The CFL season has now reached the third week of action. It feels great to have football back. And for those who can’t wait for action south of the border, keep in mind that today marks the four-week mark from the start of the 2017-18 NFL preseason.
Through two weeks of action, we only have one team on the board that has won both of it’s first two games, which is the Edmonton Eskimos. However, when you take a look at the power rankings, they aren’t the team that’s at the top of the board for a couple of reasons. For starters, the Calgary Stampeders – who are at the top of the board – are there because they’ve played two tough games against the Ottawa Redblacks. It’s hard to start the season with back-to-back Grey Cup rematches but that’s what they’ve gone through and they are 1-0-1 in those games. Secondly, Edmonton’s two wins have come by a combined seven points, so that’s not overly impressive.
The Stamps offense has been tops in the league so far as they’ve scored 74 points in two games. The best defense to date has been the Montreal Alouettes, who have given up just 39 points through two games.
Now let’s take a look at the power rankings where the top three stay the same, according to the betting odds. Meanwhile, there is one new team entering the list.
1. Calgary Stampeders
Last Week: 1
Odds To Win 2017 Grey Cup: +275
After tying their regular season opener in Ottawa, the Stampeders (1-0-1) won a wild 43-39 game at home over the RedBlacks. Bo Levi Mitchell was 19-of-31 for 295 yards, three touchdowns and no picks, while the Stampeders also ran for 113 yards. Their next game is Friday night on the road in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers.
2. Edmonton Eskimos
Last Week: 2
Odds To Win 2017 Grey Cup: +350
The Eskimos (2-0-0) are the only unbeaten team in the CFL after a tough 23-19 victory at home over Montreal. The Eskimos were down 10-0 after the first quarter, but they dug deep and battled back for a big win. Mike Reilly was 27-of-36 for 286 yards and a touchdown, however, the Eskimos lost running back John White for the season with a knee injury. The Eskimos will have the week off to come up with a plan for the ground game as they have a bye.
3. British Columbia Lions
Last Week: 3
Odds To Win 2017 Grey Cup: +600
The Lions (1-1-0) scored 18 points in the fourth quarter of a 28-15 win in Toronto. Jonathon Jennnings was 23-of-25 for 301 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while running for 28 yards as well. Jeremiah Johnson ran nine times for 70 yards and a score for the Lions, who forced three turnovers on the other side of the ball. Next, the Lions will open up Week 3 on Thursday night in Montreal.
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Last Week: –
Odds To Win 2017 Grey Cup: +650
The Blue Bombers (1-0-0) played spoiler against their biggest rivals in their season opener as they won 43-40 in double overtime in Saskatchewan’s new stadium. Matt Nichols was 23-of-36 for 331 yards, four touchdowns and an interception as the Blue Bombers put up 430 yards of offense. This Friday night, the Blue Bombers welcome the Stampeders to town in what could be the most explosive game of the entire week.
5. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last Week: 5
Odds To Win 2017 Grey Cup: +750
The Tiger-Cats (0-1-1) are back in action after getting the second week of the regular season off for a bye. They had a lot to work on after they were handled 32-15 in the first week of the season in Toronto, and the Tiger-Cats had problems on both sides of the ball. The Argonauts racked up 545 yards on the Tiger-Cats, who had a pair of turnovers and also gave up five sacks on Zach Collaros, who had a knee injury in 2015 and only came back in Week 8 last season. Hamilton probably had a long and hard practice week as they prepare to head to Saskatchewan for Week 3 to take on an 0-2 team that might need a win more than they do right now.
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