CFL Power Rankings Week 18: A new number one emerges

Week 18

9) Ottawa Redblacks

Ottawa quarterback Dustin Crum was under constant pressure against Montreal’s aggressive, blitz-heavy defense and was intercepted twice and suffered a fumble as the Redblacks struggled to get things going on offense.

8) Calgary Stampeders

Jake Maier completed this latest loss by throwing for 239 yards for Calgary while Tre Odoms-Dukes led all receivers with 83 receiving yards.

7) Edmonton Elks

The Elks had the week off.

6) Saskatchewan Roughriders

Saskatchewan quarterback Jake Dolegala threw for 409 yards and two interceptions. Saskatchewan added three scores on the ground – one by backup pivot Antonio Pipkin and two from Thomas Bertrand-Hudon as they dropped to 6-9.

5) Hamilton Ti-Cats

Even when they appear defeated, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats never give up.

Though trailing early, Hamilton defeated Calgary Stampeders 22-15 at Tim Hortons Field on Saturday night to secure a playoff berth for themselves.

Matthew Shiltz completed throws for 225 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while Tim White registered three receptions totalling 96 yards and a score. Meanwhile, James Butler led the ground game with 92 yards.

4) Montreal Alouettes

The Montreal Alouettes will play on November 4 after earning their spot in the Eastern Semi-Finals with a 32-15 victory against Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday.

Montreal controlled play over the first three quarters, leading 22-0 at halftime.

Dequoy also recorded an impressive defensive play for the Als, with his 109-yard interception ending Ottawa’s most promising game drive to that point.

Quarterback Cody Fajardo connected with wide receiver Tyson Philpot to score a touchdown, while running back William Stanback added one for himself as the Alouettes improved to 8-7 and earned their postseason slot.

3) BC Lions

After their 33-26 victory against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday night, the BC Lions secured a home playoff date.

After their Week 16 win, the Lions earned post-season qualification for a second consecutive year and are in a tight race with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the top spot in the West Division, which will grant them hosting rights of Western Final on Saturday, November 11.

2) Toronto Argonauts

The defending Grey Cup champions, who beat the Bombers by one point in last year’s final, started strong as they scored 14 first-quarter points while in enemy territory.

But despite trailing early, the Bombers fought until the end, utilizing Oliveira’s strong ground game, Collaros’ connection with receivers like Dalton Schoen, and playing physically defensively to stay in the game.

1) Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Bombers’ defense held Argos to only three points during the final quarter before scoring 15 in return to secure victory in their inaugural meeting of 2023 against them.

With Oliveira leading nearly every drive on the ground and fighting hard to earn first downs against an undermanned Toronto team without Chad Kelly as their quarterback, the Bombers trusted in the process, resulting in a win.

CFL 2023 Recap: Toronto @ Winnipeg – week 17