POWER RANKINGS

1 WEEK

1.

Calgary Stampeders

They open at McMahon Stadium, where they’re 31-5 in the regular season since 2014, when Bo Levi Mitchell took over the offence. Mitchell said this receiving corps is the best he’s had at his disposal, and it improved with the addition of Eric Rogers. Several veterans headed for the exits, but this is still a deep, talented roster.

2.

Edmonton Eskimos

Despite a relatively quiet off-season, they showed up as one of the leading Grey Cup favourites in the CFL media poll. Their biggest addition was the return from injury of middle linebacker J.C. Sherritt. But Mike Reilly to Derel Walker will be worth watching, as will C.J. Gable on the ground.

3.

Toronto Argonauts

Since the Eskimos dynasty ended in 1982, only the Argos of 1996 and ’97 and the Als of 2009 and ’10 have repeated as Grey Cup champs. But coaching, quarterbacking depth and running back James Wilder Jr. will keep the Argos in the mix.

4.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

They draw the short straw in Calgary, but look capable of a 10-win season. Their one-two punch at quarterback should keep defences off balance, and the late season resurgence of Brandon Banks at receiver last year cannot be over-stated.

5.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

If apparent starter Zach Collaros shakes off the rust and his offensive line rounds into shape, the Riders will be able to deploy a lethal receiving corps. With Tyler Crapigna out for the year, they’re handing kicking duties to inexperienced Brett Lauther, who was perfect in pre-season but is still a question mark.

6.

B.C. Lions

The Leos are hoping demanding offensive co-ordinator Jarious Jackson will get better performances out of his quarterbacks, especially starter Jonathon Jennings, who has to rebound after struggling through 2017. General manager Ed Hervey said his key veterans bought in as he retooled the roster.

7.

Ottawa Redblacks

In the CFL’s pre-season media poll, not one of 70-plus voters thought Ottawa capable of winning the Grey Cup. After a mediocre 2017 season, they underwent a significant rebuild and look solid though unspectacular. They will go undefeated through Week 1, with a bye.

8.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

A healthy Matt Nichols would carry this team into the top three. But the knee injury that felled the cursed starting quarterback has a potentially devastating ripple effect. QB Chris Streveler should get the ball against Edmonton, Montreal, Hamilton and B.C. and a 2-2 record with him at the helm would be a win.

9.

Montreal Alouettes

There is but faint hope for the Als to reach .500 this season, and only if quarterback Drew Willy can sustain the limited success he’s had in brief stints over the past four seasons. He completed at least 68 per cent of his passes in each of those seasons, and racked up 17 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions.