CFL WEEK 18: POWER RANKINGS

Welcome back CFL Fans! Week 17 is history and @TheBrysh was 4/4 last week on his predictions, bringing the season total to 44/65, or 68%.

CFL Week 18

This last week was an important one as several teams are still fighting for playoff hopes, or home field advantages. The Blue Bombers have home field yet to clinch, and are still dangerous. BC and Calgary are in the never ending battle for 2nd in the West, and Toronto is struggling to hold on to 1st in the East.

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Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The 6-8 Saskatchewan Roughriders traveled to Winnipeg Friday to take on the 1st place Blue Bombers. The Riders are desperate for a cross-over playoff berth, but would have to overcome the firepower of the Bombers to improve their chances. Saskatchewan did have a 17-10 lead early in the game after a QB Cody Fajardo TD run, but then Calgary took over. The Stamps defense forced 6 turnovers, including a fumble and 2 interceptions. Calgary QB Zach Collaros took advantage of these possessions passing for 4 TD’s, leading his team to a 31-13 win. Winnipeg climbs to 2nd, while the Riders remain at 7th in the PR’s.

HAMILTON, ON – DECEMBER 12: Zach Collaros #9 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers throws the ball during warmup, prior to the 108th Grey Cup CFL Championship Game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on December 12, 2021 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

Ottawa Redblacks @ BC Lions

The 9-4 Lions hosted the 3-10 Ottawa Redblacks at BC Place this week. The BC Lions are still in a hot contest for a home field advantage in the playoffs, this game is of great significance. Lions QB Vernon Adams turned it up a notch with 305 yards passing, with a 77% completion rate and 2 TD’s against zero interceptions. The Redblacks defense was no match for the onslaught, and the BC Lions win the match 34-19. The Lions were a heavy favorite to win, and so the PR’s remain the same with BC in 5th and Ottawa at 9th.

OTTAWA, ON – JULY 20: Brandon Rutley (21 — RB) of the BC Lions runs the ball against the Ottawa Redblacks in Canadian Football League (CFL) action at Ottawa’s TD Place Stadium. (Photo by Sean Burges/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Montreal Alouettes @ Edmonton Elks

The playoff hopeful 6-7 Montreal Allouettes traveled to Edmonton on Saturday, to take on the hapless 4-10 Edmonton Elks. Turnovers would be the difference maker in this battle, in particular the 100 yard Pick-Six by Montreal LB Tyrice Beverette . Elks QB Taylor Cornelius did put up almost 100 more yards passing than his Alouette’s counter-part, QB Trevor Harris. But the deciding factor between the QB’s performances was the TD:INT ratios of 1:0 and 0:2 for Harris and Cornelius respectively. The Alouettes won the contest 25-18 and keep their 1st place division hopes alive. Montreal remains 4th in the PR’s, while Edmonton stays at 8th place.

MONTREAL, QC – SEPTEMBER 09: Montreal Alouettes defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) runs on the field before the beginning of the B.C. Lions versus the Montreal Alouettes game on September 09, 2022, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Toronto Argonauts @ Calgary Stampeders

The 7-6 Toronto Argonauts are still clinging to 1st place in the East Division, and make their way to McMahon Stadium to face the 9-5 Calgary Stampeders. The Stamps are already guaranteed a playoff spot and would like to have a home field advantage over the Lions. This game was all Calgary, as Toronto failed to provide any momentum or offense in a 29-2 domination. Both teams QB’s were intercepted twice, but Stampeders QB Jake Maier connected with WR Reggie Beggelton for a TD. Calgary RB Ka’Deem Carey added 92 yards of rushing offense and a TD of his of his own. With the convincing win, Calgary climbs back into 1st while Toronto drops to 3rd in the PR’s.