Just a few days ago, we were talking about “Argomania.” Now, however, the Argonauts have shipwrecked down the rankings. A two-point performance against the Calgary Stampeders has Toronto looking squarely at a division rival in the Montreal Alouettes. The East Division’s top spot is a match race entering Week 18, so critical games involving both clubs, even if the CFL football betting odds remain mostly unchanged.
Where CFL Teams Stand Heading into Week 18
Both Toronto and Montreal will be in action in Week 18 and if things break in their favor, the Alouettes may just usurp the top spot in the division. Another game of importance involves Saskatchewan and Hamilton.
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (13-2)
- Last Week: 1
Winnipeg was dominant coming off the bye, dismantling its archrivals, 31-13. It was the first time Winnipeg swept Saskatchewan, 3-0, in a regular season since realignment. Zach Collaros tossed four touchdowns as he eyes his second consecutive Most Outstanding Player award.
Next: Saturday vs. Edmonton Elks (4-11)
2. Calgary Stampeders (10-5)
- Last Week: 3
That is back-to-back defensive statements by the Stampeders. Winnipeg’s still be the best team in the CFL but the Stampeders have been the best team since Week 16. Calgary’s surrendered just 13 total points in these past two weeks. Can they keep up the momentum after their bye?
Next: Friday (Oct 14th) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-10)
3. BC Lions (10-4)
- Last Week: 4
There’s nothing that gets a team back on track like a game against the CFL’s worst outfit. The Lions lit up the Redblacks to the tune of 34 points, the most they have scored since Week 10. Calgary is breathing down their necks, so the Lions need to keep winning to secure home-0turf advantage in the playoffs.
Next: Saturday at Toronto Argonauts (8-6)
4. Toronto Argonauts (8-6)
- Last Week: 2
The worst showing by the Argonauts Saturday night, as the Maple Leafs scored four more goals than the Argos had points. Toronto needs to bounce back in a hurry, taking on the Lions in a game they desperately need. Toronto will be a frisky underdog when betting online.
Next: Saturday vs. BC Lions (9-4)
5. Montreal Alouettes (7-7)
- Last Week: 5
Montreal finally has a shot at going above .500 for the first time this season when they host the Redblacks. Montreal needed just 295 yards of offense to take out Edmonton, that after the defense forced a trio of turnovers, four sacks as well. The last team to beat the Alouettes, (Ottawa), is their next opponent in back-to-back weeks.
Next: Monday (Oct. 10th) vs. Ottawa Redblacks (3-11)
6. Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-9)
- Last Week: 6
Saskatchewan was clobbered by the Blue Bombers to go 0-4 in the month of September. Three losses came against Winnipeg, but the morale is at a season-low in Regina. It must beat Hamilton as the teams pursue that cross-division playoff spot this week.
Next: Friday at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-10)
7. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-10)
- Last Week: 7
The bye can only help, as the back-to-back Grey Cup finalists start to return to full strength heading to the postseason. Hamilton’s loss to Montreal won’t be as damning if the Ti-Cats can take out Saskatchewan. Its final two games are against the Redblacks.
Next: Friday vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (6-9)
8. Edmonton Elks (4-11)
- Last Week: 8
Edmonton’s still in the playoff race, though its online gambling odds are all but nlll at this point. The Elks have the CFL record with 15 consecutive home losses now. On the bright side, Edmonton is one of the best road teams this season, 6-2 against the spread (ATS).
Next: Saturday at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (13-2)
9. Ottawa Redblacks (3-11)
- Last Week: 9
Paul LaPolice was dismissed as the Redblacks lost a third game in a row. Bob Dyce, the special teams coordinator, is the interim coach. Ottawa isn’t eliminated in the playoff race yet, and if it can sweep its last four, it may just sneak in.
Next: Monday (Oct. 10th) at Montreal Alouettes (7-7)
