POWER RANKINGS
21 WEEK
1. Hamilton (1)
Receiver Brandon Banks put the capper on his Mop-worthy season last week, scoring three TDS in a statement game romp over Montreal. The Ticats are rolling toward a Grey Cup appearance and he’s a big reason why.
2. Saskatchewan (3)
The 70-yard, fourth-quarter, game-winning drive that QB Cody Fajardo engineered in Edmonton last week will serve as notice that the Riders are going to lock up first place in the West Division, and appear destined to meet Hamilton in the big game.
3. Winnipeg (5)
New QB Zach Collaros needed one game to change the complexion of a one-note Winnipeg offence. The Bombers are a legitimate threat again, resembling the team they were before starter Matt Nichols’ season-ending injury.
4. Calgary (2)
The Stamps couldn’t buy a first down when they needed it late against Winnipeg and you have to think the magic is running out on the perennial contenders.
5. Montreal (4)
The Alouettes rested QB Vernon Adams Jr. for half of last week’s home loss to Hamilton. Not sure about the wisdom of that move, given their inconsistency down the stretch and what could be a lack of momentum.
6. Edmonton (6)
There are way too many holes in this team to expect much in the post-season. They could get by a win-one, lose-one Montreal team in the East Division semifinal, but they’re obviously no match for Hamilton in the East Final.
7. Toronto (7)
GM Pinball Clemons has to blow it up. The Argonauts team that plays Game 18 in Hamilton this week cannot and should not remotely resemble the one that gathers for Game 1 next year. The casual fans of Toronto aren’t going to buy another season like this one.
8. B.C. (8)
Any bets on how many Lions show up to make life miserable for Calgary in the final game of the regular season? If it’s 60 per cent, that might be a moral victory for first-year head coach Devone Claybrooks. After starting 1-8, they’re 4-4 in the second half, and that’s the hope they’ll sell for next season.
9. Ottawa (9)
Head coach Rick Campbell thought rock bottom was last week’s 39-9 loss in Toronto. He has guessed wrong so often this year. Rock bottom could still be coming if GM Marcel Desjardins is allowed to keep his job, but there has to be a sacrifice made after this horrid season.