Lions closing the gap in CFL Power Rankings

It wasn't pretty, and yet after grinding out a 19-10 win at Saskatchewan, Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson got told to win with some class, by Roughriders head coach Chris Jones. The game was ugly, but there didn't seem to be an obvious case of the Riders being shown up.

Key Injuries: LB Glenn Love (shoulder), WR Joe West (ankle), T Dan Federkeil, G Cam Thorn (leg)

A 32-12 half time lead against Hamilton evaporated late in the fourth quarter, but not too late for the Lions to finish the job. With QB Jonathon Jennings (1,440 yards and 10 TD in his past four games) and RB Jeremiah Johnson (176 YDS, 3 TD in the past two games) rocking, the Lions are on a roll.

Key Injuries:  DB T.J. Lee (Achilles), WR Nick Moore (knee), DE Craig Roh (neck), DT Mic'hael Brooks (ankle)

While there was nothing wrong with the Redblacks' bye week, they were overtaken by the surging Lions, who are playing well and appear to be healthier than Ottawa at the moment.

Key Injuries: RB William Powell (Achilles), RB Travon Van (knee), QB Trevor Harris (knee), T Tommie Draheim, DE Arnaud Gascon-Nadon (ankle), DB Abdul Kanneh (ankle), DE Aston Whiteside (knee), DB Jerrell Gavins (knee).

It's not like the Eskimos are in position to complain about wins, after losing three straight, but grinding out a home win against the offensively-challenged Alouettes is not quite the confidence-builder that the Eskimos need. It's better than losing, but not much. 

Key Injuries: DB John Ojo (Achilles), DT Don Oramasionwu (triceps), G Danny Groulx, G Chris Greaves

The Ticats were getting stomped in the first half at B.C. before making a spirited second-half comeback. While they ultimately fell short, it was encouraging to see QB Zach Collaros having some success in his first start in nearly a year. On he other hand, the vaunted Hamilton defence had a difficult time containing the Lions' attack, though that may be more a reflection on the Lions' proficiency.

Key Injuries: WR Tiquan Underwood, DB Craig Butler, DB Johnny Sears

Apparently a new quarterback was the cure-all for the Bombers, but bringing back slotback Clarence Denmark to shore up an injury-depleted receiving corps has made a big difference too, especially with Denmark going off for 195 yards in last week's win at Toronto. Rookie DB Kevin Fogg had a monster game too, with a sack, fumble recovery and two picks to lead the way at Toronto.

Key Injuries: C Jeff Keeping, CB Johnny Adams, DB Teague Sherman, WR Ryan Smith, DB Macho Harris, CB Chris Randle, WR Weston Dressler (knee), WR Darvin Adams (arm)

Logan Kilgore throwing five interceptions in his second start, a 34-17 home loss to Winnipeg, shows just how important it is for teams to have two quality quarterbacks. Some good news out of the loss, though, is that WR Diontae Spencer caught 11 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in his first game of the season.

Key Injuries: DT Tracy Robertson (knee), WR Tori Gurley (lower body), WR Kevin Elliott, DB Jermaine Gabriel (neck), QB Ricky Ray (knee), WR Vidal Hazelton (ankle), G Greg Van Roten (ankle)

Montreal's offensive woes continued at Edmonton, a team that hasn't been able to stop anything this year, and if WR Duron Carter finally ends up serving his suspension this week at Ottawa, the struggle to move the ball will be all too real.

Key Injuries: WR S.J. Green (knee), WR Kenny Stafford (toe), RB Tyrell Sutton (knee), C Luc Brodeur-Jourdain (knee), DT Michael Klassen (leg), DB Billy Parker

The Roughriders are sitting in last place and getting fined for roster violations. It might not be the ideal time to start lecturing other coaches about how to behave. 

Key Injuries:  DE Eric Norwood (knee), G Chris Best, T Xavier Fulton, C Dan Clark, RB Curtis Steele, G Brendon Labatte (head)