Last week's ranking in parentheses.
1. Calgary Stampeders (2) If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, as the Stampeders did just that in impressive fashion against the Riders last week at McMahon Stadium. Now comes perhaps an even tougher matchup as Calgary hits the road to face a hungry Lions squad at B.C. Place on Saturday. The Stamps have been the best 'over' bet in the league so far this season, recording a 5-1 o/u mark.
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (1) The Riders weren't going to run the table this season, so last week's loss shouldn't be all that discouraging. In fact, I came away impressed by the fight they showed after falling behind big at halftime. Even with last week's poor defensive performance, the Riders have still allowed fewer points than any other team in the league (129).
3. Toronto Argonauts (4) It took some time, but the Argos appear to be over their Grey Cup hangover. It's been their defense that has fueled their turnaround. This is a young group that has put its early season struggles behind it and will have another opportunity to pad its stats against a reeling Eskimos squad this Sunday. The Argos already own a two-game advantage atop the East Division and could stretch that margin this week.
4. B.C. Lions (3) I don't like dropping teams coming off a bye week but the Argos strong play forced my hand, moving the Lions down a spot this week. They'll get a chance to make a major statement against the Stamps on Saturday night. I'm looking for QB Travis Lulay to really take control of the offense and turn in his best game of the season. We've yet to see him really shine, but it's coming.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6) The bye week came at a good time for the banged-up Ti-Cats. They'll have a good opportunity to make a move over the next couple of weeks with back-to-back winnable games against the struggling Blue Bombers. Andy Fantuz's return can't come soon enough as Hamilton has scored just 129 points through six contests this season. He's unlikely to suit up again this week in Winnipeg.
6. Montreal Alouettes (5) Even though they sit in a second place tie in the East Division, it's getting close to desperation time for Jim Popp's Alouettes. The post-Dan Hawkins era didn't exactly get off to a positive start last week with the Als getting smoked by the Argos at McGill Stadium. Things won't get any easier this week as they travel to Regina to face the Riders.
7. Edmonton Eskimos (7) The Eskimos received a major blow this week with the news that LB J.C. Sherritt will be sidelined for an indefinite period of time after suffering a broken thumb on August 2nd. This is a deep defense, but losing last year's Most Outstanding Defensive Player certainly stings. That means the Esks will need even more from a much-maligned offense that has yet to get rolling this year.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (8) Another week, another QB move in Winnipeg as Max Hall will take over the reins against Hamilton this week. I don't think I'm alone in thinking that the Bombers didn't give Justin Goltz long enough to gel with the offense. He had shown plenty of positive signs, but apparently not enough for Winnipeg management. We'll see if the move pays off, but I'm guessing Buck Pierce's turn in the QB carousel is right around the corner.
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