The Calgary Stampeders rebounded in Week Two and hold top spot in the TSN.ca CFL Power Rankings, ahead of the surging Ottawa Redblacks and idle Edmonton Eskimos.
The big move of the week went to the B.C. Lions, who followed up their Week One win over Calgary with a convincing road win at Hamilton, vaulting from nine to four.
Conversely, after an impressive opening week, the TiCats gave a lot of their gains back after getting routed at home by B.C., and fall from four to six.
Ottawa Redblacks
This Week: 2 | Last Week: 3 | Record: 2-0
-
PF
73
-
PA
50
-
DIFF
+23
-
YDS/G
552.0
-
YDSA/G
386.5
The Redblacks are quickly down to their third-string running back, Kienan Lafrance (and have signed CFL vet Nic Grigbsy), now that Travon Van is hurt, but the story of the first two weeks has been QB Trevor Harris, who has completed 82% of his passes for 687 yards and six touchdowns. Harris has WR Chris Williams, who has 363 receiving yards, as his primary target and this passing success should allow whomever is running to keep the chains moving.
Key Injuries: RB William Powell (Achilles), RB Travon Van (knee), QB Henry Burris (finger)
B.C. Lions
This Week: 4 | Last Week: 9 | Record: 2-0
-
PF
48
-
PA
21
-
DIFF
+27
-
YDS/G
322.5
-
YDSA/G
261.5
After two wins in two tries, including a dominant performance at Hamilton in Week Two, it's fair to reconsider the Lions' early ranking. They aren't overwhelming on offence, but the Lions' defence has been stellar and could go a long way towards helping them exceed expectations.
Key Injuries: RB Jeremiah Johnson (ankle)
Toronto Argonauts
This Week: 5 | Last Week: 5 | Record: 1-1
-
PF
50
-
PA
59
-
DIFF
-9
-
YDS/G
253.0
-
YDSA/G
370.5
After coming up empty at home in Week One, the Argos found life kinder on the road, specifically in Saskatchewan, in Week Two. WR Vidal Hazelton has a decent 130 yards through two games, but has scored three touchdowns, which is decidely better than decent.
Key Injuries: DL Brian Bulcke (knee)
Montreal Alouettes
This Week: 7 | Last Week: 6 | Record: 1-1
-
PF
35
-
PA
42
-
DIFF
-7
-
YDS/G
393.0
-
YDSA/G
459.0
No idea what was going through Duron Carter's head as he stormed the Redblacks' sideline last week, following his sensational touchdown catch, but it's going to keep him out of the lineup for a week and with the Alouettes already having lost S.J. Green for the season, there are going to be some rather significant holes to fill when Montreal returns to action following a Week Three bye.
Key Injuries: WR S.J. Green (knee), WR Duron Carter (suspension)
Saskatchewan Roughriders
This Week: 8 | Last Week: 7 | Record: 0-1
-
PF
17
-
PA
30
-
DIFF
-13
-
YDS/G
385.0
-
YDSA/G
245.0
After losing at home to the Argos, the Riders flipped DE Shawn Lemon to Toronto (with a conditional pick) for OL Matt Sewell and QB Mitchell Gale. If nothing else, it's a case of the Roughriders dealing from a relative position of strength, because Lemon wasn't getting enough reps behind A.C. Leonard and Jonathan Newsome. In any case, the home loss to Toronto wasn't great and it won't be easy in Edmonton this week.
Key Injuries: DE Eric Norwood (knee), G Chris Best.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
This Week: 9 | Last Week: 8 | Record: 0-2
-
PF
36
-
PA
58
-
DIFF
-22
-
YDS/G
389.0
-
YDSA/G
478.0
The final score at Calgary flattered the Blue Bombers, so they are going to need to shape up quickly. It appears that WR Weston Dressler is expected back this week, and that should help, but he's not playing D, and the Bombers need to be better on that side of the ball too.
Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping (knee)
Scott Cullen can be reached at scott.cullen@bellmedia.ca