CFL Week 8 power rankings: Nathan Rourke's injury casts massive doubt while a surprise team rises to No. 1

We are now one-third of the way through the CFL season, and the push for the playoffs is already starting to take shape.

The CFL season is one-third complete through its 21-week schedule, and the power rankings are starting to reflect real separation across the league. The Edmonton Elks are learning how to win, while the Ottawa Redblacks remain winless, and the BC Lions are reeling from a significant injury to their starting quarterback. 

The power rankings saw some significant changes this week.

Table of contents

• 9. Ottawa Redblacks
• 8. BC Lions
• 7. Toronto Argonauts
• 6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• 5. Calgary Stampeders
• 4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
• 3. Saskatchewan Roughriders
• 2. Montreal Alouettes
• 1. Edmonton Elks

9. Ottawa Redblacks

Last week: 9

This week: 9

Ottawa had a 17-point lead on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at home on Sunday night and blew it, losing 36-34 in an overtime two-point conversion shootout. The collapse reinforced how far the Red Blacks are from competing. At 0-6, a playoff berth is virtually impossible, leaving head coach Ryan Dinwiddie with a lot to answer for, especially the decision to start Jake Maier over Dru Brown, who engineered the comeback for Winnipeg. The offensive line isn’t playing well, there’s no run game to speak of, and the defense is wildly inconsistent. For a team that was active in free agency signing high-level talent, the returns have been dismal.

8. BC Lions

Last week: 7

This week: 8

Nathan Rourke suffered a shoulder injury on the second offensive play of the game on Friday night, and while we don’t know exactly how long he’ll be out, it looked serious. Even though it’s a non-throwing shoulder, just ask Baker Mayfield how much that impacted him during the 2021 Cleveland Browns season. The Lions signed Tyrie Adams to fortify their quarterback depth, but Chase Brice was incredibly inconsistent against Edmonton, throwing four interceptions and still having a chance to win. If Brice can find a rhythm with practice reps, BC might survive. At 1-4 with their most outstanding player sidelined, things have gone from bad to worse.

7. Toronto Argonauts

Last week: 6

This week: 7

Chad Kelly’s luck has run out. A missed game-tying field goal by Lirim Hajrullahu complicated things, but the bigger issue is that Toronto is a one-man show. If Kelly isn’t playing well and defensive end Jonathan Kongbo isn’t generating pressure, the Argonauts struggle. They still haven’t had a true home game and won’t for a couple more weeks. The travel complications from the World Cup are behind them now, so maybe things level out. Even so, I still have major questions about their volatility and whether it’s enough to make the playoffs given how strong the West is.

6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Last week: 8

This week: 6

Tre Ford got the start and was solid enough to earn a win, but how sustainable is it? Hamilton should feel good about its positioning, especially because the Tiger-Cats should still run away with the second seed in the East and host a playoff game. The Argonauts are too inconsistent, and the Red Blacks aren’t doing much of anything. Ford still needs to prove he can sustain consistent play, something he never did during his time with the Edmonton Elks. If Scott Milanovich can get the best out of him, Hamilton could make a splash come playoff time.

5. Calgary Stampeders

Last week: 5

This week: 5

Another loss to the Montreal Alouettes is frustrating. The defensive line is not performing anywhere near expectations, and Vernon Adams Jr. cannot carry everything by himself. The Alouettes jumped out 22-0 on Saturday, and even though Calgary fought back to tie the game, Montreal scored the go-ahead touchdown before an Erik Brooks fumble with 19 seconds left sealed the loss. The defense needs to contribute with complementary football. The defensive line led by Jaylon Hutchings needs to be better, or it could be a long year in Calgary.

4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Last week: 4

This week: 4

Championship teams find ways to win. Down 17 in Ottawa, Dru Brown led a comeback against his former team and proved the Blue Bombers still have championship DNA. Winnipeg arguably owns the best defense in the CFL. Even against Ottawa, the Bombers stopped the Redblacks three times from the 2-yard line and in. With Zach Collaros now on the 6-game injured list, this is Brown’s team for the time being. Offensive coordinator Tommy Condell also needs to get Brady Olivera more involved. He barely touched the ball on Sunday, and you need your best player in the mix.

3. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Last week: 2

This week: 3

The Roughriders drop a spot despite not playing because of a bye week, and I still like where they are. Trevor Harris is having a borderline most outstanding player season, and KeeSean Johnson has made that trio of wide receivers elite. I still have questions about sustainability, particularly when opponents generate pressure on Harris. Kicker Alex Hale is 0-for-2 from 40 to 49 yards and has yet to attempt one from 50+, which is a concern for a team that brought him in specifically to solve last season’s kicking issues. Saskatchewan moved down only because of who played well over the weekend.

2. Montreal Alouettes

Last week: 1

This week: 2

A 38-32 win over Calgary shouldn’t result in a drop, but Montreal blew a 22-point first-half lead at home. Davis Alexander remains the most electric quarterback in the CFL, creating outside of structure with a dynamic arm. He is a sincere Most Outstanding Player candidate. The duo of Tyler Snead and Tyson Philpot is dominating opposing defenses, and Travis Theis is proving himself as a quality starting running back. The defense still hasn’t lived up to expectations, but Alexander can overcome a lot.

1. Edmonton Elks

Last week: 3

This week: 1

Edmonton jumps from three to the top spot after beating BC 19-17. That scoreline shouldn’t inspire a leap to the top, but it continues a pattern under coach Mark Killam: these Elks know how to win ugly. They started 1-6 last year because they couldn’t finish games. This season, they keep finding ways to win. Edmonton isn’t the most talented or explosive team in the league, but they are gritty, tough, and aggressive. That combination, paired with their new ability to close out tight games, is going to serve them well come playoff time. Montreal might be flashier, but Edmonton is winning every which way, and that’s what champions do.

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: CFL Week 8 Power Rankings: Nathan Rourke's injury casts massive doubt while a surprise team rises to No. 1

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