POWER RANKINGS 17 WEEK
1. Calgary (1)
The Stamps lose a receiver to injury every time they play a game, which makes a 14th consecutive year in the playoffs slightly more impressive. The offence that once featured real estate gobbling WR Kamar Jorden is now an equal-opportunity unit that generally takes smaller chunks doled out to a handful of receivers by QB Bo Levi Mitchell, who is moving into the MOP conversation at the expense of struggling Edmonton QB Mike Reilly.
2. Ottawa (3)
The bye-week bump comes to the nation’s capital courtesy of the B.C. Lions, who were folded, spindled and mutilated in Hamilton. Redblacks kicker Lewis Ward’s 40 field goals amounts to 37 per cent of the team’s scoring, which is both impressive for a rookie and somewhat concerning for an offensive co-ordinator. Ward was called on to boot seven field goals to beat Edmonton in Week 15, repeating a seven-kick performance against Hamilton in July. The Redblacks haven’t paid much of a price for their inability to score touchdowns. Yet.
3. Saskatchewan (4)
QB Zach Collaros is delivering the ball on time, all over the field, with more zip than he had immediately upon returning from a concussion early in the season. His receivers are piling up yards and RB Tre Mason looks to be rounding into form, repeatedly gaining plenty of yards after first contact. The resurgence of the offence has taken some pressure off the defence, which won a few games all by itself. The Riders are just four points back of Calgary, and suddenly looking like the best bet to host the West semifinal.
4. Hamilton (6)
Brandon Banks danced through the B.C. secondary for two TDs to lead the Tabbies to their 40-10 rout. He’s an emotional little guy and the Ticats obviously need his fire in the huddle and between the sidelines. He can dial it back for a bit, however, as the Tabbies get the bye this week, then travel to Toronto before a crucial home-and-home series against Ottawa. The Tabbies will probably need to sweep the Redblacks for any chance at the East title, given Ottawa’s game in hand.
5. Winnipeg (7)
Dominant defence did the trick against Edmonton, forcing the Eskimos into seven turnovers and limiting them to a field goal. They also shortened the field several times for an offence that needed the leg up, given its recent problems.
6. B.C. (2)
The Lions were wholly unprepared for battle and were whupped from start to finish by the Tabbies. Back in the day you would have burned the game film. So what’s the 2018 equivalent? Smashing the iPads?
7. Edmonton (5)
A team that is clearly in free-fall, as a 2-5 skid demonstrates, fires its special teams co-ordinator? Hard to fathom, given the Eskimos’ plethora of shortcomings on offence and defence.
8. Montreal (9)
Johnny Football might be the answer. Next year. Or the one after.
9. Toronto (8)
The fork is in deep.