Once a week, CBCSports.ca breaks down the balance of power in the Canadian Football League.

1. CALGARY STAMPEDERS [up from 2]
Overall record: 9-6-1
Streak: Unbeaten in two

And down the stretch they come, the White Stallions and the Prairie Dogs, neck and neck and both playing real well. Stamps are off to B.C. with the offence back in gear. But be careful, the Lions need this one even more than Calgary does.
2. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS [up from 3]
Overall record: 9-6-1
Streak: Unbeaten in three

Here's a crazy thought: Could it be a blessing in disguise if this club were to play the West final away from the pressure of their fabulous home fans? The Riders are bigger than Ol' Time Religion (curling) in the province, and that's saying something. But with great power, comes great responsibility. Discuss.
3. MONTREAL ALOUETTES [down from 1]
Overall record: 13-3
Streak: One loss

While officers from la Sûreté du Québec comb the bushy areas up the Beauce looking for the missing Larks' defence, the fans in Montreal are praying this isn't going to be yet another of those years. You don't give up more than 1,000 yards in two games and get to keep the No. 1, no matter what the record.
4. B.C. LIONS [unchanged]
Overall record: 8-8
Streak: One loss

We're still not over seeing Casey Printers at quarterback, or that he did so well. One more win and coach Wally completes the best comeback of the century by making the playoffs after starting 1-4 in the tough West.
5. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS [up from 7]
Overall record: 7-9
Streak: One win

Out at Tinkertown they're thinking of a new roller coaster called The Michael Bishop Experience. (Kidding). At the top of the coaster right now with their hot and cold QB. Hold on, fans. Just another two weeks to go.
6. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS [unchanged]
Overall record: 7-9
Streak: One win

Two ways into the playoffs, Kitties. First, beat Saskatchewan and Winnipeg and finish second. Or, lose to the Riders and beat Winnipeg and finish second. Wait, that's one way. Oh, Edmonton could lose both their remaining games and you’re already in. Or the Shmoes could go 1-1 and you win one and you’re in. Aw, let's just play football.
7. EDMONTON ESKIMOS [down from 5]
Overall record: 7-9
Streak: One loss

The only team these Shmoes have beaten in the last five games is Toronto. And handily enough, that's who they have this week at home. Win out and they're in. Lose one of two (the last is in B.C.) and it could be all over. How did this happen?
8. TORONTO ARGONAUTS [unchanged]
Overall record: 3-13
Streak: Six losses

Let's help the Argos plan an off-season trade for a new young quarterback to take them into 2010. Let's see, there's Adrian McPherson in Montreal (he'd be expensive), Steven Jyles in Saskatchewan. Any one of the four guys who have started for B.C. Other ideas?