CFL Week 4 Power Rankings: It’s Still Winnipeg, But…
Is a Newbie a Threat to Bomber Perch?
Our CFL Power Rankings get a big makeover after what happened in Week 3 of the season. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers maintain their position at the top, and still sizable favorites to win the 2022 Grey Cup, per the CFL odds. However, a promising new contender has emerged, so into the fourth week of the season, perhaps some chaos.
State of the CFL, Week 4
As usual, our rankings are based on two categories: 1) current performance; and 2) potential for the season. We were tempted to have our next big thing usurp Winnipeg’s spot atop the board, but not until the Bombers lose,
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-0)
- Last Week: 1
Zach Collaros is improving slowly but surely. He had his best game of the season against Hamilton, threw for over 300 yards, despite not finding the end zone. Winnipeg’s defense was in top form against the Ticats, having surrendered just 269 yards. Willie Jefferson had a sack and a pick-six to keep the Bombers unbeaten.
Next: at Toronto Argonauts (1-1)
2. BC Lions (2-0)
- Last Week: 4
There’s a new star in town, and his name is Nathan Rourke. Rourke and the Lions proved Week 1’s blowout over Edmonton was no fluke, thrashing the Argonauts. Rourke made history, throwing for 436 yards, the most by a Canadian quarterback in a game. The Lions are 2-0, outscoring the opposition, 103-18.
HISTORY: @nathan_rourke has set the single-game passing yards record by a 🇨🇦 QB.#CFL pic.twitter.com/5rcOXUcKsI
— CFL (@CFL) June 26, 2022
Next: at Ottawa Redblacks (0-2)
3. Calgary Stampeders (3-0)
- Last Week: 3
“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” For a second straight week, the Stampeders came back in the second half to remain unbeaten for the season. Bo Levi Mitchell completed 75 percent of his passes and Calgary put up 437 yards against their provincial rivals. There’s a rematch on the horizon.
Next: at Edmonton Elks (0-3) (Week 5)
4. Montreal Alouettes (1-2)
- Last Week: 8
The Alouettes had a home opener to remember, 37-13 rout of the weary Roughriders. Trevor Harris shone as the starter, and the Als’ opportunistic defense forced three Rider turnovers. Montreal now looks for its first road win in a rematch at Regina.
Next: at Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1)
5. Ottawa Redblacks (0-2)
- Last Week: 6
The bye week, now the Redblacks return to action against the juggernaut that is/are the BC Lions. Ottawa was 1-1 against the spread (ATS) versus Winnipeg, and now are four-point underdogs hosting the Lions. Jeremiah Masoli shredded the Bombers’ defense, and if he can do that to BC, it will be an explosive QB battle against Rourke.
Next: vs BC Lions (2-0)
6. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1)
- Last Week: 2
The Roughriders had one of their worst games of the season, and paid the price. Cody Fajardo has had a rough start to the season. Saskatchewan committed 11 penalties for 106 yards. Rubbing salt on the wound is star receiver Shaq Evans missing six-to-eight weeks (fractured ankle). It’s tough to bet online on the Riders now.
Next: vs Montreal Alouettes (1-2)
7. Toronto Argonauts (1-1)
- Last Week: 5
The Argos returned from a bye and were thoroughly smashed, 44-3, by the Lions. McLeod Bethel-Thompson argued with Ryan Dinwiddie over his benching, while the defense surrendered 600 yards to BC. Toronto lost the five times. It doesn’t get easier as they host the Grey Cup champs.
Next: vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-0)
8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3)
- Last Week: 7
It wasn’t for a lack of trying, but Hamilton just could not get anything going against Winnipeg. Dane Evans was picked twice and the “Tabbies” managed just one field goal in the second half. Hamilton gets a chance for its first win this week against the league’s only other 0-3 team.
Next: vs Edmonton Elks (0-3)
9. Edmonton Elks (0-3)
- Last Week: 9
The sportsbook has the Elks as 30-1 longshots to win the Grey Cup, and that number could get even longer if they get smoked by the Tiger-Cats. Nick Arbuckle had Edmonton going against Calgary, but the wheels quickly fell off in the second half. There is plenty of football left to play, but Edmonton is doing itself no favors.
Next: vs Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-3)
