CFL Power Rankings Week 18: Redblacks the team to beat in East

Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Trevor Harris fires a pass during second quarter CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes,(Paul ChiassonCP)

Heading into the 18th week of the CFL season, the Edmonton Eskimos and Ottawa Redblacks booked their tickets to the playoffs, while the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have been eliminated.

Here’s how the league’s nine teams stack up based on recent form.

Rank Team Previous
1

The Stampeders earned their 11th straight victory and for the 13th time in franchise history, they have registered 13 wins. Their late win was the 16th straight time they’ve won a win after a bye week. They’ll be heavy favourites coming off a bye in the Western Division, no matter the opponent.

2017 record:13-1-1

 1
2

Losing linebacker Maurice Leggett for the season to a torn Achilles is a massive loss. Not good timing with linebacker Ian Wild and defensive end Jamaal Westerman already on the six-game injured list.

2017 record:11-4

 2
3

The Eskimos clinched a playoff spot with a come-from-behind win over Toronto. With three games left, Edmonton can finish as high as second in the West. The Eskimos’ win on Saturday was the first time they have won back-to-back games since they started the season 7-0.

2017 record:9-6

 4
4

The Riders failed to clinch a playoff spot after a late-game collapse at home versus Ottawa. With six minutes to go and the Riders up 12, many fans left Mosaic Stadium early. Settling for six field goals came back to bite Saskatchewan, who is now just one game above .500.

2017 record:8-7

 3
5

Who is hotter than the Ottawa Redblacks right now? They’ve clinched a playoff spot and had back-to-back comeback wins on the road in the West. Now they have a chance at home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, including the Grey Cup. Ottawa is the team to beat out East.

2017 record:7-9-1

 6
6

The Argonauts secured a home playoff date with Hamilton’s loss, but could have gone even further and clinched a bye had they won in Edmonton. The Argos can still finish first if Ottawa loses to Hamilton and Toronto wins one of its remaining games.

2017 record:7-9

 5
7

Somehow, B.C. surrendered just 214 yards of net offence versus Winnipeg and still lost. The Lions go into the off-season with questions about who will be their owner, GM, head coach and starting quarterback next year. It’s a tough time to be a Lions fan.

2017 record:6-9

 7
8

Hamilton’s season came to a screeching halt with a late-game home loss to Calgary. The Tiger-Cats now have three meaningless games left on the schedule.

2017 record:4-11

 8
9

Expect to see a lot of the Alouettes’ developmental players earn playing time this week following the bye and for the rest of the season. In the bowl of sadness, the Alouettes host the Tiger-Cats this week.

2017 record:3-12

 9

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