Moves in the middle of CFL Power Rankings

Not exactly an impressive debut for the team that started No. 1 in the rankings, suffering a 20-18 loss at B.C. It's not enough to bounce them from top spot, but that might only be because their closest challengers ran into some issues too.

Key Injuries: None

The season sure didn't start out as expected for the two Alberta teams, as the Eskimos suffered a 45-37 home loss to Ottawa. Even as QB Mike Reilly piled up 383 passing yards (149 to Derel Walker, 106 to Adarius Bowman), the Eskimos couldn't slow down the Redblacks, allowing 590 yards in total offence. Like the Stampeders, the Eskimos get a bit of a break because their closest challengers weren't in a position to climb to this level after one week.

Key Injuries: None

Not only did the Redblacks win their opener in Edmonton, but they did so after losing QB Henry Burris. Trevor Harris stepped in for Burris and was unstoppable, completing 17 of 19 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. That dominant passing performance helps the Redblacks stay put even with Burris sidelined, and that's an impressive feat, but it's a credit to the quality of quarterback to which the Redblacks could turn once their starter was injured.

Key Injuries: QB Henry Burris (finger), RB William Powell (Achilles)

Hey, if this is what the Tiger-Cats can expect from QB Jeremiah Masoli (27 of 37, 318 YDS, 3 TD), then they will be much better than anticipated in the absence of Zach Collaros. Now, it would be too soon to assume that Week One Masoli is the Masoli that Hamilton will see every week, but it was encouraging. Add in LB Simoni Lawrence wreaking havoc (with two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery), and maybe that's reason for a little more short-term optimism.  

Key Injuries: QB Zach Collaros (knee), DT Ted  Laurent (lower body), WR Tiquan Underwood (head)

After all the excitement and hype of a new home for the Argos, the result from Week One suggests that a new and much-improved defensive performance is needed next. Between trouble reining in Brandon Banks in the return game and strugging to stop career backup Masoli, the Argonauts will have to hope they can be better at Saskatchewan this week.

Key Injuries: DL Brian Bulcke (knee)

Kevin Glenn gave the Alouettes just what they needed -- competent quarterback play -- and he had support from RB Tyrell Sutton (105 yards from scrimmage) and WR Duron Carter (116 yards from scrimmage), as well as a defence that kept the Bombers' attack off-balance. Still not sure where they are headed, but they shouldn't lose ground after Week One.

Key Injuries: None.

Losing a couple of spots during a bye week is, admittedly, a raw deal, but it's also an acknowledgement of how closely bunched teams are in the middle of the rankings. Can Saskatchewan ride their secrecy to success this season? Let's find out! 

Key Injuries:  DE Eric Norwood (knee)

The Bombers need to improve protection for QB Drew Willy, who was sacked five times against Montreal, but Willy did pass for 303 yards and new running back Andrew Harris gained 120 yards from scrimmage, so there is some reason for optimism, albeit coming after a game in which they scored just 14 points at home.

Key Injuries:  C Jeff Keeping (knee)

After the ninth-ranked Lions upended the first-ranked Stampeders in the opening week, both teams are still ranked in the same spot heading into Week Two. That makes it look like nothing has changed, but that's not quite the case. The Stampeders have fallen back closer to Edmonton and Ottawa at the top, and the Lions have closed the gap on Winnipeg and Saskatchewan, but one game wasn't enough to shake those teams from the extremes.

Key Injuries:  None