It’s just like the CFL to feature game results this late into the campaign that muddy the water. Then again, fans of the league wouldn’t want to have it any other way, hence its charm. It also makes the Power Rankings a delicate exercise. It’s not that the team we’ve placed at number one doesn’t deserve it, but they arrived there in a funny way.

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Now let’s get right to it!

CFL Week 16 Power Rankings

1. Ottawa Redblacks (8-4-1, ATS: 8-5)

We have to hand it to the Ottawa Redblacks. Yes, they were on a bye in Week 15 and, yes, they lost in Week 14, but the overall body of work speaks for itself. Hopefully, injuries on defence (LB Adarius Pickett) and a surprising decision to cut RB Ryquell Armstead don’t affect the team too much. WR Justin Hardy is quietly having a brilliant season (1,013 yards). They’ve also proven to be virtually invincible at home and still sport one of the best ATS records in the league.

2. Montreal Alouettes (10-2-1, ATS: 7-6)

No, the only club to tally double digits in the win column does not get to remain in first place. They might have held on to the crown had they not flopped in Calgary last weekend. Against a mediocre Stampeders side, the Alouettes could do no better than earn a 19-19 draw. WR Cole Spieker is third in the CFL with six TDs, and he’ll be needed the rest of the way given that Montreal’s receiver corps has taken up residence at the clinic (Austin Mack is on the six-game injured list, Tyson Philpot is out for season).

3. Edmonton Elks (5-8, ATS 9-4)

Another team that has not taken the field in two weeks yet sees its strong position either held or reinforced. Just look at that resplendent ATS record. It’s irresistible. The Elks are confidently climbing the steep Rocky Mountains. They haven’t reached the top yet, not at 5-8, but they’ve gone a good distance since the poor start way back in June and July. Props to LB Morgan Nyles, who leads the CFL with 85 total tackles

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-6, ATS 5-8)

We can put a positive spin on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers too. Their early season woes feel like an age ago. Five straight-up wins on the run and four spreads covered out of those five opportunities. 5-8 ATS isn’t amazing, but they were once 1-7. Two of the sexiest stats on defence are sacks and interceptions. Well, DB Tyrell Ford shares the CFL lead with six picks, and DE Willie Jefferson is in a tie for third with six sacks. To that effect, the Bombers are only second to the Alouettes in true offensive points conceded, and not by much (20.6 to 20.2). In fact, they are a league-best for overall points given up (21.1).

5. Toronto Argonauts (7-6, ATS 5-8)

As of mid-September in the year 2024, this feels like the perfect spot for the Toronto Argonauts. They function like this season’s prime meridian. If your team is playing better than the Argos, they have a chance at glory. If they are playing worse than the Argos, then be worried. They are maddeningly difficult to predict from one week to the next. They were embarrassed by the Redblacks two weeks ago, then launched an atom bomb on the BC Lions.

6. Calgary Stampeders (4-8-1, ATS 7-6)

This feels generous based on the club’s overall play, but the Stampeders have been all right versus the spread this season. They had the Alouettes where they wanted them last week yet could not avoid silly penalties. Do you want to know the craziest thing about this team? Despite all the problems they’re experiencing and that Jake Maier was benched not long ago, the QB ranks second in the CFL with 3,157 yards and third in TDs with 16. True story.

7. Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-7-1, ATS 7-6)

Losers of six of their last seven matches, the Roughriders are in free fall. They’ve also only covered twice over that same span of seven contests. We know, it’s a bit odd having a pair of 7-6 ATS teams (Roughriders and Stampeders) in the bottom half of the rankings, but their recent play has been moribund. By “recent” we mean nearly two months, not two weeks. The AJ Ouellette injury feels as if it’s derailed everything.

8. BC Lions (7-7, ATS 6-8)

How many times this season are the BC Lions going to pull the rug from under the fans? Just when it seemed as though might be looking up they lay an egg against the Argonauts at home. Three QBs played! Nathan Rourke, who was benched at halftime, Vernon Adams Jr, who was returning from a long absence due to injury, and Chase Brice. “Obviously” Brice was the only one to throw a TD pass

9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9, ATS: 5-8)

It’s probably too little, too late, but at least Hamilton looks like a squad ready and willing to play with some pride down the stretch. If their Labour Day win over the Argos and the demolition of the Redblacks (whom we non-ironically put in first place) shortly after are anything to go by, maybe don’t take the Ticats lightly. Hey, QB Bo Levi Mitchell leads the CFL with 3,682 yards and it’s not even close. He’s also best in TD tosses with 23.