2018 CFL Preseason Power Rankings

Tonight the CFL season will kick off and this season shapes up as even more competitive than last year. The addition of Johnny Manziel to the league will mean more attention down south of the Canadian border.

1) Calgary Stampeders

The Stamps have run away during the regular season the last few years, and once again they have a loaded roster. But I don’t think the Stamps will be running away from the pack this year as they have in the past. They will be challenged, but that might mean they will be sharper during the playoffs.

2) Saskatchewan Rough Riders

Zach Collaros could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Riders if he stays healthy. After a strong finish to last season, Rider Nation will have high expectations, and they should. The addition to Jerome Messam will be huge to the Riders offense. This is a team that could win it all.

3) Edmonton Eskimos

The Eskimos still have Mike Reilly at quarterback, which automatically means they will be a contender for the Grey Cup. C.J. Gable will be a handful for any team to play against and I look for the defense to improve as they have gotten younger and more athletic.

4) Toronto Argonauts

The Argos are led by Marc Trestman, who has a great resume as a CFL coach. When you add in Ricky Ray, a future Hall of Fame quarterback and a stout defense, the Argos should contend for supremacy in the East once again.

5) Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Bombers front office had a nice offseason once again and the addition of receiver Adarius Bowman will help out quarterback Matt Nichols. The Bombers coaching staff could be on the hot-seat if they can’t get this team over the hump soon. Of course, the big question will be can the Bombers survive the first month of the season without Nichols?

6) Ottawa Redblacks

The Redblacks improved the defensive side of the ball by adding defensive end A.C. Leonard, defensive back Louchiez Purifoy and linebacker Kyries Hebert. That should be enough to keep them in contention in what should be a very competitive Eastern Conference.

7) Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Ti-Cats improved dramatically once they brought June Jones into be the Head Coach. Now with the addition of quarterback Johnny Manziel, things could get very interesting real quick in Hamilton.

8) B.C. Lions

It’s hard to count anyone out in the CFL and they do have some talent on this roster. The question mark for me is at the quarterback position with Jonathon Jennings. If he can be consistent, the Lions could have a chance to surprise some people.

9) Montreal Alouettes

I know I just said it’s hard to count anybody out in the CFL, but there is always the Montreal Alouettes. They did improve defensively but can Josh Freeman or Drew Willy lead this team to the playoffs? I doubt it.