POWER RANKINGS

WEEK 18

1 (1) CALGARY

The Stampeders (13-1-1) need one more victory to clinch first place in the West Division and top spot overall. They have won 11 games in a row. An easy pick for No. 1, as always. Mind you, Calgary just squeaked past Hamilton (4-11-0), winning 28-25 on Friday, so there is the remote possibility of someone catching the Stampeders on a bad day. Don’t put too much money on it, though.

2 (2) WINNIPEG

The Blue Bombers (11-4-0) clinched a playoff spot Saturday by defeating B.C. 26-20. However, the offence failed to score a touchdown — the Bombers reached pay dirt on a Kevin Fogg punt return and a T.J. Heath pick six — and injuries are starting to mount. Winnipeg has only one offensive touchdown over its past two games.

3 (4) EDMONTON

The up-and-down Eskimos are on the up cycle after extending their winning streak to two games by defeating Toronto 30-27 on Saturday. The Eskimos won their first seven games, lost their next six, and are now on the winning track again. The roll could easily continue when you consider the wealth of talent. Quarterback Mike Reilly works with the league’s best receiving corps and tailback C.J. Gable, who was recently rescued from Hamilton. It all gives Edmonton a balanced attack.

4 (3) SASKATCHEWAN

The Roughriders took a step backward Friday by gassing a 12-point lead late in the fourth quarter and losing 33-32 to Ottawa. Saskatchewan (8-7-0) had entered Friday’s game on a 6-2-0 roll, and is still positioned to secure a playoff berth despite the collapse. Quarterback Kevin Glenn is under fire from some fans, who would prefer to see Brandon Bridge behind centre, but the 38-year-old veteran had helped his team enjoy a double-digit lead — only to have the defence, which had been reliable, implode.

5 (5) OTTAWA

The Redblacks (7-9-1) clinched a playoff berth Saturday, and should be rested once the post-season arrives. Ottawa is on a bye for two of the next three weeks. How does such a schedule get approved? How is it even drawn up in the first place?

6 (6) TORONTO

Here is the best news for the Argonauts: Ricky Ray is healthy. The future Hall of Fame quarterback, who turns 38 on Sunday, has appeared in 15 games this season. He had been limited to nine games in 2015 and three in 2016. Toronto’s record (79-0) is unremarkable, but a healthy, effective Ray gives the Boatmen a chance every time he is in the lineup. It’s a shame more Torontonians don’t show up to watch him play.

7 (7) HAMILTON

The Tiger-Cats lost a heartbreaker against Calgary and have now been eliminated from playoff contention. They are a much better team under June Jones, who stepped in for Kent Austin in August, but an 0-8 start was too much to overcome.

8 (8) B.C.

The Lions enjoyed a 5-2-0 start, but have won only once since. Time for a shakeup. Speaking of which:

9 (9) MONTREAL

The Alouettes’ players have reconvened after a bye week. Just one question: Why?