POWER RANKINGS WEEK 20

1.

Hamilton (1)

The Tabbies toyed with the Redblacks for 30 minutes, then flexed on them for another 30 and set a franchise record with their 13th win. The mark should stand for a week. This well-balanced, well-coached team is likely headed for a 15-win regular season and a trip to the Grey Cup, provided they stay mostly healthy.

2.

Calgary (2)

When the Stampeders offence finally stopped shooting itself in the foot last week, they were just barely strong enough to eke out a win over Winnipeg on home turf. If they take care of the rock, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell will usually take care of the rest. If they give it away too often in Winnipeg, they’re looking at a costly loss.

3.

Saskatchewan (3)

Sackmaster Charleston Hughes has gone strangely quiet for two games but other Riders on defence are picking up the slack, and quarterback Cody Fajardo continues to rev up the offence. He’ll be eager to validate the contract extension he just signed.

4.

Montreal (5)

The Als are showing signs of weakness down the stretch, alternating losses and wins for the last six games. They are a good bet to keep that going with Hamilton on tap this week and then Game 18 in Ottawa. That might be cause for concern headed into the East Division semifinal home game against Edmonton.

5.

Winnipeg (4)

A team that lives by the run might be dying by the run if Chris Streveler can’t play this week. He hobbled on and off the field in Calgary; the price he pays for being equal parts RB and QB. Winnipeg needs a win to keep alive the idea of a home playoff game, which seems necessary for success this year as they’re a dismal 3-6 on the road.

6.

Edmonton (6)

A bye week’s worth of rest came at a great time for quarterback Trevor Harris, who will be back on the field against the Riders this week. If he’s not too rusty, he’ll be just what the offence ordered. Though they are locked into the crossover spot, they need the confidence that would come with a win or two over Saskatchewan.

7.

Toronto (8)

When the Argos name a new head coach for next season and he hires a new offensive co-ordinator, will they both decide to hitch their wagon to pending free agent QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson? His 24 TD passes lead the league and he’s thrown only 13 picks. Will he want to stay in Toronto, knowing most teams have a starter?

8.

B.C. (7)

The Lions think they are headed in the right direction, and they have some crucial pieces in place: Bryan Burnham, Mike Reilly, Lemar Durant and John White among them. But this rebuild will take a couple of years to bear fruit.

9.

Ottawa (9)

How on earth did they beat Calgary 32-28 in the season opener at McMahon Stadium, then put up 44 points to beat the Riders by a field goal the next week?