Pro Football Insights

provocative NFL and CFL analysis

CFL POWER RANKINGS

* PRESEASON *

1) B.C. Lions (Projected Record: 13 - 5) An unresolved quarterback quandary looms over the offense, but the talent, experience, and coaching are there for this team to be considered the early Grey Cup favourite. The eventual starting QB will have excellent weapons at his disposal, and the defense is strengthened by the addition of Barron Miles from Montreal.

2) Toronto Argonauts (Projected Record: 12 - 6) The defending champs return almost the exact same set of starters that helped them capture the championship last season. Coach Mike Clemons will once again count on Allen's age-defying legs, an opportunistic defense, and a game-breaking return unit to help them repeat their unlikely triumph.

3) Montreal Alouettes (Projected Record: 11 - 7) The Als have fallen short of expectations the last two season, and the Montreal media will expect nothing less than a title from Don Matthew's unit this year. Despite the loss of Jeremaine Copeland, the offense is still loaded with playmakers, and if a run-pass balance can be achieved, this team will be dangerous.

4) Edmonton Eskimos (Projected Record: 11 - 7) The return of erstwhile quarterback Ricky Ray leave the underrated Jason Maas on the sidelines. Rookie Coach Danny Maciocia will be pressed to find suitable replacements for veterans Mike Pringle and Terry Vaughn. The team will look to improve on last season's disappointing 9-9 mark.

5) Calgary Stampeders (Projected Record 9 - 9) Coach Tom Higgins hopes that the addition of superstar QB Henry Burris and All-CFL SB Jeremaine Copeland will go a long way toward rehabilitating the image of this proud franchise, which has suffered through embarrassment the last several seasons. Playmaking LB John Grace keys a defense that must improve.

6) Saskatchewan Roughriders (Projected Record 8 - 10) A botched Paul McCallum field goal away from playing for the Grey Cup last season, the Riders will likely feature the ground game more heavily this season. The Riders are keyed by the dynamic Nealon Greene and Kenton Keith, as well as the best defensive tackle pairing in the CFL in Scott Shultz and Nate Davis.

7) Hamilton Ti-Cats (Projected Record 8-10) Last season's playoff berth brought a renewed sense of excitement to Steel Town, and coach Greg Marshall will look to carry this success over into 2005. Grey beard Danny McManus is still penciled in as the started, however, and the fact that heir apparent Marcus Brady has not distinguished himself yet is worrisome.

8) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (Projected Record 7-11) The Bombers are coming off a 2004 season that was long on controversy. The mid-season deposal of Dave Ritchie and the much-publicized cheap shot by Terry Ray casted a pall over a team that had long lived with the underachiever's label. Ex-Lion Spergon Wynn was brought in to battle Kevin Glenn for the QB job.

9) Ottawa Renegades (Projected Record 6-12) The offseason has been replete with speculation surrounding the uncertain ownership situation, and the franchise can ill-afford another disappointing sub-.500 season. A quiet offseason personnel-wise means that the Renegades will once again be carried by the tandem of QB Kerry Joseph and tough-as-nails RB Josh Ranek.