1) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Last Week: 2)

The Bombers have taken back the number 1 spot in the rankings after beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders with a final score of 23-8. Quarterback Zach Collaros is currently ranked 2nd in the league in passing yards (1,201 yards) as well as 2nd in passing touchdowns (7 touchdowns). Additionally, the defense has allowed a league-low of 67 total points on the season while having played 1 more game than every team in the league besides Calgary.

2) Saskatchewan Roughriders (Last Week: 1)

The Roughriders had a rough Labour Day, as quarterback Cody Fajardo would only throw for 211 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. Despite the rough day, Saskatchewan still has one of the highest-ranked defenses in the league. They have 3 of the league’s top 6 sack leaders, with defensive lineman Jonathan Woodard leading the league with 5 sacks, A.C. Leonard with 3, and Garrett Marino with 3. Additionally, defensive back Ed Gainey is tied for 1st in the league in interceptions (2 ints). While Monday’s game was a rough loss, Riders fans should not panic as the team will get a chance at redemption with a rematch against Winnipeg in week 6.

3) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (Last Week: 5)

Coming off a big win against the Toronto Argonauts, the Ti-Cats are starting to look like the team many thought they would be at the beginning of the season. One main difference is quarterback Dane Evans has been leading the charge, rather than Jeremiah Masoli. With a few players returning on the defensive side of the ball, the Ti-Cats should give teams something to worry about in the coming weeks. They’ll have a rematch with the Toronto Argonauts in Week 6.

4) Edmonton Elks (Last Week: 8)

The Elks seemed to finally get things figured out on offense and got a much-needed win in Week 5 in Calgary. Edmonton got the win despite missing 4 starters who were in covid protocols (WR – Armanti Edwards, WR – Tevaun Smith, LB – Keishawn Bierria, and DB – Aaron Grymes), giving them their first Labour Day Classic win since 2011. Quarterback Trevor Harris now leads the league in passing yards (1,260 yards) and is ranked 3rd in passing touchdowns (6 touchdowns), while running back James Wilder Jr has re-taken the title of rushing yards leader (366 yards). If the Elks can continue to play at this level, they will be a problem for the rest of the league. Edmonton will host a rematch with the Stampeders in Week 6.

5) Montreal Alouettes (Last Week: 7)

The Alouettes start to work their way back up the rankings following a statement win against the Ottawa Redblacks in Week 5. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr would get things done both through the air and on the ground, leading Montreal to put up a season-high of 51 points. The defense also played exceptionally well, getting 3 interceptions over the course of the game. The Alouettes will have a bye in week 6, followed by a matchup against the BC Lions in Montreal in Week 7.

6) BC Lions (Last Week: 4)

This may seem rather low for a team that was on a bye week, but the Lions dropped a few spots in the rankings due to teams that had been struggling performing exceptionally well in week 5. I’d expect BC to work their way back up the rankings quickly, as they have a week 6 matchup versus the struggling Ottawa Redblacks, who have shown no signs of improvement over the first 5 weeks of the season.

7) Toronto Argonauts (Last Week: 3)

Toronto is coming off a rough game against the Ti-Cats, as quarterback Nick Arbuckle would throw for only 207 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the loss. The Argo’s defense also struggled, allowing a season-high of 32 points, including a punt return touchdown by Ti-Cats defensive back Frankie Williams. The Argo’s will have a chance to redeem themselves when they host a rematch with Hamilton in Week 6.

8) Calgary Stampeders (Last Week: 6)

The Stampeders are off to a historically bad start, beginning the season with a 1-4 record. Despite the poor record, running back Ka’Deem Carey is still leading the league in rushing touchdowns (4 touchdowns) and is ranked 3rd in the league in rushing yards (294 yards). Additionally, the Stamps have 3 of the top 6 receiving yards leaders in wide receivers Josh Huff (374 yards), Kamar Jorden (357 yards), and Markeith Ambles (331 yards). Kamar Jorden is also ranked 2nd in the league in receiving touchdowns (2 touchdowns). It is no question the Stampeders have a high-powered offense, but they cannot seem to close out games. The Stamps will have a chance at redemption when they travel to Edmonton in week 6 for a rematch with the Elks.

9) Ottawa Redblacks (Last Week: 9)

The Redblacks defense has been their strength until week 5 in their matchup against the Montreal Alouettes. Ottawa allowed the Alouettes to score 51 points, raising questions about the defense and keeping them locked in at the bottom of the power rankings. Quarterback Dominique Davis would enter the game for a struggling Matt Nichols, and while he did bring some new life to the team, they still have much to improve on. They’ll be tested again in Week 6 versus the BC Lions.