CFL Power Rankings: Week 18

Last Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009 | 12:04 PM ET

by Malcolm Kelly, CBC Sports

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

	1. MONTREAL ALOUETTES [up from 3] Overall record: 14-3 Streak: One win There we go, there's the Larks we know and love. Dominant defence. Controlled offence. Great special teams. Good timing, too. Still a bit worried about that offensive line.
	2. CALGARY STAMPEDERS [down from 1] Overall record: 10-6-1 Streak: Three wins When the time came against B.C. to turn it on and take the game, the White Stallions did just that. Nice combination of Henry Burris passing and Joffrey Reynolds running in this one. Set for the playoffs.
	3. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS [down from 2] Overall record: 9-7-1 Streak: One loss The Riders will host the Western semifinal at least, and a win over the Stamps can give these guys the bye and home-field advantage for the West final. But can they get over a poor effort in Hamilton?
	4. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS [up from 6] Overall record: 8-9 Streak: Two wins Good for you, Kitties. Barring a Friday night tie between B.C. and Edmonton, the Ticats are already in the playoffs for the first time in five years. Impressive defensive throttling of the Riders last week. Now, a win over Winnipeg gets a home post-season date for the first time in eight seasons.
	5. B.C. LIONS [down from 4] Overall record: 8-9 Streak: Two losses Painful defeat at the hands of the Stamps, but let's not forget the Leos are working with their fourth quarterback of the season in Casey Printers and he's doing OK. Wally's boys wrap up a playoff spot with a win on Friday.
	6. EDMONTON ESKIMOS [up from 7] Overall record: 8-9 Streak: One win Toronto or not, it's good to get a victory you're supposed to. This terrible second half of the year can be forgotten with a win in B.C. If not, it's crossover time, but only if Winnipeg loses. Out of the playoffs and the fans will be yelling for a new GM.
	7. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS [down from 5] Overall record: 7-10 Streak: One loss Coach Mike Kelly can talk about media bull%$#% all he wants, the fact is his club did not look focused in Montreal. This team can win Sunday at home against Hamilton and take second place, but only if The Michael Bishop Experience is a strong, happy one at quarterback.
	8. TORONTO ARGONAUTS [unchanged] Overall record: 3-14 Streak: Seven losses Intriguing little outing by third-string quarterback Stephen Reaves, wasn't it? Don't touch that defence in the off-season. OK, maybe a tweak or two.

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