CFL Power Rankings, Grey Cup Odds: Argonauts Win the East, Swat Away Rivals for Top Spot

These CFL Power Rankings have made for an interesting exercise over the past couple of months. That is, it’s been a challenge to figure out which teams should be placed in the second through ninth slots. The number one spot has been predictable for weeks already, and this edition sees no change in that respect.

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1. Toronto Argonauts (11-1, spread: 9-3)

To put it bluntly, no one is as good as the Toronto Argonauts. Last Friday, with the author in attendance, they captured the East Division title on the road in Montreal with a beguiling, thrilling victory. Toronto is still second in points scored and first in points allowed, making them an incredibly balanced squad. This may sound funny to read, but both RB A.J. Ouellette and QB Chad Kelly make for a great running duo, especially given the latter’s league-leading eight TDs on the ground.

2. BC Lions (9-4, spread: 7-5-1)

Boy, oh boy. The BC Lions almost didn’t deserve this second place. Were it not for a heroic comeback in the final minutes against the RedBlacks, it would have been difficult to justify this. But they did come back and win and ultimately that’s what matters. The offence moves with ruthless efficiency when QB Vernon Adams Jr. is on his game – which maybe isn’t as regularly as it should be. Alexander Hollins and Keon Hatchers are a terrific WR duo threat.

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (10-4, spread: 7-7)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have one more win in the standings than the Lions and lead the West Division, but have not been as impressive against the spread, hence third place. The bump in the road last week in Hamilton didn’t help their cause either. To be fair, they still have the best attack in the CFL, and with the rules and field being what they are in this league, that alone will always give you a chance to win. Don’t overlook defensive back Demerio Houston, who leads the CFL with seven interceptions.

4. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-7, spread: 6-7)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats deserve this spot. Yes, it says a lot about the CFL that the fourth-placed club is under .500 – symptomatic of a nine-team league – but regardless, Hamilton has looked good two weeks in a row. Their valiant effort at home against the mighty Blue Bombers may prove to be the turning point of their entire season. It was a brilliant win and QB Taylor Powell, whom we’ve shunned a few times, looked very comfortable. RB James Butler is the offence’s spark plug, looking forceful when rumbling downfield.

5. Montreal Alouettes (6-7, spread: 6-7)

Fourth place was going to be a fight between Montreal, Hamilton, and Saskatchewan. All were at home last week. Hamilton is the only team that won. Montreal has a slightly superior ATS record than the Roughriders, hence fifth place. The defeat to the Argos hurt. Badly. What once was a great defence has dropped off significantly and the struggles on offence are clear for anyone to see. It doesn’t matter that WR Austin Mack is second in the CFL in yards receiving. The Alouettes simply can’t score enough touchdowns.

6. Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-7, spread: 5-7-1)

Why do the Roughriders get the worst rank in the triple battle between them and the Tiger-Cats and Alouettes? Beyond the worse ATS tally, they were at home against the Edmonton Elks in a very crucial game for positioning in the West and coughed up a double-digit lead. We’re at the stage in 2023 where game results carry the heavy potential to influence how clubs finish their campaigns and that was an awful loss. Larry Dean continues his excellent work on defence (79 tackles).

7. Calgary Stampeders (4-9, spread: 7-6)

The Stampeders benefitted from a bye last week. As such, there isn’t a ton of new information to go off. They suffer from similar symptoms as the Alouettes. Calgary is efficient at moving the ball yet drives too often conclude with field goals. How else can QB Jake Maier rank second league-wide in passing yards yet the Stamps be fifth in points scored?

8. Edmonton Elks (4-10, spread: 6-8)

The Edmonton Elks have won more games recently than they’ve lost – four out of five. Unfortunately, it may be too late. The race for third place in the West sees them a few games behind the Roughriders, and either the Ticats or Als would have to flame out for a crossover situation. Never say never, especially when the Elks are playing as inspired as they have recently. Handing the pigskin over the Canadian QB Tre Ford has proven to be a great decision.

9. Ottawa RedBlacks (3-10, spread: 5-8)

The more weeks elapse, the more this feels justified. Playing in close and exciting contests can only buy a club so much mileage. Ottawa’s defeat in BC last week was utterly nonsensical. To lead 37-21 with less than four minutes left in the game – slim playoff hopes hanging in the balance – and lose 41-37? Inexcusable. This is the worst team in the CFL.