Safimod’s Power Rankings – Week 12

Safimod’s Power Rankings – Week 12

Published: Monday, Sep 11th 2017, 3:09pm

By Stephen Safinuk (@Safimod)

1.    Calgary (Even) – Next up: BC

2.    Winnipeg (Even) – Next up: Bye

3.    Saskatchewan (Even) – Next up: Hamilton

4.    BC (Up 2) – Next up: Calgary

5.    Edmonton (Down 1) – Next up: Toronto

6.    Ottawa (Down 1) – Next up: Montreal

7.    Toronto (Even) – Next up: Edmonton

8.    Hamilton (Up 1) – Next up: Saskatchewan

9.    Montreal (Down 1) – Next up: Ottawa

As is custom, this time of year, Calgary has cemented themselves atop the CFL standings. They are on a 7-game win streak, including back to back wins over the Edmonton Eskimos. I think it’s safe to bet on the Stampeders to win more often than not coming home.

After getting trounced in all 3 phases in Regina last Sunday, Winnipeg returned the favour, beating the Riders by 3 scores (48-28) on Saturday afternoon in the banjo bowl. While the Riders went 3-1 over a 4-game stretch, they needed this win over Winnipeg to have a legitimate shot at a home playoff game. Winnipeg, on the other hand, is firmly in 2^nd place after Edmonton’s loss, and looking strong with 7 games to go.

Speaking of Edmonton, I considered keeping them where they were after that tight loss to the league leaders in Calgary. Instead, I dropped them down a spot for Jason Maas’ tirade on the sidelines. They are on a 4-game losing streak after starting the season 7-0, but a battle against an Eastern Division opponent might be just what the doctor ordered. Lose that game, and they are in a bit of trouble coming home. I’ll be there to root on the Argos to victory.

Ottawa is an enigma this year. After starting the season with 2 very good games versus the Calgary Stampeders, the REDBLACKS couldn’t get a win to save their lives. Week 9 and 10, it looked like they were turning things around, and then they go and lose to the Hamilton Tiger Cats. I can’t, in good conscience, wager on this team. You never know which one is going to show up. Still the best of the East, in my opinion, but that’s not saying much.

Hamilton fans can rejoice. After a tough week that saw them lambasted for hiring Art Briles, fire Kent Austin as HC, and see Kent Austin get sued by his school, it appears they have turned the corner. After an 0-8 start, they now sit at 2-8. Or 2-0 with June Jones at the helm, with Jeremiah Masoli navigating the rough waters of the CFL schedule.

Montreal. I can’t even call them moderately successful anymore. I think Cliffy Pine from the Als Flight Deck would agree, these guys are a dumpster fire right now. They absolutely need a lot of work to get back on track. I feel like the football Gods have turned a blind-eye to this team after gifting them that win in the season opener.