3Down power rankings: Defending champs take a tumble

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Calgary’s fourth quarter collapse has sent the defending Grey Cup champion Stampeders tumbling down the rankings.

Dave Dickenson felt the officials helped give the game to Montreal, but the Alouettes earned the victory. It’s the first time in a decade the birds left McMahon on the winning side.

That was by far the upset of Week 10 and potentially the biggest surprise result since the season kicked off. It’s caused commotion for our rankers.

The power rankings are done by having 3Down contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9. The team with the fewest “points” gets the top ranking with each subsequent club receiving rankings two through nine. The previous week’s rankings are listed in brackets.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1)

With Matt Nichols sidelined due to a shoulder injury, it’s time to find out if Chris Streveler can be special or just another flash in the pan.

2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3)

The Ticats defence is humming and hunting opponents.

3. Edmonton Eskimos (5)

Trevor Harris put on an airshow at the CNE in Toronto.

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4)

The love for Cody Fajardo is growing faster than any crop in Saskatchewan.

5. Calgary Stampeders (2)

It’s rare to see Calgary lose two straight games, but the Stamps have a bye week and Dave Dickenson is lethal with extra prep time.

6. Montreal Alouettes (6)

There are two different teams in Montreal: one when Vernon Adams Jr. plays and one without the rising pivot.

7. Ottawa Redblacks (7)

The “Throwin’ Samoan” is going to try and inject life into a lacklustre Redblacks offence.

8. Toronto Argonauts (8)

The James Wilder Jr. drama is mind-boggling. But the Argos looked like they ate too much at the CNE and were in a food coma against Edmonton.

8. B.C. Lions (9)

Same, same. B.C. keeps allowing beatdowns on Mike Reilly and it’s likely cost the Lions any chance of getting up off the mat in 2019.