THE CANADIAN PRESS
CFL.ca Staff
Calgary Stampeders
Week 18 Ranking: 1
A meaningless late-season loss in bad weather wasn’t enough drop the Stamps out of top spot. The gap between them and Edmonton is closing, but with Maurice Price and Jon Cornish both expected to play in the West Final on Nov. 23, Calgary remains the Grey Cup favourite.
Edmonton Eskimos
Week 18 Ranking: 2
The Eskimos made a bold statement with Saturday’s 37-3 win over the Lions, as they played their most complete game of the season. With a dominating run game and opportunistic defence, this team is capable of giving Calgary a run for its money.
Montreal Alouettes
Week 18 Ranking: 3
That 1-7 start seems like a long distant memory now, as the Als have won eight of their last nine and clinched a playoff spot. Their defence shut down Ricky Ray and the Argos for the second time in three weeks, while Jonathan Crompton and Duron Carter hooked up for a timely game-winning touchdown.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Week 18 Ranking: 5
It wasn’t entirely pretty, but the Ticats took care of business with a road win over the REDBLACKS, sealing the deal with a late-game defensive touchdown. They’re now one win or an Argo loss away from clinching a playoff spot, but will be challenged by the first-place Alouettes next weekend.
Toronto Argonauts
Week 18 Ranking: 4
Sunday’s 17-14 loss to Montreal made it just one touchdown and 26 points in eight quarters vs. Montreal this month, and those two games are what define the Argos’ season up to this point. Worst yet, the Argos could be without Ricky Ray for the season finale after he was injured late in the fourth quarter.
BC Lions
Week 18 Ranking: 6
Every time the Lions are picking up momentum and starting to look powerful, they fall back. That’s the case yet again after Saturday’s lopsided 37-3 loss to Edmonton, as this BC team looks for answers against the Stamps to close out the season in Week 20.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Week 18 Ranking: 7
The Riders enjoyed a much-needed bye week in Week 19, and will now take on Edmonton looking to leapfrog BC and stay in the West for the playoffs. Corey Chamblin gets one more game to try and find the right mix of guys for the playoffs, while Darian Durant’s status remains unknown.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Week 18 Ranking: 8
The Bombers rallied in the fourth quarter for a road win over the Stamps to close out their season, providing some optimism for 2015. Seemingly set at quarterback and running back, this team could make big waves next season if it can fill a couple of holes.
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Week 18 Ranking: 9
After coming up just short against the Ticats, the REDBLACKS look to continue their role as spoiler in Week 20, with a chance to knock the Argos out of the playoff picture. The defence is tough to play against and the run game is coming along, giving fans something to look forward to in the near future.
