Paul McNulty posted: " It's been a few weeks, but we're back with the 13th Man Sports CFL Power Rankings. We all got together and put together our lists, and here is the consensus of how we think the league is looking as we approach the business end of the 2022 CFL! Where does" 13th Man Sports
It's been a few weeks, but we're back with the 13th Man Sports CFL Power Rankings. We all got together and put together our lists, and here is the consensus of how we think the league is looking as we approach the business end of the 2022 CFL! Where does the time go?
9. Ottawa Redblacks (3-9)
Previous Game: Loss Vs. Toronto (24-19)
Next Game: Week 16 Vs. Toronto
This week Paul LaPolice's men were on a bye ahead of a run of fixtures that could see them salvage a disappointing season! Despite being just 3-9, Ottawa is only two wins behind Montreal, and with the fix of their last six games being against eastern opponents, it is still possible for Ottawa to make it! To do that, they'll almost certainly need to win a game at home this season, and hope that new (also old) quarterback Nick Arbuckle can continue and improve upon his decent start to life as the RedBlacks signal caller.
8. Edmonton Elks (4-10)
Previous Game: Win @ Saskatchewan (26-24)
Next Game: Week 17 Vs. Montreal
While playoff hopes may be slim, (certainly through the West) there is growing reason for optimism in Edmonton. Last week, Edmonton had their first game in Regina since 2015 in a game that saw their defence play lights out, and their offence delivering when it mattered most. Chris Jones's defensive front was relentless against the Riders, sacking Cody Fajardo seven times, and holding the rush attack to just eighty-one yards on the night! It looked like it would be in vain however as the Riders took a one-point lead with just over a minute remaining. Enter Taylor Cornelius - who lead a clutch drive into Saskatchewan territory, setting up a would-be go-ahead field goal to seal an impressive win for Edmonton! They've improved as the season has gone on and no matter what, no one will look forward to playing this Edmonton side next year.
7. Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-8)
Previous Game: Loss Vs. Edmonton (26-24)
Next Game: Week 17 @ Winnipeg
Oh boy…what a disastrous run it has been for the green and white as of late. First, there was the brutal ending to the Labour Day Classic, followed by an even more brutal beat down in the Banjo Bowl game the week after. The game against Edmonton was supposed to give the Riders a chance to get back on track, but instead, it just gave Cody Fajardo a chance to practice getting up from the ground. The Riders' offence gave up a whopping seven sacks and never looked balanced at all in a game where they struggled - which is becoming a theme of this season. There is doubt if Fajardo is the man in Regina, I can imagine the final stretch of this season will go a long way to deciding his future in Saskatchewan and the CFL.
6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9)
Previous Game: Win Vs. Winnipeg (48-31)
Next Game: Week 16 @ Montreal
Where has that been all season? Out of nowhere, the seemingly down-and-out TiCats reminded us of why they are back-back East champions with a stunning 31-48 win over the 12-1 Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Dane Evans was awesome, throwing for 327 yards and 5 touchdowns in what was easily his best performance of the season. If something for Orlondo Steinauer's men has indeed clicked, then don't sleep on them making a deep playoff run.
5. Montreal Alouettes (5-7)
Previous Game: Win Vs. BC (31-10)
Next Game: Week 16 Vs. Hamilton
Despite the off-the-field drama, the Als have been flying high as of late winning three of their last four games before their bye last week. Their next game is against Hamilton, which now thanks to their stunning win over Winnipeg sets up for us an enticing encounter in the race for playoffs in the east!
4. Toronto Argonauts (7-5)
Previous Game: Win @ Ottawa (24-19)
Next Game: Week 16 @ Ottawa
Currently the only team in the East with a plus 0.500 record, the Argos have been playing good football as of late in spite of big-name signing Andrew Harris being out for the season. Indeed it has been the defence that has stepped up as of late, in their last three games have intercepted opposing QBs six times, whilst only giving up one passing touchdown through the air. Whilst nothing is set, the double blue looked 'almost' set to make the playoffs, and will almost certainly be aiming to at least host the 2022 East final.
3. BC Lions (9-3)
Previous Game: Win @ Calgary (31-29)
Next Game: Week 16 Vs. Calgary
This isn't the same team as the one that had Rourke under centre, but after a shaky spell - the Lions came roaring back against Calgary. After a quarterback carousel as of late, Vernon Adams Jr started and finished the game for the Lions and was able to move the ball with both his arm and his legs in a performance that saw BC put up 31 points on the board against Calgary! It remains to be seen when/if star quarterback Nathan Rourke returns to the field for BC, but in the meantime, it looks like the Lions have a serviceable signal caller in the meantime as they battle for playoff seeding.
2. Calgary Stampeders (8-5)
Previous Game: Loss Vs. BC (31-29)
Next Game: Week 16 @ BC
This team just looks so much better on offence now. Bo Levi Mitchell is a Calgary legend, and that'll never change. But he was holding this team back, and despite losing in their last outing, Jake Maier hasn't looked a step out of place since taking over the starting job. Calgary has a rematch against BC next, and it's almost must-win territory for the Stamps if they wanna host a playoff game. It should be an absolute must-watch football this Saturday at BC Place.
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (12-2)
Previous Game: Loss @ Hamilton (48-31)
Next Game: Week 17 Vs. Saskatchewan
This is still the best team in the CFL. However, that result in Hamilton can't be ignored. It was just a bad day at the office for the champions, especially on defence. The Bombers are a team who have prided themselves on defence, yet registered zero sacks, gave up over 300 yards passing to a quarterback since week four and surrendered 41 of the 48 points on the day that Winnipeg on the day gave up. The good news for Winnipeg is that they're on bye this week, giving the team a chance to regroup and put a very poor result behind them.
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