The CFL’s three-game slate from Week 4 is finally in the books, giving us an opportunity to refresh our power rankings ahead of Week 5. It was a week of blowouts across the league, leading to a number of big changes including at the No. 1 spot.
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. Toronto Argonauts (3)
The league’s only remaining undefeated team crushed the visiting B.C. Lions on Monday night, recording six interceptions. Toronto is producing consistently through the air and along the ground, their defence has made life difficult for opponents, and their special teams have been great, even adding a punt return touchdown against B.C. This is the most complete team in the CFL right now and that’s reflected by their perfect record.
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2)
The Blue Bombers responded well after suffering their first loss of the season, dominating both sides of the line of scrimmage en route to a physical road win in Montreal. Zach Collaros was well-protected, the run game was strong, and the front-seven made life miserable for Cody Fajardo. If the team can find ways to limit big plays through the air defensively, this team will be all the more dangerous.
3. B.C. Lions (1)
The Lions came crashing back down to earth on Monday as they were outclassed by the reigning Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts. Vernon Adams Jr. threw six interceptions after dominating through the first three games of the season, while B.C.’s defence failed to generate any takeaways and they gave up a touchdown on special teams. This is clearly still a very good team, though they’ll have to show they can bounce back in Week 5.
4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4)
Saskatchewan was on a bye this week, giving Rider Nation extra time to revel in the glory of the team’s double-overtime victory over the rival Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. The team is pretty beat up with seven Canadians on the six-game injured list but, with the Edmonton Elks coming to town this week, the Riders have a good chance to improve to 3-1.
5. Calgary Stampeders (6)
The Stampeders were on a much-needed bye week as they are still dealing with a number of injuries to key offensive players. Marken Michel signed back with the club following a four-year stint in the NFL, which should provide a boost to the receiving corps. The club currently sits fourth in the West Division with a 1-2 record, though they’ll have a chance to even their record this week when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
6. Montreal Alouettes (5)
The Alouettes got a reality check following their 2-0 start as they were manhandled by Winnipeg, scoring just three pointson their rain-soaked home turf. Cody Fajardo hit deep shots to Kaion Julien-Grant and Austin Mack but the rest of his receiving corps remains invisible. The offensive line gave up five sacks to Winnipeg’s front-seven, while the defence struggled to contain the punishing run game of Brady Oliveira.
7. Ottawa Redblacks (7)
The Redblacks snapped a 13-game home losing streak and got Bob Dyce his first win as the club’s permanent head coach, outclassing the Elks in a 19-point victory. Tyrie Adams looked capable of running the offence, which finally got the ground game going as newcomer De’Montre Tuggle ran for 126 yards and one touchdown. Ottawa could move further up this list in the near future as franchise quarterback Jeremiah Masoli looks to return from injury.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8)
The Ticats were on a bye this past week, giving them extra time to stew on an embarrassing 26-point loss to the Montreal Alouettes. Bo Levi Mitchell’s status remains unclear, the offensive line is still beaten up, and Chris Edwards was given a maximum fine for his postgame shove on Austin Mack. Needless to say, things aren’t going well in Steeltown. This team needs a win in the worst possible way.
9. Edmonton Elks (9)
Chris Jones promoted unproven rookie quarterback Jarret Doege all the way from fourth-string to first-string in a desperate attempt to find a spark this past week and the move didn’t pay off as he threw three interceptions. The offensive line is terrible, the defence gave up over 200 yards along the ground, and Eugene Lewis is on the six-game injured list. Edmonton’s season couldn’t have started off much worse.
