Stamps lead, Lions rise in CFL Power Rankings

The Stampeders, who win week after week, just have so many weapons. QB Bo Levi Mitchell has passed for a league-leading 5,385 yards and 32 touchdowns, both of which are career-highs. Couple that with a running game led by Jerome Messam, who leads the league with 1,162 yards and 11 touchdowns, also career-highs. While the receiving corps only has one 1,000-yard receiver, SB Marquay McDaniel, there are five receivers with at least 500 yards, and the likes of DaVaris Daniels and Kamar Jorden have been very productive in the games in which they've played. If a team can figure out how to stop them, then maybe there's a chance to knock 'em off.

Key Injuries: C Pierre Lavertu (neck), T Dan Federkeil, WR Bakari Grant (knee)

The Lions have had some ups and down in the second half of the season, but a 32-25 win over Edmonton is enough to climb back into second spot, the best of the rest. QB Jonathon Jennings is the one steering the ship, and has passed for at least 270 yards in six straight games. In those six games, WR Emmanuel Arceneaux has piled up 594 yards and six touchdowns.

Key Injuries:  DB T.J. Lee (Achilles), WR Nick Moore (knee), DB Steven Clarke (knee), DE Jabar Westerman (lower leg).

The Bombers have had to patch together a receiving corps, due to injuries, but they've done okay with it, with Weston Dressler leading the way, but bringing back Clarence Denmark and signing Tori Gurley does give QB Matt Nichols some firepower around him. They key to any success for the Bombers, though, is takeaways -- they're a plus-32 on giveaway-takeaway differential. Calgary ranks second at plus-6.

Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping, WR Ryan Smith, CB Chris Randle, WR Darvin Adams, T Patrick Neufeld, DB Macho Harris, DB C.J. Roberts, DB Brendan Morgan

The Eskimos take one step forward, one step back, and it's not like losing 32-25 at B.C. is a crushing defeat, but it would be nice for Edmonton to string some wins together. QB Mike Reilly is very productive and his top two targets -- Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker -- are the top two in the league when it comes to receiving yardage. Add in RB John White -- who has 439 yards and five touchdowns in the past three games -- and the offence isn't a major issue for Edmonton. However, they don't get consistent enough performance from the defence, and time is running out.

Key Injuries: G Danny Groulx, T Tony Washington, SB Cory Watson.

Squeezing out an overtime win at Ottawa clinched a playoff berth for the Tiger-Cats, and it looks like Zach Collaros, who has been enduring an injury-marred season, is going to be back at quarterback. He's performed well enough in the eight games in which he's been able to play, but with Chad Owens and Luke Tasker injured, and Brandon Banks suspended, Hamilton's pass-catching crew isn't quite in peak form, though newcomer Kevin Elliott had five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown last week, so more of that would be welcome. 

Key Injuries: DB Craig Butler, DB Johnny Sears, CB Demond Washington, SB Chad Owens, WR Luke Tasker, T Jeremy Lewis, WR Brandon Banks (suspension).

It's going to be something of a battle between Hamilton and Ottawa at the top of the East, though it lacks a little lustre with both teams sitting below .500. In any case, QB Henry Burris can keep the ball moving and while the Redblacks are missing their top receiver, Chris Williams, they still have enough targets -- led by Greg Ellingson, Ernest Jackson and Brad Sinopoli -- to keep the chains moving. 

Key Injuries: RB William Powell (Achilles), DE Aston Whiteside (knee), WR Chris Williams (knee), T SirVincent Rogers (ankle), DL Landon Cohen, DB John Boyett

As the Riders were starting to gain momentum, winning four straight games, they fell flat against Montreal, losing 19-14 at home. Perhaps the most interesting part of the Riders attack late in the season is the addition of RB Joe McKnight, who has gained 296 yards in two games.

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

QB Vernon Adams Jr. earned a win in his first start, but he completed 45.8% of his passes for 177 yards; not exactly the kind of performance that can win week after week in the league, but the Alouettes aren't in position to throw back wins based on aesthetic appeal. Take the positive and see how it goes when matched against Calgary this week. 

Key Injuries: WR S.J. Green (knee), DT Michael Klassen (leg), RB Tyrell Sutton (ribs), CB Greg Henderson, CB Ethan Davis, DB Billy Parker

Ricky Ray is back at quarterback for the Argos, for whatever that might be worth. Even in his diminished state, he's their best option, and given the depleted receiving corps (of their own doing, by the way!) it's not an ideal situation for whomever is at quarterback in Toronto. The Double Blue will rest this week, setting up a finale at Edmonton.

Key Injuries: DT Tracy Robertson (knee), DB Jermaine Gabriel (neck), G Greg Van Roten (ankle), T Josh Bourke, DE Ricky Foley (foot)