CFL Power Rankings: After Week 1

The first stab at power rankings before a meaningful game has been played is always a crapshoot. That being said, I don’t think I did too bad last week. Obviously there was a lot of movement, so surprising, some not. Without further adieu, here are the CFL Power Rankings after Week 1.

1 – Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Last week: 1
Next game: vs. BC, June 12

I still believe the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the team to beat, and them not being able to show me anything to prove me wrong in week 1 means they stay at the number 1 spot for least one more week. They will have a tough test this week as they play the BC Lions in their season opener.

2 – Saskatchewan Roughriders

Last week: 3
Last game: 31-26 win over Ottawa
Next game: at Hamilton, June 14

Saskatchewan went into week 1 with injury problems. They come out of week 1 even worse. With the loss of Ouellette, Schaffer-Baker, and Milligan Jr adding to the already long list, they managed to hang on to win against the Redblacks. With the addition of Carey this week, and facing a weaker opponent in Hamilton, they may get through week 2 with another win.

3 – Montreal Alouettes

Last week: 5
Last game: 28-10 win over Toronto
Next game: at Ottawa, June 13

The Alouettes rode their defence, led by Tyrice Beverette, to victory over the Argos in week 1. One might say the defence even looked dominant, propelling them up 2 spots in the rankings. Alexander looked good at QB in his first start as the man in Montreal. Consistency will be key.

4 -BC Lions

Last week: 7
Last game: 31-14 win over Edmonton
Next Game: at Winnipeg, June 12

The Lions, under Rourke, moved the ball decently in the first half but it didn’t translate to points. The second half was a different story where the Lions pulled away from Edmonton, showing who was boss. It’s only a one game sample, but it looks like Rourke has returned to 2023 form.

5 – Ottawa Redblacks

Last week: 4
Last game: 31-26 loss to Saskatchewan
Next game: vs. Montreal, June 13

I’m still not sure where to put the Ottawa Redblacks this season. So right in the middle they go. They made a valiant attempt at a comeback against the Riders, but that came late and after Saskatchewan suffered even more injuries. They will have a tough go against Montreal this week.

6 – Toronto Argonauts

Last week: 2
Last game: 28-10 loss to Montreal
Next game: vs. Calgary, June 14

The Argos lost to Montreal and they didn’t look good doing it. I think the score even flatters them a little bit The losses to the personnel in the offseason showed, and whatever magic Arbuckle had in winning the Grey Cup last season, seems to have been lost.

7 – Calgary Stampeders

Last week: 9
Last Game: 38-26 win over Hamilton
Next game: at Toronto, June 14

The Stampeders won a game that was gifted to them by the Ticats. Special Team miscues, poor defence, and no offensive production allowed the Stamps to dominate the game in all facets. VAJ had all day to get the ball out, and RB Dedrick Mills has his way with the Hamilton defence. The task might get tougher against Toronto this week.

8 – Edmonton Elks

Last week: 9
Last game: 31-14 loss to BC
Next game: vs. Montreal, June 19

The Elks have something to build on. The defence looked great in the first half. If they can maintain that intensity for the season, teams will be in tough. Their kicking game may come back to bite them in the future. That can’t continue. And while Ford made plays, there were a lot of struggles in between those plays as well. A tough test for them in Montreal this week.

9 – Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Last week: 6
Last game: 38-26 loss to Calgary
Next game: vs. Saskatchewan, June 14

The score flattered them. The Cats were outplayed in all facets of the game. If things don’t change in all three phases, and soon, it’s going to be another long season. I planned my day around watching this game. I wish the team planned their day around playing it.