CFL Power Rankings and Grey Cup Odds: Toronto Argonauts Hold Firm on Number One

With over half the CFL regular season in the books, it was about time that some clubs sported results against the spread that differed from their outright win-loss tallies. For several weeks most CFL franchises had identical records in both departments. That’s now changed and said evolution makes the Power Rankings that much more intriguing.

While we’re at it, check out our CFL odds and Futures for all your Canadian Football League action. Check out the Grey Cup odds directly below.

Data collected is as of Monday, August 21, after all of Week 11’s action.

Let’s get down to business.

CFL Power Rankings

1. Toronto Argonauts (7-1, spread: 7-1)

We said two weeks ago that if the BC Lions outperformed the Argonauts in the interim we were willing to rank them number one. Well, the Toronto Argonauts have not stopped performing like the defending champs that they are (best defence and second-best offence). And if pure numbers are required to support the argument, the Argos have covered seven of eight spreads, an 87.5 per cent efficiency rate. BC isn’t even close. The bye also came at the right time for Toronto, as QB Chad Kelly continues to nurse his upper body injury.

2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8-2, spread: 5-5)

Winnipeg fails to reach the top again. It isn’t all bad. Winning is still the most important thing and the Blue Bombers have survived back-to-back weeks with Dru Brown at QB, winning both contests. Reports came out Monday that Zach Collaros was back at practice, so things are looking very good for the Blue Bombers. The defence is perhaps a little bit leakier than in years past (fourth-best at the time of writing), but then again the only major score against Calgary in Week 11 was off a pick-six.

3. BC Lions (7-3, spread: 6-3-1)

BC tumbles from second to third. Because squads play football only once a week, so much can change when doing a Power Rankings every fortnight. Vernon Adams Jr. was back in action in Week 11 and the Saskatchewan Roughriders seemed ripe for the plucking. Until they weren’t. The shock defeat sent BC into second place in the West Division and resulted in a hit against the spread. This is a very good football team. They just need to pick themselves up again.

4. Montreal Alouettes (6-3, spread: 5-4)

This is what one might call a plot twist. It seems unlikely that most people thought the Alouettes could rank this high so late into the campaign. That’s what four consecutive wins can buy you. The defence also continues to impress, making big plays at big moments. Much like Winnipeg, Montreal has won two in a row with its backup quarterback, in this case, Caleb Evans. One of the reasons why things have turned out so well since Cody Fajardo’s injury is that the defensive side of the ball takes a lot of pressure off Evans. Another deciding factor in this ranking is that Montreal is the last team with a winning record ATS.

5. Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5, spread: 4-5-1)

Here are those Saskatchewan Roughriders who upset BC last week. It was a great performance all around. Saskatchewan’s defence came ready to deliver pain against the Lions, with the big hits coming fast and furiously. It was a little nervy in the fourth quarter when BC put in a spirited fight, but a win is a win. Kudos to QB Jake Dolegala for doing more than just hold the fort He balled out in Week 11.

6. Calgary Stampeders (3-7, spread: 4-6)

Another example of efforts against the spread carrying weight in how a club ranks. It’s tempting to place Hamilton higher. They’ve lost once game less. True, but in playing – and losing – one more match, the Calgary Stampeders have actually covered one additional spread. Oh, the joy of Power Rankings. To be a Stamps fan in 2023. Week 11 was yet another achingly close game that went against them.

7. Ottawa Redblacks (3-7, spread: 4-6)

Oh, Hamilton needs to wait for the next spot. It turns out that the Ottawa Redblacks experienced the exact same thing as the Stampers in Week 11. A game at home against a regional rival in which the hosts put in a good fight but lost a close one. Hence, one extra spread covered. Dustin Crum continues to mesmerize when he scatters outside the pocket, but the lack of consistency when it’s time to actually throw the ball is starting to hurt the team too much.

8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-6, spread: 3-6)

Honestly, this low ranking isn’t merely because the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have three covered spreads to Ottawa and Calgary’s four. No, it’s much worse than that. Hamilton is the first team in 2023 to fall to the Edmonton Elks, at home no less. Taylor Powell couldn’t outduel Tre Ford. Unlike almost all their rivals, the Ticats are one team for which the backup QB situation is genuinely hurting them.

9. Edmonton Elks (1-9, spread: 4-6)

You know what? It felt good typing “1-9” instead of “0-10.” Going winless would have such an embarrassing fate. Granted, Edmonton might not win again this season, but it would be nice to think that with at least one victory under their belt, the Elks can make something of their 2023 season. They aren’t a good football team, but they aren’t so bad that betters can’t consider sometimes when placing props.