POWER RANKINGS
16 WEEK
1 (1) Calgary
The Stampeders have the league’s best record (12-1-1) after a 59-11 victory over hapless Montreal — a glorified scrimmage that bordered on the inhumane. Calgary is proficient in all three phases of the game, its defence being a meat grinder. The Stampeders are allowing a mere 17.3 points per game.
2 (2) Winnipeg
The Blue Bombers (10-3-0) have won nine of their last 10 games and are the only team with even a hope of catching the Stampeders. Winnipeg and Calgary are to meet at McMahon Stadium on the final Friday of the regular season (Nov. 3). That game could easily be a preview of the West Division final. And let’s face it, whoever wins the West wins it all.
3 (3) Saskatchewan
The Roughriders are barely above .500 (7-6), but a 5-2 surge has transformed their season and the mindset of their fans. Chris Jones’ crew will be a tough test for anyone down the stretch. One more victory will give Saskatchewan as many wins (eight) as it compiled during the 2015 and 2016 seasons combined.
4 (6) Toronto
Toronto (7-7-0) is the only East Division team with a non-losing record. Somebody schedule a parade. Three consecutive victories have enabled the Argos to reach the .500 mark. Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray, nearing 38, still makes plays that remind everyone of why he is a surefire hall of famer.
5 (4) Edmonton
What to make of the streaky 2017 edition of the Eskimos? Edmonton won its first seven games, only to change direction faster than Connor McDavid — losing six in a row. How is this possible when a Mike Reilly-quarterbacked offence includes receivers such as Derel Walker, Brandon Zylstra, Adarius Bowman and D’haquille Williams?
6 (5) B.C.
The Lions were on a bye week and still descended one spot. Nobody said life was fair.
7 (7) Ottawa
The Redblacks followed up on a 29-9 loss to Winnipeg by gassing a 17-0 lead and losing 18-17 to Saskatchewan. Both losses came with thirdstringer Ryan Lindley at quarterback. He is not to be blamed, however, for a punt-return touchdown Ottawa surrendered as Christion Jones ran one back 97 yards in the third quarter. The Redblacks were leading 17-7 when Lindley moved the team to Saskatchewan’s 20-yard line, whereupon tailback William Powell was trapped for a loss of five. Lindley then threw a short pass to Juron Criner, who erupted for a fumble. The Fade-toblacks never recovered.
8 (8) Hamilton
The Tiger-Cats blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead and lost 43-35 in overtime to the visiting Argonauts. Hamilton gave its fans another reason to lament this season.
9 (9) Montreal
After Friday’s 59-11 loss in Calgary, it is tempting to bump the Alouettes to 13th, behind the Sacramento Gold Miners, San Antonio Texans, Birmingham Barracudas and Memphis Mad Dogs. Profuse apologies to any longtime fans of the Sarnia Imperials, two-time Grey Cup champions. Friday’s game showed that far bigger problems afflict the Alouettes than the perceived decline of QB Darian Durant. He was sidelined for Friday’s game due to a lower-body injury. Can it get any lower for the Alouettes?