Lions climbing in CFL Power Rankings

The Stampeders continue to roll at the top of the rankings, pulling away from Saskatchewan in the fourth quarter for a 35-15 win. With injuries ravaging the receiving corps, the Stamps had the luxury of turning to RB Jerome Messam, who piled up 145 yards on a season-high 22 touches.

Key Injuries: DT Quinn Smith (arm), DT Frank Beltre (foot), LB Glenn Love (shoulder), WR Joe West (ankle), T Dan Federkeil.

A three-point home win over Edmonton wasn't particularly inspiring from the Redblacks, but veteran QB Henry Burris was nevertheless fired up about criticism that he's received. Burris has only played three games this year, but it's hardly out of line to note that he hasn't been nearly as productive as he was in 2015, when he had a career year (as a 40-year-old!).

Key Injuries: RB William Powell (Achilles), RB Travon Van (knee), QB Trevor Harris (knee), DB Jonathan Rose

A comfortable 20-point road win at Montreal lifts the Lions into the top three. Later that some would like, but the Lions have been dealing with a lengthy injured list. The emergence of QB Jonathon Jennings, who has thrown for 1134 yards in the past three games, is a big reason for the Lions climbing the ladder.

Key Injuries:  DB T.J. Lee (Achilles), WR Nick Moore (knee), DE Craig Roh (neck), DE David Menard (hip), DT Mic'hael Brooks (ankle), CB Brandon Stewart (ankle), DB Mike Edem (hamstring)

After getting stomped at Winnipeg, the Tiger-Cats would be prime candidates for a fall this week, but getting first-team QB Zach Collaros back in the lineup gives them a bit of reprieve.  

Key Injuries: QB Zach Collaros (knee)

Losing by three at Ottawa isn't exactly the end of the world, but three straight losses will cause problems for any team. At some point, Edmonton's defence has to perform better if they are going to get back to competing with the other contenders.

Key Injuries: DB John Ojo (Achilles), DT Don Oramasionwu (triceps), C Justin Sorensen (shoulder)

The bye week doesn't result in any movement for the Argos, and they're really biding time until Ricky Ray returns, unless QB Logan Kilgore has a few surprises up his sleeve.

Key Injuries: DT Tracy Robertson (knee), WR Tori Gurley (lower body), WR Kevin Elliott, DB Jermaine Gabriel (neck), QB Ricky Ray (knee)

I'll admit, I was skeptical about the Bombers' quarterback change but, in back-to-back wins, QB Matt Nichols has completed 76.5% of his passes for 500 yards and three touchdowns, with zero interceptions. Last week, he did it against Hamilton despite a bunch of injuries to the receiving corps, so full credit to Nichols for sparking Winnipeg's resurgence.

Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping, CB Johnny Adams, DB Teague Sherman, WR Ryan Smith, DB Macho Harris, CB Chris Randle, WR Weston Dressler (knee), WR Darvin Adams (arm)

Losing by 20 at home to B.C. brought the Alouettes down to earth in a hurry after a big win over Saskatchewan the week before. Montreal's defence has been okay this season, but they couldn't contain the Lions' passing game and the Alouettes are still a work=in-progress offensively, so they aren't well-equipped to keep pace in a shootout.

Key Injuries: WR S.J. Green (knee), WR Kenny Stafford (toe), RB Tyrell Sutton), C Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (knee)

The return of QB Darian Durant didn't solve the Riders' woes, but they are undoubtedly better with their No. 1 signal caller in the game. At this point, though, that merely means that the Riders get a "high" nine ranking.

Key Injuries:  DE Eric Norwood (knee), G Chris Best, T Xavier Fulton, C Dan Clark,