CFL Week 12 Power Rankings: Wounded Lion

Can BC Stay Hot Without Nathan Rourke?

· Aug 24 - 4 minutes read

It was what BC Lions fans feared most: an injury has claimed their quarterback, Nathan Rourke. The Most Oustanding Player (MOP) frontrunner suffered a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ game against the Roughriders. BC still won, but with their superstar on the shelf, can they stay hot? We won’t alter them, much like how the CFL football odds have remained quite stagnant.

Where CFL Teams Stand Heading To Week 12

Rourke may return sometime this season. He suffered a sprain, not a tear. That’s why folks can still find the Lions as the second-best team on the CFL Grey Cup odds on the sportsbook. As such, our Week 12 Power Rankings figure to stay the same.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-1)

- Last Week: 1

The Blue Bombers finally had some rest and now return against the Stampeders. Winnipeg was stunned by Montreal in its last game. The team is 9-1 coming and already owns a pair of wins over Calgary.

Next Game: vs Calgary Stampeders (6-3)f

2. BC Lions (8-1)

- Last Week: 2

Michael O’Connor will carry the torch for his fallen Canadian teammate. He did complete all five of his passes in relief of Rourke. The Lions rematch the Roughriders but will do it in the friendly confines of their stadium. Betus online has BC as a 6½-point favorite.

Next Game: vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5)

3. Calgary Stampeders (6-3)

- Last Week: 3

The Stampeders edged the Argonauts in what was a back-and-forth game filled with plenty of turnovers. Calgary will be involved in nail biters like this against the better teams of the CFL as long as it keeps turning over the ball. It’s some fun viewing, at least.

Next Game: at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (9-1)

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5)

- Last Week: 4

The Roughriders were no match for the Lions. Mason Fine was “okay” at quarterback, but the team’s seven turnovers were too much. They stay at the fourth spot, clearly a tier below the top-three teams in the CFL until the offense can figure it out.

Next Game: at BC Lions (8-1)

5. Montreal Alouettes (4-6)

- Last Week: 6

That’s two wins in a row for Montreal and not against pushovers either. Just like that, the Als are within striking distance of the East Division’s top spot. Montreal now gets a well-deserved rest, and they should beat the Redblacks as the biggest favorites for Week 13.

Next Game: vs Ottawa Redblacks (Week 13)

One week after ending Winnipeg’s perfect season, the Alouettes (+105 ML) beat the division rival Tiger-Cats on the final play of the game! 🔥pic.twitter.com/9GAmpVz5O6

— TSN EDGE (@TSN_Edge) August 20, 2022

6. Toronto Argonauts (4-5)

- Last Week: 5

The Argos fall under .500 for the first time since Week 4. The defense is big for the team, but the offense remains frustrating. Credit goes to the Stampeders’ defense, but if Toronto can’t consistently score against the top defenses, its ceiling remains low.

Next Game: vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-7)

7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-7)

- Last Week: 7

It was another heartbreaking loss for the Tiger-Cats. At this point, fans are likely numb from seeing their team lose the game. that are winnable. Despite that, Hamilton could move a half-game closer to the top spot in the East with a win over Toronto.

Next Game: at Toronto Argonauts (4-5)

8. Edmonton Elks (3-7)

- Last Week: 8

Edmonton looked great on offense in one of their impressive wins of the season. The cherry on top is that they get to do it all over again and in front of their home fans. Don’t look now, but the Elks will be in playoff position.

Next Game: vs Ottawa Redblacks (1-8)