Power rankings: Up, down and all around

By 3Down Staff

In the early weeks of this year’s power rankings, a win would usually move a team up the standings while a defeat generally led to a drop. But as we enter the season’s middle third, our voters are clearly unwilling to force major changes based on the strength of one victory or the pain of a single defeat: a body of work is now required.

Here’s the rankings:

Calgary Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell throws the ball during first quarter CFL football action against the BC Lions in Calgary, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

1. Calgary Stampeders (Previous ranking: 1)

Their perfect 7-0 record is impressive but they’ve yet to play the No. 2 and 3 ranked teams. That won’t change until Aug. 25 when they host Winnipeg, followed by two straight against Edmonton. Get through that stretch unblemished, then we can talk about the possibility of a perfect season.

Edmonton Eskimos’ Mike Reilly (13) looks for an opening as Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Chad Geter (91) goes for a sack during first half CFL action in Edmonton on Thursday, August 2, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

2. Edmonton Eskimos (Previous ranking: 3)

The Esks needed some late heroics from Mike Reilly to take care of business against the Riders but it was enough to bump them up a spot over idle Winnipeg. Edmonton is in B.C. this week and will likely need a victory to hold on to the No.2 ranking.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Ian Wild (38), centre, celebrates with Marcus Sayles (36) and Jesse Briggs (34) after running in a blocked kick for the touchdown during the second half of CFL action against the Toronto Argonauts in Winnipeg Friday, July 27, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Previous ranking: 2)

The Bombers did not look good in their bye week Speedos and therefore fall to No. 3. The swimsuit competition is always tough.

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Zach Collaros (17) throws the ball during first half CFL action against the Edmonton Eskimos in Edmonton on Thursday, August 2, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (Previous ranking: 5)

The Riders lose and move up based on a solid performance against Edmonton and the successful return of a healthy Zach Collaros. A bye this week, then home to Calgary for the second time in three weeks.

5. Ottawa Redblacks (Previous ranking: 4)

Blowing a big lead to the Argos and McLeod Bethel-Thompson cost them a spot in the rankings (and their dignity.)

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is hit by Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive end Jason Neill (96) during first quarter CFL football action in Montreal on Friday, August 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Previous ranking: 7)

The Ticats get a little love for breaking Johnny Manziel’s will but not a lot of love for beating a hapless Montreal team.

BC Lions’ Emmanuel Arceneaux, left, can’t hang onto the ball as Calgary Stampeders’ Tre Roberson, covers him during first quarter CFL football action in Calgary, Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

7. B.C. Lions (Previous ranking: 6)

The Lions lose a hard-fought game to Calgary and fall a spot. They are home to Edmonton next week and need to start winning some games at home.

TORONTO, ON – August 2 Players have a moment of silence for the Danforth shooting victims prior to the start of the game.
The Toronto Argonauts took on the Ottawa Redblacks in CFL football action at BMO field in Toronto.
August 2, 2018, Richard Lautens/Toronto Star

8. Toronto Argonauts (Previous ranking: 8)

The Argos come-from-behind victory wasn’t enough to bump them up the standings. Again, consistency is key.

Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel pause during third quarter CFL football action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Montreal on Friday, August 3, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

9. Montreal Alouettes (Previous ranking: 9)

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