POWER RANKINGS
1 ( 2) CALGARY
The Stampeders ( 7-1-1) have ascended to top spot after defeating the visiting Argonauts 23-7 on Saturday, holding Toronto to just a touchdown on an interception return. It was the latest standout defensive performance by a Calgary team that has allowed only 18.8 points per game. Calgary is also scoring at a leaguehigh rate ( 33.1 points per game). Stampeders QB Bo Levi Mitchell had his highest passing-yardage total of the season ( 384) against Toronto. Don’t expect Calgary to relinquish top spot any time soon, if at all.
2 ( 3) WINNIPEG
The Bombers are riding a five- game winning streak despite playing with fire week after week. They blew a 10- point lead Thursday against Montreal, but were able to win in OT. It was a typical night on the turf for the Blue Bombers, who are the league’s most exciting team. Their fourth quarters are always entertaining to watch, as is all- purpose tailback Andrew Harris.
3 ( 1) EDMONTON
The Eskimos won their first seven games before suffering back- to- back losses — most recently Friday’s 5431 evisceration at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. A succession of injuries is taking a toll on the Eskimos. Quarterback Mike Reilly struggled Friday, often in the face of intense pressure, and he can’t afford to have an off- night when the supporting cast is depleted. 4 ( 6) SASKATCHEWAN The Roughriders, who were seemingly allergic to turnovers earlier in the season, have taken away the football 12 times over the past two games. Included are seven interceptions, three of which have been returned for a touchdown. Back- to- back blowouts, in which the Riders have outscored the opposition 95-39, have been a tonic for the fan base.
5 (4) B.C.
The Lions have answered a four- game winning streak with three losses in succession. The best hope for B.C. is the anticipated reinstatement of Travis Lulay as the starting quarterback. Jonathon Jennings has yet to resemble the 2016 version of himself.
6 ( 5) TORONTO
The Argonauts are the best team in the East Division, which is akin to being the finest hockey player in nowhereland.
7 ( 8) OTTAWA
Ottawa is 3- 6-1 and only one point out of first place in the East. It is highly conceivable that a team with a losing record will claim first in the East and a first- round playoff bye.
8 ( 7) MONTREAL
The Alouettes’ offence can be exasperating — considering Darian Durant’s penchant for first- quarter interceptions — only to show encouraging signs. Durant piloted a comeback against Winnipeg when the cause appeared to be lost, and also made key plays to extend the game to a second overtime period. Then the roof fell in again.
9 ( 9) HAMILTON
The 0- 8 Tiger- Cats appointed a new head coach (June Jones) during the bye week, in which Kent Austin fired himself as the field boss and decided to concentrate on football-operations matters. The Tiger- Cats didn’t empty the vault to hire and retain Austin with the expectation he would be a non- coach. Another headscratcher in Hamilton.