As the season kicks off tonight, here are my CFL Power Rankings to get set for an exciting CFL Season in 2025. These rankings are based on nothing but what I have observed, read, and what I feel. No offence is meant, but feel free to comment on things you think I got wrong!
1 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Despite the offseason losses, Winnipeg is still in the strongest position to contend for the championship again this year. A lot will hinge on an aging Zach Collaros and how the losses of Kenny Lawler and Ontaria Wilson affect the offence. But with Dalton Schoen, Nick Demski and running back Brady Oliveira still at their disposal, I think the offence will be fine.
2 – Toronto Argonauts
Despite the loss of many places in the offseason, and franchise quarterback Chad Kelly being injured, the Argos have a good chance to make a splash in Week 1. Not letting Montreal QB Davis Alexander get comfortable in his first start as the undisputed leader of the offence will be key for Toronto to come out on top.
3 – Saskatchewan Roughriders
There is a lot to be said for consistency and the Green Riders go through the off-season with the least amount of front office and roster turnover. However, the offensive line took a beating in the preseason and it remains to be seen if the Riders can weather the storm.
4 – Ottawa Redblacks
The offence should be improved and the defence, led by Mauldin should still be a source to be reckoned with. However I am not sold on Dru Brown to leading the offence and am taking a wait and see approach on how this season will play out.
5 – Montreal Alouettes
Another quarterback situation I am not sure on rears it’s head in Montreal as well. Transitioning to Davis Alexander could be a gamble, but he still has Tyson Philpot and Austin Mack to throw to. So it won’t be ALL bad, but they are another team I am taking the wait and see approach on.
6 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats
I want to put them higher, but I just can’t. They made some good off-season moves, but did they do enough on the defensive side of the ball to push them over the edge. Bo Levi Mitchell, if he remains healthy, could be in the MOP discussion again, but if they rely on him to throw 400 yards a game playing catch up because the D is porous, it will be a long season in Tigertown.
7 – BC Lions
Another team I want to put higher, but with the changes at the top, and being unsure if Nathan Rourke will regain his swagger from the 2023 campaign, I just can’t do it. The team imploded, in a Grey Cup hosting year no less, partly because of the handling of the QB situation. Now it’s Rourke’s team without a doubt and he needs to deliver.
8 – Edmonton Elks
New GM. New coaches. Tre Ford enshrined as the starter from the beginning. A whack of new players. A rough recent history to overcome. Let see how this plays out.
9 – Calgary Stampeders
According to Coach Dave Dickinson, there could be 12 new faces starting on the Calgary defence. That is a LOT of turnover to get ready and on the same page in the short duration of CFL training camps. The addition of Vernon Adams Jr will help keep them in some games, but I think the cats will dismantle the new look D in week 1.
