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

1. CALGARY STAMPEDERS [unchanged]
Overall record: 7-1
Streak: Five wins

That was a lot of points (35) to give up to the worst attack in the league, even if B.C. found 15 of those when the game was out of reach. Still, the point was to hold serve and the White Stallions did that by overpowering the Lions with the run. Two games with Edmonton ahead and Calgary mustn’t do what the Riders did this weekend.
2. MONTREAL ALOUETTES [up from 3]
Overall record: 6-2
Streak: One win

Coming out of the bye, the Als will run Chris Leak out at QB against B.C., confident they can overcome the loss of Anthony Calvillo to a bruised sternum. AC says he might be back next week. Says here, why take a chance? Montreal is getting banged up all over.
3. SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS [down from a tie for 1]
Overall record: 5-3
Streak: One loss

In losing to one victory Edmonton, the defence did a nice job – a little leaky against the run. But that offence… Darian Durant was 19-for-39, three interceptions. There were also two fumbles and just 89 yards rushing. Bad night at the office. Now two with Winnipeg and they are musts to keep first overall in the West within range.
4. TORONTO ARGONAUTS [unchanged]
Overall record: 5-3
Streak: One loss

Argos need to show up in Hamilton on Labour Day to face the Cats with a whip and a chair, and a return to the maturity that had served them well up until the recent loss to the Kitties sent everyone to the bye week in a bad mood. Hamilton is coming hard. Must beat them back.
5. HAMILTON TIGER-CATS [unchanged]
Overall record: 4-4
Streak: Three wins

A happy bunch of felines right now as the team is playing the way pre-season picks said it would. Front seven is coming on, the running game is back to form. Blowing the Labour Day return match with the Argos could blunt all the momentum, so careful Kitties.
6. EDMONTON ESKIMOS [up from 8]
Overall record: 2-6
Streak: One win

Had to be impressed with the hustle and effort in the win over the Riders – especially on defence. Offence still needs work, but using Ricky Ray and Jared Zambransky as a 1-2 QB punch in the future seems an intriguing idea. But this win, offensively, was all kicker Noel Prefontaine in the second half.
6. WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS [unchanged]
Overall record: 2-6
Streak: Four losses

Tough way to come out of the bye having to go home and home with an embarrassed Saskatchewan side. Was that strong comeback in the loss to Montreal a sign of things to come for the Bombers, or a mirage? Time for simple things – throw the ball, catch the ball. Especially the latter.
8. B.C. LIONS [down from 7]
Overall record: 1-7
Streak: Seven losses

If you can keep your head while all around you people are losing theirs and blaming you, you’re probably Wally Buono. Thanks to turnover-happy Calgary, the Lions were right in their last game until talent won out in the end. QB Casey Printers was rusty, but OK. Have to find a way to rush the ball and keep Printers safe, and that means continued work on retooling the offensive line. Disappointing effort by the defence but the Stamps did have the ball for almost 40 minutes.