Safimod’s 2018 Power Rankings – Week 13

Safimod’s 2018 Power Rankings – Week 13

Published: Monday, Sep 10th 2018, 2:09pm

By: Stephen Safinuk (@Safimod)

1 – Calgary (9-2)

2 – Saskatchewan (7-4)

3 – Edmonton (7-5)

4 – Hamilton (6-5)

5 – Ottawa (6-5)

6 – Montreal (3-8)

7 – Winnipeg (5-7)

8 – BC (4-6)

9 – Toronto (3-8)

It’s a season of streaks in the CFL, and this week saw several of the “streaks”, both hot and cold, continue.

First off, on the back of their defense yet again, the Riders extended their winning streak to 4 straight games with a 32-27 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Banjo Bowl. While the Riders offence sputtered through much of the game, including the entire first half, the defense showed up from the start. The Riders defense had 5 interceptions (2 for touchdowns) plus another pair of picks that were called back due to penalty. The Riders season could depend on good news out of the locker room as we await word on whether or not Zach Collaros suffered another concussion late in the game on a huge hit from Jeff Hecht.

Speaking of the Bombers, they drop another spot in the rankings after their 4^th consecutive loss. With the Lions victory, and the Bombers loss, the Lions are now only 1 win back of Winnipeg, with 2 games in hand. What once appeared to be a 4 horse race in the West is now back at 5. 4 weeks ago, the Bombers were sitting pretty at 5-3, now they sit at 5-7 and in danger of missing the playoffs entirely unless they start winning again. Will we see Chris Streveler start after Winnipeg’s bye?

I did say “streaks” were the topic of the day, and the Ottawa REDBLACKS are on one of their own. Two straight losses over BC and Montreal see the REDBLACKS suddenly tied with Hamilton for first in the Eastern Division. I said it last week, and I will say it again today. The Ottawa REDBLACKS are far and away the most inconsistent team in the CFL. Until they right their ship, there fall may continue. Perhaps another game against the Riders will jumpstart them. Last time Saskatchewan and Ottawa met (Ottawa’s season opener), the REDBLACKS dominated the Riders in every aspect on their way to a 40-17 victory.

Once again, discussing “streaks” the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are the 2^nd hottest team in the CFL right now. 3 straight wins, including back to back wins over the Argonauts, saw the Ticats jump back into the race for first in the East. As a Rider fan, I’m glad we already had our games versus Hamilton because they look like the team to beat out East.

Calgary is suddenly looking beatable after falling to the Edmonton Eskimos in their Labour Day rematch. An uncharacteristic SEVEN turnovers enroute to a 48-42 loss in Edmonton. Bo Levi Mitchell through for 491 yards and nearly had the win on a last ditch Hail Mary. Calgary is 1-2 in their last 3, and has from “they should have 1^st in the West locked up by Week 14” to “it’s going to be a fight to the end”. While the Stampeders are all but assured a playoff games, and almost guaranteed a home playoff game, the Riders do have a legitimate shot to catch them.