May 2012 CFL Power Rankings

1. BC Lions
Won the Grey Cup last year, players that seemed like they would be going to the NFL ended up not going and the best quarterback in the game (taking into account his relative youth versus Anthony Calvillo). The other West teams look weak this year too so BC should at least get the chance to play for the Grey Cup in Toronto.
2. Hamilton Tiger Cats
No one can blame the Cats for not making moves in the off-season. Whether Henry Burris is better than Kevin Glenn remains to be seen, but with the signing of Andy Fantuz, plus the receivers the Cats already have, should make Burris better. Signing receiver Samuel Giguere adds Canadian depth at receiver. Offensive and defensive lines still somewhat suspect, but the Cats should score a lot of points.
3. Montreal Alouettes
Anthony Calvillo is yet another year older. Provided health issues don't crop up, expect good performances. Defence was poor in the second half and in the process of being rebuilt. GM Jim Popp always seems to be able to unearth quality imports, so Montreal at the least will be average this year with decent upside.
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Quarterback Buck Pierce proved last year he can stay relatively healthy and play well. There's no guarantee of that this year. The Bomber defence was awesome last year and should still be good, although the retirement of non-import defensive tackle Doug Brown hurts. Winnipeg didn't do much on the free agent market.
5. Calgary Stampeders
Starting quarterback Drew Tate really didn't prove a lot last year so how he plays this year is unknown. The Stamps having Kevin Glenn as a backup at least ensures that if Tate starts to suck, the offence won't fall apart. Decent defence.
6. Toronto Argonauts
Adding quarterback Ricky Ray helps the Argos where they were weakest last year, although their receivers were a mediocre bunch. Offensive line is still questionable. Defence was reasonable last year and kept the Argos in games. Special teams were great.
7. Saskatchewan Rough Riders
The Riders were bad last year (although they had enough talent) and now they've lost receiver Andy Fantuz to free agency. Fantuz didn't do a lot last year for the team after returning from the NFL and getting injured, but the season was pretty much a write off by that point anyways. Darian Durant regressed at quarterback last year. How they do this year will depend on whether he's the 2010 version or the 2011 version.
8. Edmonton Eskimos
Look to be in a rebuilding year. Steven Jyles as a starting quarterback doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. Started last season hot and were cold in the second half. This being the CFL, the Eskimos could surprise, if Jyles plays well.