3DownNation CFL power rankings: Boatmen sink following loss to previously winless Redblacks

Photo: Bob Butrym/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

Week 8 of the CFL season brought excitement, intrigue, twists, and turns, which affected our power rankings accordingly. There were multiple shakeups in the middle and bottom regions of the rankings, including a number of modest risers and a pair of big-time fallers.

3DownNation’s power rankings are created by having eleven of our contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9 independently, then averaging out the scores. The previous week’s rankings are in brackets.

Enjoy the rankings and feel free to roast us on Twitter for anything you think we got wrong.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1)

The Blue Bombers played a near-perfect game in Calgary to capture the season series between the two teams and improve to 8-0. Jackson Jeffcoat, Greg Ellingson, Kyrie Wilson, and Brandon Alexander remain out due to injury, which has made Winnipeg’s win all the more impressive. With a home-and-home against the Montreal Alouettes coming up, it’s becoming difficult to imagine the West Final being played anywhere but IG Field.

2. Calgary Stampeders (2)

Calgary played well at home but it wasn’t enough to hand the Blue Bombers their first loss of the season. After losing the season series against Winnipeg, it now seems like a foregone conclusion that the Stamps will not finish higher than second place in the West Division. Ka’Deem Carey has shown that he can take over games but is averaging only 12 carries per game this season.

3. B.C. Lions (3)

The Lions got back to their winning ways this past week, overcoming a 13-point deficit to beat Saskatchewan 32-17 at Mosaic Stadium. Nathan Rourke avoided throwing any interceptions for the first time in four starts, while the defensive front-seven feasted on an inexperienced Riders’ offensive line. Oh, and veteran defensive back T.J. Lee? He’s still really, really good.

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (5)

The Riders could not be heading into a bye week at a better time with stars like Shaq Evans, Kyran Moore, Pete Roberts, and A.C. Leonard all out due to injury. Cody Fajardo’s ailing knee could clearly use some rest, while the front office needs to find a way to improve the team if they hope to make an appearance in this year’s Grey Cup at Mosaic Stadium.

5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7)

The Ticats are suddenly in a position to make noise in a weak East Division after winning two of their last three games. They trail the Argos by just two points and, with four of their next five games scheduled against their arch-rival, have an excellent chance to overtake them for first place. Dane Evans appears to have finally solved his problems with turnovers, having protected the football well over the past two weeks.

6. Edmonton Elks (8)

The Elks were on a bye this week, giving them a chance to cut ten players and sign five others. Tre Ford has missed the past month due to a shoulder injury but might be ready to return this week. If the Canadian rookie is available, the biggest question facing Edmonton is who will start at quarterback: Ford or an improving Taylor Cornelius?

7. Ottawa Redblacks (9)

R-Nation rejoiced on Sunday as the Redblacks finally got their first win of the season. Caleb Evans continues to show signs of improvement — his passer rating (91.1) is virtually on par with Jeremiah Masoli’s (92.1) — and Jaelon Acklin leads the league in receiving yards. Ottawa’s got a tough opponent this week in Calgary but this win still feels like something they can build on.

8. Toronto Argonauts (4)

The Boatmen sank four spots in our rankings after being outclassed at home by the previously winless Redblacks. The defence had no answer for wide receiver Jaelon Acklin, while Andrew Harris — the star of last week’s win in Saskatchewan — managed a measly 17 yards on nine carries. Toronto also lacked discipline, taking objectionable conduct penalties on back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter.

9. Montreal Alouettes (6)

The Als fell out of second place in the East Division following a narrow loss to the Ticats, dropping the first of three meetings between the two teams. The defence didn’t generate nearly enough pressure on Dane Evans, while the offence has become too reliant on Eugene Lewis — he was targeted a whopping 15 times against Hamilton — while Jake Wieneke has grown invisible.