3DownNation CFL power rankings: B.C. Lions roar into top spot

Week 6 of the 2024 CFL regular season is officially in the books and there are no longer any undefeated teams remaining.

After Montreal fell to Toronto and the Riders were toppled by the Lions, every franchise has at least one blemish on their record. In the case of Hamilton and Edmonton, there are nothing but blemishes — which is reflected in their spot in our rankings.

3DownNation’s power rankings are created by having twelve contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9 independently, then averaging out the scores. The previous week’s rankings are in brackets. As always, please be sure to check back every Monday morning for our updated power rankings following each week of action in the CFL.

Enjoy the rankings and feel free to roast us on Twitter — yes, we still call it “Twitter” — for anything you think we got wrong.

Photo courtesy: David Friederich/BC Lions

1) B.C. Lions (2)

With Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke watching from the stands, the Lions’ offence continued to shine under his replacement. Vernon Adams Jr. threw his first two interceptions since Week 1 but also racked up 451 yards through the air and ran in the clinching touchdown himself. He still wasn’t the most impressive player on the field, as Canadian receiver Justin McInnis fought through painful cramps in both calves to haul in all 14 targets thrown his way for 243 yards and a major against his former team. Kicker Sean Whyte accounted for the rest, nailing seven field goals to tie Rene Paredes for the second-longest streak of consecutive made kicks in CFL history.

Photo courtesy: Montreal Alouettes

2) Montreal Alouettes (1)

It was a long, hard fall from grace for the Alouettes this week, as they suffered their first loss of the season in overwhelming fashion to the chief rival for the East Division crown. Even great teams have off nights but the real concern for Montreal is the long-term health of early M.O.P. candidate Cody Fajardo, who exited in the first quarter with an apparent hamstring injury. Caleb Evans struggled in relief, completing just 12-of-22 passes for 127 yards, two touchdowns, and a pair of costly interceptions, and the team provided no update on their starting quarterback with a bye set for next week.

Photo courtesy: Jamie Douglas/B.C. Lions

3) Saskatchewan Roughriders (3)

The Riders are no longer undefeated but hardly anyone is complaining after another gutsy performance with their backup quarterback at the helm. Shea Patterson threw for 278 yards in his second start, though 198 of it came after the catch courtesy of his talented receivers. Samuel Emilus was the star, catching eight passes for 161 yards, while A.J. Ouellette punched in two scores. Corey Mace’s defence continued to generate takeaways, including another pick by CFL interception leader Rolan Milligan, but it wasn’t enough to keep the top spot in the West.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

4) Toronto Argonauts (4)

Rumours of the Argonauts’ demise have been greatly exaggerated, as the Double Blue successfully went back to their early-season formula in an upset of the top-ranked Alouettes. Cameron Dukes was unspectacular under centre but made no mistakes, completing 80 percent of his passes for 131 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 46 more. Ka’Deem Carey continued to be the tip of the oar, adding 94 yards on the ground, but the difference was big plays on defence and special teams. Wynton McManis turned the tide with a short pick-six, while Janarion Grant raced 103 yards for his second kick return touchdown in as many games.

Photo: John Hodge/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

5) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6)

The Blue Bombers are right back in contention in the West after out-duelling the Stampeders and nailing a late two-point convert to secure the season series. With two all-star receivers still on the shelf, Ontaria ‘Pokey’ Wilson finally stepped into the void and exploded with 13 receptions for 201 yards and an impressive touchdown. Despite some early hiccups and two interceptions, Zach Collaros also found his form after returning from a thorax injury, throwing for 344 yards and his first two touchdowns of the season. Winnipeg made a point with this victory and so did Mike O’Shea — though the latter’s was much less impressive.

Photo: Larry MacDougal/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

6) Calgary Stampeders (5)

The Stampeders proved they could compete in a shootout against Winnipeg but they couldn’t win one, making too many mistakes to retain the playoff tie-breaker over the four-time defending West Division champs. Jake Maier crossed the 300-yard mark on one of his better nights under centre but still threw two interceptions, including a pick-six to Deatrick Nichols. Add in a fumble by Peyton Logan and a blocked punt, and Calgary surrendered 20 points off of major errors. Not even a fabulous 131-yard outing from Dedrick Mills could save them from that.

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

7) Ottawa Redblacks (8)

Though they nearly squandered it away late, the Ottawa Redblacks had their best offensive showing of the year thus far to secure victory at Commonwealth Stadium. Dru Brown showed no signs of his head injury from last week, exploding for 480 yards through the air and putting three different receivers over the century mark. Veterans Dominique Rhymes and Justin Hardy both had impressive numbers but rookie Kalil Pimpleton stole the show with 153 yards and a touchdown in his CFL debut. The last of his four catches came on the final drive, setting up Lewis Ward for a walk-off field goal.

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

8) Edmonton Elks (7)

The Elks came from behind to tie the Redblacks with eight seconds remaining but continued to be the league’s most innovative franchise when it comes to finding ways to lose. Boris Bede sent the ensuing kickoff out of bounds illegally and the penalty yardage helped tee up a third straight loss off a walk-off field goal. McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns in a solid outing, but that didn’t stop the chants of “We want Tre Ford” from the hometown crowd.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

9) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9)

There was no saving the winless Ticats from the basement this week, as their first bye of the season merely provided opportunities to reflect on an 0-5 start. Despite their horrific defensive showing in Week 5 against B.C., no major changes were made to the roster or coaching staff in the aftermath. Unlike on special teams, it appears Scott Milanovich will address these issues patiently.

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