CFL Power Rankings Vol 1

One-Time-Only CFL Power Rankings

Get into betting on the Canadian Football League with a quick primer on the game up north

July 12, 2007

By Jason Brough
Bodog Nation Contributing Writer

It gave us Warren Moon. Doug Flutie's a legend in it, as is Marv Levy. Yes, the Canadian Football League is more than just hosers, rouges and a refuge for Ricky Williams - it's a high-scoring brand of pigskin with a rich history.

Oh, and you can bet on it. So that's good.

But what's a gambler who doesn't know his Alouettes from his Argonauts to do? Well, the following CFL power rankings should see you merrily on your wagering way, eh?

1. British Columbia Lions (2-0)

The Leos are the defending Grey Cup champs and once again the team to beat in 2007. Former San Diego Chargers clipboard holder Dave Dickenson is the offensive leader for the Vancouver-based Lions. Dickenson, 34, is a high-percentage passer with a stable of quality receivers including former University of Maryland star Geroy Simon. The Lions also boast a fierce defense led by Ohio State alum Brent Johnson and are coached by one of the most successful generals in CFL history, Wally Buono.

2. Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-0)

The Riders are the Green Bay Packers of the CFL. They have green uniforms, they're the only game in a small town and their mascot is a gopher named Gainer. (Well, two outta three.) Interesting fact: Saskatchewan hasn't hosted a home playoff game since 1988, an amazing feat of futility considering the size of the league. Ah, but there's hope in Regina in 2007. Under new coach Kent Austin, the Riders have finally gelled on offense and appear to be serious contenders to the Lions' throne.

3. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-0-1)

The Bombers got off to an interesting start to the season: they tied, 39-39, with Edmonton. Besides the heavenly lack of mosquitoes, the big story in Winnipeg this summer is star receiver Milt Stegall, 37, who is one touchdown away from becoming the CFL's all-time leader. Stegall, who hopes to score his 138th TD on Friday, is a classic CFL story. He played a few seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, mainly as a kick returner. Cut from the NFL in 1995, he headed to the 'Peg and has remained ever since.

4. Toronto Argonauts (1-1)

The Argos date all the way back to 1873 when they were founded by the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. A few months later, their recently-benched quarterback, Damon Allen, was born. Allen, brother of Marcus, turns 44 on July 29. Last year, he became pro football's all-time passing leader, surpassing Warren Moon's mark of 70,553 yards (CFL and NFL combined). The new starting QB in TO is Michael Bishop, whose biggest accomplishment came in 1997 when he led the Kansas State Wildcats to a Fiesta Bowl win over Donovan McNabb and the Syracuse Orangemen.

5. Calgary Stampeders (1-1)

The Stamps have been Jekyll and Hyde so far in 2007. After slamming Hamilton 37-9 in Week 1, they got smoked 49-8 next time out against Saskatchewan. That storyline is nothing new for Calgary quarterback Henry Burris, a talented yet inconsistent product of Temple University. Chicago Bears fans might remember Burris from 2002 when he got into a few meaningless games behind Jim Miller and Chris Chandler. Then again, they might not.

6. Edmonton Eskimos (0-1-1)

The Eskies are coming off their first non-playoff season in 35 years. Warren Moon's former team, which he led to five consecutive Grey Cup championships from 1978-1982, made a number of changes in the off-season, particularly on defense. The changes have yet to make a difference; the Eskimos surrendered a league-worst 68 points in their first two games. Quarterback Ricky Ray has been a star in the CFL since 2002, though he did take an ill-fated shot in 2004 with the New York Jets where he saw no action whatsoever. Herm Edwards instead went with Quincy Carter when Chad Pennington went down for three games. Oddly enough, Carter was cut by the Montreal Alouettes last season, to which he remarked, "This is a joke... an insult." Now he knows how Ray felt.

7. Montreal Alouettes (0-2)

The Als have been the dominant team in the CFL's East Division in recent times, making five Grey Cup appearances since 2000 and winning once in 2002. Despite making the championship game again in 2006, Montreal is a team on the decline. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo is one of the most prolific passers in CFL history, but the 34-year-old has struggled in 2007 behind an offensive line that's surrendered 15 sacks in two games. Calvillo has yet to throw for a touchdown and that's a big deal in the pass-happy league.

8. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-2)

The Ticats have been the CFL's problem child since the 1990s. Once a dynasty in the Canadian steel town, they've been scarred by financial instability off the field and poor performances on it. In 2005, they finished 5-13. Last year, it was 4-14. In 2007, it could be even worse - Hamilton has been outscored 67-14 in their first two games. One potential bright spot might be former University of Hawaii star Timmy Chang. The quarterback who still holds a number of NCAA records including total offensive yards (18,210) and most career passing yards (17,078) has come off the bench twice in 2007 and shown promise. Whether or not he's ready to start full-time is the big question.

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