When a couple of upsets happen right off the bat, there can be a tendency to immediately reward winners and downgrade the losers. Fortunately for Alberta's CFL teams, these rankings take a more measured approach.
Thus, the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Eskimos hold the top two rankings spots, despite both teams losing in Week One. It's not as though their results from the first week aren't recognized, more that a team's value isn't determined merely by the results of a single game.
That doesn't mean there wasn't movement, however. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats gained ground with a blowout win at Toronto, and moved up from seven to four, after a surprising performance from backup quarterback Jeremian Masoli. That move by the TiCats should be considered more a reflection of how tightly bunched the rankings are when it comes to the teams in the middle. It's a little different at the top and bottom, but time will help shake out these results.
Ottawa Redblacks
This Week: 3 | Last Week: 3 | Record: 1-0
Not only did the Redblacks win their opener in Edmonton, but they did so after losing QB Henry Burris. Trevor Harris stepped in for Burris and was unstoppable, completing 17 of 19 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. That dominant passing performance helps the Redblacks stay put even with Burris sidelined, and that's an impressive feat, but it's a credit to the quality of quarterback to which the Redblacks could turn once their starter was injured.
Key Injuries: QB Henry Burris (finger), RB William Powell (Achilles)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
This Week: 4 | Last Week: 7 | Record: 1-0
Hey, if this is what the Tiger-Cats can expect from QB Jeremiah Masoli (27 of 37, 318 YDS, 3 TD), then they will be much better than anticipated in the absence of Zach Collaros. Now, it would be too soon to assume that Week One Masoli is the Masoli that Hamilton will see every week, but it was encouraging. Add in LB Simoni Lawrence wreaking havoc (with two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery), and maybe that's reason for a little more short-term optimism.
Key Injuries: QB Zach Collaros (knee), DT Ted Laurent (lower body), WR Tiquan Underwood (head)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This Week: 8 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 0-1
The Bombers need to improve protection for QB Drew Willy, who was sacked five times against Montreal, but Willy did pass for 303 yards and new running back Andrew Harris gained 120 yards from scrimmage, so there is some reason for optimism, albeit coming after a game in which they scored just 14 points at home.
Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping (knee)
Scott Cullen can be reached at scott.cullen@bellmedia.ca