The Saskatchewan Roughriders reclaimed second place in the SportsCage.com CFL Power Rankings after proving they could win a heavyweight fight on the road.
Saskatchewan's 28-26 victory over the Edmonton Elks at Commonwealth Stadium flips the two West Division contenders in this week's rankings. The Montreal Alouettes remain the unanimous No. 1 team after extending their winning streak to five games, while Calgary continues to close the gap with another impressive victory. Toronto and Winnipeg also swap spots after the Blue Bombers were upset by B.C., while the Lions climb out of eighth following one of the biggest wins of their season.
1. Montreal Alouettes (7-1) — Last Week: 1
There's still no debate at the top.
Davis Alexander carved up Ottawa for 420 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Alouettes rolled to their fifth straight victory. Montreal's offence is firing on all cylinders, the defence continues to make timely stops, and the Als remain the clear Grey Cup favourite heading into Week 10.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-2) — Last Week: 3
Back up the ladder.
Tommy Stevens scored three rushing touchdowns while Trevor Harris calmly guided the offence through difficult weather conditions as Saskatchewan knocked off Edmonton on the road. Winning in Commonwealth Stadium against one of the CFL's hottest teams is the type of result that moves you up the rankings, and the Riders showed once again they're built to win in different ways.
3. Edmonton Elks (6-2) — Last Week: 2
No shame in this loss.
The Elks pushed Saskatchewan to the wire before falling by two points in one of the week's best games. Cody Fajardo threw for 286 yards, Justin Rankin continued his outstanding season, and Edmonton had a chance to win in the closing minutes. The Elks remain among the CFL's elite despite slipping one spot.
4. Calgary Stampeders (4-4) — Last Week: 4
Holding steady.
The Stampeders dismantled Hamilton 44-20, scoring five touchdowns and adding two defensive majors in another complete performance. Vernon Adams Jr. continues to lead an efficient offence, while Calgary's defence is becoming one of the league's most opportunistic units.
5. Toronto Argonauts (3-4) — Last Week: 6
Moving up without taking the field.
The Argonauts benefit from Winnipeg's loss to B.C. and climb into fifth. Toronto has quietly put itself back into the East Division race and now owns a slight edge over a Blue Bombers team searching for consistency.
6. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-4) — Last Week: 5
A step backward.
The Bombers couldn't contain B.C.'s dominant rushing attack, allowing Zander Horvath to run for 191 yards while rookie quarterback Kaidon Salter added 160 more on the ground. Winnipeg's four-game winning streak over the Lions came to an end, and so does its stay in the top five.
7. B.C. Lions (2-5) — Last Week: 8
The biggest risers outside the top three.
Few expected the Lions to march into Winnipeg and win by 16 points, but that's exactly what they did. Horvath's three-touchdown performance and Salter's dynamic debut gave B.C. its biggest win of the season and showed the Lions may still have something to say in the West Division race.
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-5) — Last Week: 7
Trending the wrong way.
Hamilton couldn't keep pace with Calgary after halftime and was overwhelmed by the Stampeders' defence, which produced a pair of touchdowns. The Tiger-Cats continue to battle, but they need more consistency on both sides of the football.
9. Ottawa Redblacks (0-7) — Last Week: 9
Still searching.
The Redblacks had no answer for Montreal's explosive passing attack as their losing streak against the Alouettes reached 13 games. Until Ottawa starts turning competitive performances into victories, they'll remain in the basement of the rankings.
