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:

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

9. Montreal Alouettes (Previous ranking: 9)
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.