POWER RANKINGS

10 WEEK

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(1) EDMONTON

The Eskimos have a tenuous hold on top spot after Thursday’s 33-26 loss in Winnipeg. Despite that setback, Edmonton has the CFL’s best record, although the gap between the Eskimos and Stampeders (and even the Blue Bombers) is narrowing. Edmonton deserves considerable credit for being 7-1-0 despite a rash of injuries to key players.

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(2) CALGARY

The Stampeders (6-1-1) are coming off Friday’s 21-17 road victory against B.C., a game in which the typically potent Calgary offence was erratic. But the top-drawer teams find a way to win without being at their best, and that helps explain why the Stampeders are a perennial power. Their winning culture is unmatched in the CFL.

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(3) WINNIPEG

A case could be made for a higher placing, considering the Blue Bombers have just bounced the Eskimos from the ranks of the undefeated. However, Edmonton is still first overall in the CFL and Calgary is still Calgary. The Eskimos, Stampeders and Blue Bombers are highly deserving of spots on the podium. Nobody else in the nine-team circuit is even a consideration.

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(4) B.C.

The Lions have lost twice in a row after a four-game winning streak. The mini-slump coincides with the return of Jonathon Jennings as the starting quarterback. Jennings is not solely to blame, but the offence was much more efficient when Travis Lulay was calling signals. The Lions did challenge Calgary, however, after a lopsided loss in Saskatchewan.

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(7) TORONTO

The Argonauts and Alouettes have switched spots after Saturday’s mismatch — Toronto’s 38-6 home-field victory over Montreal. Ricky Ray had one of his patented Ray Days, a game in which any incompletion is a shock. He was 35 for 43 with 377 yards and four touchdowns. Oddly enough, the longest completion was for only 29 yards, which reflects the consistency with which Ray dissected the Alouettes’ alleged defence.

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(6) SASKATCHEWAN

The Riders maintained their sixthplace ranking during a bye week. Next!

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(5) MONTREAL

Saturday’s score actually flattered the Alouettes, who trailed 35-0 at halftime. Quarterback Darian Durant had a miserable game, throwing for only 93 yards. His longest completion was a 13-yarder. First-quarter interceptions continue to be an issue.

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(8) OTTAWA

Ottawa (2-6-1) won 37-18 on Friday, but that was against the lowly Ticats, who have become the CFL’s free space. Kudos to the Redblacks’ Trevor Harris, who leads the league in passing yards (2,862) and touchdown tosses (18). Let’s not forget Greg Ellingson, who has a league-best 904 receiving yards. He is also the CFL’s runaway leader in receptions of 30plus yards (10). Oddity: Ottawa has an ugly record, but has still outscored the opposition 251-247.

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(9) HAMILTON

The Tiger-Cats (0-8) are already evoking comparisons to the 2003 edition, which went 1-17-0. That year, the Ticats’ only victory was over the Riders, prompting then-quarterback Danny McManus to quip: “They ruined our perfect season.” Don’t expect Tiger-Cats boss Kent Austin to be as jocular if the woes persist.