CFL Week 10 Power Rankings: Rourke’s the MOP

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-0)

• Last Week: 1

We did predict Montreal would give Winnipeg a tough test in our last preview, and through three quarters, that appeared to be the case. however, Winnipeg whooped Montreal in the final quarter, 21-6, to win their ninth straight game and fifth straight against the spread. Our mistake. Do not bet online against Winnipeg.

Next: Thursday at Montreal Alouettes (2-6)

2. BC Lions (6-1)

• Last Week: 2

Rourke and the Lions resumed where they left off against Edmonton, 46 points in just three quarters against the Elks. The Canadian star completed 34-of-37 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns. Enjoy Rourke while you can, CFL fans, as NFL teams are paying attention now.

Next: Saturday at Calgary Stampeders (5-2)

Nathan Rourke Masterclass™#CFLGameday | @BCLions @RealBBurnham pic.twitter.com/twGvsJ0j4p

— CFL (@CFL) August 7, 2022

3. Calgary Stampeders (5-2)

• Last Week: 3

While BC was putting on a show against Edmonton, Calgary’s defense was going to work against Ottawa. The Stampeders overcame a subpar outing from their offense, forcing five Redblack turnovers and holding Ottawa to just three points.

Next: Saturday vs BC Lions (6-1)

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-4)

• Last Week: 4

The Roughriders had a much-needed bye as they tended to injured players. They also signed reinforcements in the form of wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. and linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed. A relative softball opponent in Edmonton shouldn’t hurt.

Next: Saturday at Edmonton Elks (2-6)

5. Toronto Argonauts (4-3)

• Last Week: 5

The Boatmen overcame a 13-0 deficit in one of their best performances of the season. That was typical of Toronto after laying an egg against Ottawa. Until we see more consistency from the Argos, they’re behind Saskatchewan.

Next: Friday at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-6)

6. Edmonton Elks (2-6)

• Last Week: 6

It seems weird that despite losing by 32 points-that was that largest margin of Week 9-you manage to maintain your spot in the Power Rankings. It didn’t hurt the Elks that the three teams below them all pooped their proverbial beds as well. Victor Cui’s bold prediction isn’t prophetic.

Next: Saturday vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-4)

7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-6)

• Last Week: 7

Hamilton had its shot to create havoc in these Power Rankings, but once again couldn’t maintain the momentum. The Tiger-Cats have a chance at redemption with a rematch against Toronto at their place. Orlando Steinauer has plenty of tapes to study as the team looked different across four quarters at Toronto.

Next: Friday vs Toronto Argonauts (4-3)

8. Montreal Alouettes (2-6)

• Last Week: 8

The Alouettes did a lot of things right against Winnipeg. It was what they did not do right that did them in, however. If the first three quarters of that game were no fluke, Montreal, perhaps,  can take it to Winnipeg at IG Field as another sizable CFL underdog on the online sportsbook. Do not hold your breath.

Next: Thursday at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-0)

9. Ottawa Redblacks (1-7)

• Last Week: 9

Give some credit to the staunch Calgary defense for limiting Ottawa, but the Redblacks helped them along the way. There’s still plenty of fight in this team, so that’s good to see as a consolation. Now, Pau LaPolice gets an extra week to prepare for a winnable home game against the Elks.

Next: Friday, Aug. 19, vs Edmonton Elks (2-6) (Week 11)