Week 3 of the CFL season is in the books and we have a new franchise standing atop the rest.
For all the preseason questions regarding the departure of Nathan Rourke, the B.C. Lions did what last year’s team never could and grabbed the top spot on our rankings. They aren’t the only unexpected risers in the league either, as teams continue to flip-flop up and down the board in the early going.
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) B.C. Lions (3)
The Lions pulled off a stunning upset in dominant fashion last week, defeating the three-time defending West Division champions by a score of 30-6. Defensive coordinator Ryan Phillips has his group playing at an elite level, allowing just 21 points and a single touchdown through three games. Meanwhile, Vernon Adams Jr. has kept the offence clicking despite injuries in the receiving corps, with Dominique Rhymes and Keon Hatcher potentially back this week.
2) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1)
The Bombers were knocked off their pedestal last week, but the CFL’s reigning dynasty didn’t fall far. Two-time Most Outstanding Player Zach Collaros struggled to move the ball against B.C., while his veteran offensive line had one of their worst performance and allowed seven sacks. Still, our voters feel this game was an early-season anomaly, rather than the foreshadowing of Winnipeg’s downfall.
3) Toronto Argonauts (2)
Is it fair that the defending Grey Cup champions are still at number three despite an undefeated start to the season? Probably not, but it’s hard to grab the top spot when you are forced to beat up the two worst teams in the league. Toronto’s run game generated 194 yards against Edmonton, including three touchdowns from A.J. Ouellette, and Chad Kelly continues to impress under centre, but the real test comes this week.
4) Saskatchewan Roughriders (4)
They made it far more complicated than they had to, but Saskatchewan secured their second victory of the season thanks to an overtime pick from Nick Marshall. Offensive coordinator Kelly Jeffrey finally got the run game going from the start against Calgary and Jamal Morrow had a whale of a day on the ground. An injury to left tackle Jerald Hawkins could prove impactful, but the Riders appear capable of rolling with a makeshift unit at this stage.
5) Montreal Alouettes (6)
While they have yet to face any elite Western competition, many preseason predictions about Montreal are beginning to look foolish. Quarterback Cody Fajardo looked excellent in a dominant win over Hamilton and the defence has been legitimate throughout their 2-0 start. Meanwhile, receiver Austin Mack is quickly establishing himself as the league’s newest young star.
6) Calgary Stampeders (5)
Our contributors aren’t quite sure what was worse for the Stampeders this week: Jake Maier needlessly throwing a game-deciding interception into double coverage in overtime, or the fact that the loss cost them all-star receiver Malik Henry for the season due to a ruptured Achilles. With Henry, Reggie Begelton, Ka’Deem Carey, Jalen Philpot, and potentially Peyton Logan all on the shelf for the foreseeable future, things could get ugly in Cowtown.
7) Ottawa Redblacks (8)
Sometimes in the East Division, the best thing you can do for your power rankings stock is not play. With a Week 3 bye keeping them on the back burner, Ottawa’s 0-2 start doesn’t look nearly as bad as the ineptitude of some others. They also have one thing going for them that others don’t: the imminent return of an elite quarterback.
8) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7)
Batten down the hatches, there could be serious trouble on the horizon in Steeltown. With Bo Levi Mitchell officially placed on the six-game injured list, backup Matthew Shiltz threw for over 300 yards but the Ticats still got whooped in all three phases. An embarrassing post-game display from temperamental defender Chris Edwards amplified the problems and something will soon have to change for the Grey Cup hosts after an 0-3 start to the season.
9) Edmonton Elks (9)
Taylor Cornelius’ tenure as Edmonton’s starting quarterback appears to be over and there is a new kid on the block in Jarret Doege. The 25-year-old rookie generated 163 passing yards and two touchdowns but committed a pick-six after coming off the bench against Toronto. The result was the same, as the Elks lost their 19th straight home game to extend the darkest era in franchise history.
