B.C. Lions

3DownNation CFL power rankings: Nova Scotia clash inspires new contender

Published on

July 31, 2023

3Down Staff

Week 8 of the CFL season is in the books and the murky middle of the league’s power rankings isn’t getting any clearer.

3DownNation’s power rankings are created by having eleven of our contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9 independently, then averaging out the scores. The previous week’s rankings are in brackets.

Enjoy the rankings and feel free to roast us on Twitter for anything you think we got wrong.

1) Toronto Argonauts (1)

East Coast living seems to suit the Argos just fine, as they captured their second straight Touchdown Atlantic victory by a dominant 31-13 margin. It was a quiet night for Chad Kelly and the offensive unit, but a smothering defence and a kick return touchdown from Javon Leake was all the Boatmen really needed.

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/BC Lions

2) B.C. Lions (2)

The Lions kept on chugging with backup quarterback Dane Evans at the helm, but it was an elite defensive unit that stole the show once again. B.C. became the first team since 1970 to pitch two shutouts in the same season, doing it against the same team they blanked the first time. With just five offensive touchdowns surrendered in seven games, Ryan Phillips’ group is beginning to enter a rarified air.

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

3) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3)

A well-earned bye week wasn’t going to shake the Bombers’ position on this list, as they’ve been out of action since beating the Elks 10 days ago. The franchise used the time off to get some work done early, as they announced a sellout for the Banjo Bowl more than a month in advance of the rivalry clash.

Photo courtesy: Gary Lavoie/Montreal Alouettes

4) Montreal Alouettes (5)

It wasn’t exactly pretty, but a resurgent performance from running back William Stanback and a couple of timely interceptions from rookie defensive backs propelled the Alouettes to .500 on the season. The embattled offensive line also stepped up, surrendering just one sack, though Cody Fajardo rewarded them with just 158 yards passing for their troubles.

Photo courtesy: Calgary Stampeders

5) Calgary Stampeders (6)

Dave Dickenson called his team to task twice heading into Week 8, but it wasn’t enough to generate a different result against the Alouettes. The Stampeders’ offence was forced to settle for six field goals as Jake Maier regressed after a couple of strong outings, tossing two bad picks and missing receivers at critical moments.

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

6) Ottawa Redblacks (4)

The rising Redblacks and their cardiac rookie quarterback came crashing down to earth against Hamilton, coming up just short of another late come-from-behind touchdown. The Ticats seemed to finally crack the code on Dustin Crum, as he rushed for 82 yards but was held to 158 yards and an interception through the air.

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

7) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8)

A late batted pass by Casey Sayles in the red zone secured Hamilton an elusive victory, but there won’t be much celebrating in Steeltown. After throwing five interceptions in his return from injury, franchise quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell suffered a lower leg fracture on a meaningless QB sneak with 13 seconds remaining. Now the Ticats are right back to square one, albeit one win better off.

8) Saskatchewan Roughriders (7)

Halifax is like bad shellfish for the Riders, as it was a Touchdown Atlantic loss that foreshadowed the team’s doom a year ago. Craig Dickenson will be praying those problems don’t make a reappearance after a pitiful performance that saw quarterback Mason Fine get the hook, though he insists there is no quarterback controversy going into next week.

9) Atlantic Schooners (-)

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie says that there has “never been a better chance” for CFL expansion and while a Halifax franchise does not officially exist yet, they’ve still recorded the same amount of home victories as Edmonton since 2019. The long-awaited team in the Maritimes has also scored the same amount of points against the B.C. Lions this year, a real accomplishment for their no-name roster.

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/BC Lions

10) Edmonton Elks (9)

Is this rock bottom yet? It feels like the Elks have hit it several times over the last few years but they keep finding new and exciting ways to lose. At least they went with a re-run this week, failing to score a single point against the B.C. Lions for the second time this season en route to setting a new North American pro sports record for the longest home losing streak in history.

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