CFL Power Rankings Week 2: Bombers at the top and The Lions rise up the Rankings!

Week one is in the books, and for the most part, things are going according to the way I expected. The BC Lions move up, and some activity exists outside of the top spot.

9) Ottawa Redblacks

Bob Dyce’s tenure as Ottawa’s permanent head coach began on a sad note, as I expected. Ottawa failed to score, relying heavily on Lewis Ward’s right foot to keep them alive, with calls for Nick Arbuckle to be replaced by Tyrie Adams growing louder by the day. Will the Red Blacks ever get out of the basement this season.

CFL Week One: Ottawa Redblacks vs. Montreal Alouettes

8) Edmonton Elks

Edmonton held their ground following a home loss that saw their revamped offense struggle to make an impression, save for Eugene Lewis’ sensational 102-yard touchdown catch. Taylor Cornelius struggled with accuracy and was only effective once on the ground (one 14-yard run). Perhaps Edmonton’s most significant positive came off the field on Sunday: an announced crowd of 32,233 fans showed up – their largest since 2013.

CFL 2023 Recap: Saskatchewan @ Edmonton – week 1

7) Calgary Stampeders

Calgary was taken down one spot after an ineffective performance against the Lions. Its offense appeared disjointed, its defense failed to create any pass rush, and their normally reliable special teams performed below expectations. Could Calgary’s longstanding status as one of the league’s premier squads finally be coming to an end?

CFL 2023 Recap: BC @ Calgary – week 1

6) Montreal Alouettes

Cody Fajardo must have had flashbacks to 2022 as he was planted into the Percival Molson Stadium turf six times during Tuesday night’s game. Although his team pledged improvement at protecting him, there hasn’t been enough improvement yet for Fajardo to see any tangible benefits as a result of it. If the Offensive line improves then the Als can be contenders.

CFL Team Preview: 2023 Montreal Alouettes

5) Hamilton Ti-Cats

Following their double-digit defeat against the No. 1-ranked Bombers, the Tabbies fell two spots in these rankings. Bo Levi Mitchell made his debut as quarterback of the Ti-Cats. Still, he struggled mightily to bring Hamilton’s offense up to speed, with only 239 net yards being gained on offense and three turnovers committed during his debut game. Their next opponent is defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts who will present them with another formidable challenger for this season’s playoff run.

CFL Team Preview: 2023 Hamilton Tiger-Cats

4) Saskatchewan Rough Riders

Trevor Harris did not do himself or Saskatchewan proud in their opening game together, throwing for only 179 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. But the Riders looked great defensively against Edmonton; one highlight being an impressive late goal-line stand that saved them. You have to be worried about the Riders offense and Trevor Harris through his career has been an average Quarterback who looks great when talent surrounds him, but when it doesn’t….

CFL 2023 Recap: Saskatchewan @ Edmonton – week 1

3) Toronto Argonauts

Does any East Division team fare better this week than the Toronto Argonauts, and they didn’t even play? Their first action will come when they host Ticats on June 18th.

Mic’d Up: Chad Kelly at Argos 2023 Training Camp

2) BC Lions

The Lions made an impressive leap up one spot following their dominant win against the Calgary Stampeders, as Vernon Adams Jr. led an unfailing offense, featuring Dominique Rhymes, who caught two touchdown passes and rookie running back Taquan Mizzell, who impressed at running back. Meanwhile, on defense, they held Calgary to only 235 net yards of offense! This was a complete team effort for a team that looks poised to make a Grey Cup run.

CFL 2023 Recap: BC @ Calgary – week 1

1) Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Winnipeg may have suffered some points given up off turnovers late, but their 25-point halftime lead proved enough for victory and kept them in the top spot on the rankings for at least another week. Their veteran-laden squad looks strong as ever, showing why they’ve advanced to three straight Grey Cups. This team should stay at the worst in the top three all season.

CFL 2023 Recap: Hamilton @ Winnipeg – week 1