on the sideline during the second half of a CFL football game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday August 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

4. B.C. Lions (last week 4)

Two straight losses for Wally Buono’s crew has some pundits questioning whether or not the Lions read all the pre-season press clippings about being sexy Grey Cup picks.

TORONTO, ON – AUGUST 19 – Justin Tuggle of the Argos recovered a touchdown then scored during the first half of CFL action as the Toronto Argonauts host the Montreal Alouettes at BMO field on August 19, 2017. Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star

5. Toronto Argonauts (last week 7)

The Argos flexed on Montreal, especially in the first half when Toronto ran out to a 35-0 advantage. It cannot be understated: Rick Ray must stay upright and healthy for the Argos to have a chance to contend this season.

Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Cameron Marshall (32) celebrates a touchdown during first half CFL action against the B.C. Lions, in Regina on Sunday, August 13, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders (last week 6)

Chris Jones and company enjoyed another bye week off a win and continued to tweak the roster by adding quarterback Vernon Adams via trade and putting running back Trent Richardson on the neg list.

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Darian Durant (4) prepares for a first down after a punt return following a touchdown by the Toronto Argonauts during the first half of CFL football action in Toronto on Saturday, August 19, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

7. Montreal Alouettes (last week 5)

Just when it seemed as though Montreal could take control of the East Division, the Als fell flat on their beaks. 93 yards passing from Darian Durant was pathetic.

Ottawa Redblacks’ Josh Stangby (87) celebrates his touchdown against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with teammates during first half of a CFL football game in Ottawa on Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

8. Ottawa Redblacks (last week 8)

Ottawa rolled off 25 straight points to secure win No. 2 on the season. Trevor Harris and Greg Ellingson continue to show they’re a dynamic duo.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats fans are unimpressed during second half CFL Football action between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Redblacks in Hamilton, Ont. on Friday, August 18, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power

9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (last week 9)

Hamilton fans are scared to watch the on-field product (horror show). But because the East is a turtle race they’re only six points out of  playoff spot.

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