2013 CFL Power Rankings Week 1

So now there's actually been some football that counts in the standings. A few surprises and the Bombers are only somewhat bad.

1. Calgary Stampeders
Somewhat of a surprise that the Stamps beat the Lions. Tate had a good game, but more importantly non-import running back Jon Cornish had a superlative game, rushing a ridiculous 24 times for 172 yards and two TDs. That's a 7.2 yard per carry average, which is quite good, but more impressive that it wasn't on just a few carries. Consistently being able to rush for over seven yards in the CFL is a good way to win.

2. Toronto Argonauts
Sure their defence isn't what it was last year, but the offense had an excellent game and managed to outlast Hamilton in a slugfest. Kackert is one of the better running backs in the league and Ray is consistently reliable. That's a lot in the early going of a CFL season.

3. Saskatchewan Roughriders
The Riders dominated the Eskimos, which doesn't say a lot considering it is the Eskimos. Durrant played well and Sheets looked good running. That's good enough for second this week.

4. BC Lions
Sure they lost, but you can't write power rankings solely based on who wins and loses. Lulay had OK stats although Andrew Harris didn't do a lot. Obviously the run defence got carved up by Cornish, but that may be an anomaly.

5. Montreal Alouettes
No Mark Trestman coaching anymore. Calvillo's stats were mostly meh, and they only beat the Bombers by five points, which is kind of sad considering it is Winnipeg, albeit one with a healthy Buck Pierce.

6. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Good offense, bad defence. Same as last year, just with another offensive guru as the head coach. A potent offense early in the season should keep the Cats at the middle of the pack, but a porous defence won't let them get any higher. Injury prone defensive end Greg Peach is already injured and the linebackers don't get the results that their accolades from the press would suggest.

7. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Buck Pierce isn't hurt yet so that's something. Also Edmonton is worse. Remember when Swaggerville was a thing?

8. Edmonton Eskimos
The Esks are bad and with the worse quarterback in the league starting. Mike Reilly may get better as the season goes along, but the team is pretty smelly right now. Stamps is still one of the better receivers and Coehoorn is a decent young non-import receiver. Not looking good so far.