Eskimos new leaders in CFL Power Rankings

Until teams show they can score on the Eskimos -- since their Week One loss to Toronto, they've given up 37 points in four games -- they get to try out top spot in the rankings. Having QB Matt Nichols deliver a big game against Saskatchewan inspires added confidence in Edmonton's ability to move the ball.

Key Injuries: RB John White (Achilles), G Simeon Rottier (knee), WR Shamawd Chambers (knee), QB Mike Reilly (knee), G Greg Wojt (concussion).

The Stampeders passing game came through against Montreal and they managed to cobble together a running game in the absence of Jon Cornish. They're still eking out close win after close win -- their four victories have come by a total of 10 points -- so it's hard to be completely sold on their performance through the first third of the season.

Key Injuries: DT Corey Mace (foot), T Dan Federkeil (leg), T Edwin Harrison (leg), RB Jon Cornish (thumb).

The Argos' road tour ends as they return home to face Saskatchewan, and none too soon after last week's loss in Hamilton. QB Trevor Harris is still moving the ball and they are averaging a league-best 313 passing yards per game, but despite outgaining the TiCats by 145 yards, the Argos weren't even close.

Key Injuries: QB Ricky Ray (shoulder), SB Andre Durie (knee).

Hamilton's impressive win over Toronto had to come at a price, because the Tiger-Cats have been clawing through injury problems all season, and losing RB C.J. Gable and WR Andy Fantuz does pose some challenges. Given the depth of Hamilton's receiving corps, the bigger hole to fill is in the backfield, where they haven't had muc consistency this season.

Key Injuries: DT Brian Bulcke (knee), DT Linden Gaydosh (Achilles), DE Eric Norwood (lower body), RB C.J. Gable (elbow), WR Andy Fantuz (arm).

The main reason that the Bombers were dropped to eighth in the rankings last week was the anticipated absence of QB Drew Willy, who suffered a knee injury in Week Five, but Willy not only played in Week Six, but he was excellent in the win over B.C., earning a rather sizeable market correction in this week's rankings.

Key Injuries:  None.

It's bad enough that the Lions have the league's worst defence, allowing 439 yards per game, but their offence has also struggled and that doesn't mesh with personnel that should be able to generate better results. 

Key Injuries:  WR Lavelle Hawkins (arm), DB Ryan Phillips (hamstring).

While they lost in Calgary, the Alouettes put up a good fight and rookie QB Rakeem Cato continues to show that he can play at this level. The more pressing issue is that RB Tyrell Sutton, who ranks second in the league with 357 rushing yards, suffered a knee injury, which further limits Cato's offensive options.

Key Injuries: WR Eric Deslauriers (finger), DB Andrew Lue (hamstring), DE Aaron Lavarias (arm), WR James Rodgers (undisclosed), QB Dan LeFevour (shoulder), QB Jonathan Crompton (shoulder), LB Kyries Hebert (ankle), LB Bear Woods (pectoral), RB Tyrell Sutton (knee).

Nothing wrong with the RedBlacks' bye week, but they still fall back a spot once the Blue Bombers won with a healthy quarterback. Sometimes the rankings game can be harsh.

Key Injuries: WR Marcus Henry (undisclosed), MLB Travis Brown (shoulder).

A winless team that is down to its third and fourth-string quarterbacks, the Riders are buried in the standings despite leading the league in total offensive yardage by quite a bit (49.6 yards per game more than second-place Toronto). 

Key Injuries:  QB Darian Durant (Achilles), ILB Shea Emry (neck), QB Kevin Glenn (shoulder).