Lions, Bombers rising in CFL Power Rankings

Needed to rally in the second half, losing 20-6 late in the third quarter, before ultimately winning against Edmonton. At this point, the rest of the league is in pursuit mode, but they can barely see the Stampeders.

Key Injuries: WR Joe West (ankle), T Dan Federkeil, G Cam Thorn (leg)

Getting into a shootout with Montreal isn't a bad way to go (because you'll likely win!), and while the Lions allowed the Alouettes to close the gap in the second half, the Lions reclaimed second spot in the rankings, the best of the rest behind Calgary. RB Jeremiah Johnson put up 9.9 yards per carry (159 yards on 16 carries) and scored three touchdowns to lead the way.  

Key Injuries:  DB T.J. Lee (Achilles), WR Nick Moore (knee), DB Steven Clarke (knee), DB Ronnie Yell (foot)

A 17-10 win at home against one-win Saskatchewan isn't going to inspire much confidence, but six straight wins will do the trick. The Bombers also bolstered their defence by adding defensive back T.J. Heath from Toronto in exchange for QB Drew Willy. Not only that, but they added a solid veteran, Kevin Glenn, to cover their need at backup quarterback.

Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping, WR Ryan Smith, CB Chris Randle, WR Darvin Adams (arm)

The optimism that comes with Zach Collaros at quarterback hit a clear bump in the road when they couldn't muster more than a single point in the second half of a 33-21 loss at Toronto. The bigger issue was that, defensively, the Ticats surrendered 447 yards to a Toronto team that was going with yet another new quarterback, Dan LeFevour.

Key Injuries: DB Craig Butler, DB Johnny Sears, CB Demond Washington, C Mike Filler

Truth be told, the Eskimos were good against Calgary, and they have a puncher's chance against anyone when QB Mike Reilly is on, connecting with the top two receivers in the league (by yardage), Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker.

Key Injuries: DB John Ojo (Achilles), DT Don Oramasionwu (triceps), G Danny Groulx, G Chris Greaves, RB John White, DE Marcus Howard, DE Reuben Frank

Already holding a 1.5-game lead in the East, the Redblacks have a chance to do something down the stretch and into the postseason but they need a big showing this week, coming off a bye and going to face Calgary. Incidentally, the Redblacks moved quickly to sign LB Taylor Reed, right after he was cut loose by the Stampeders.

Key Injuries: RB William Powell (Achilles), DE Arnaud Gascon-Nadon (ankle), DE Aston Whiteside (knee), DB Jerrell Gavins (knee).

With QB Ricky Ray sidelined, it looked like the Argos could be sinking fast, but they were not only led to a win against Hamilton by Dan LeFevour, making his first CFL start since 2014, but the Argos then added Drew Willy in a trade with Winnipeg. From a quarterback deficit to surplus in no time!

Key Injuries: DT Tracy Robertson (knee), DB Jermaine Gabriel (neck), QB Ricky Ray (lung)

Not only did the Alouettes trade Kevin Glenn to Winnipeg, but their new starter, Rakeem Cato, is already getting into it with receivers Duron Carter and Kenny Stafford at practice. This could be on the way to an ugly finish. 

Key Injuries: WR S.J. Green (knee), C Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (knee), DT Michael Klassen (leg)

The Riders have been more competitive lately, losing by 18 points over the past three games against Edmonton and Winnipeg (twice), but it's not getting them anywhere in the standings. Still stuck on one win, they're about due to break through.

Key Injuries:  DE Eric Norwood (knee), G Chris Best, C Dan Clark, RB Curtis Steele, G Brendon Labatte (head)