POWER RANKINGS WEEK 17

Hamilton (1)

The best team in the league just proved it again on a 2-1 swing through Alberta and Manitoba. Fill-in QB Dane Evans is getting all kinds of help from receivers Brandon Banks and Bralon Addison and a defence that never seems to run out of gas.

Calgary (2)

Fresh off a bye week and four wins before that, the Stamps find themselves in familiar territory atop the West Division standings. Their backfield depth will be tested again as running back Ka’Deem Carey’s broken arm ended his season.

Saskatchewan (5)

Playoff football might be in the Dickenson DNA.The 9-4 Riders, under rookie head coach Craig Dickenson, clinched a post-season berth on the strength of a defence built around sack-happy Charleston Hughes and the growing confidence of QB Cody Fajardo.

Montreal (3)

Suspended QB Vernon Adams Jr. had to watch his teammates lose in B.C., rather than help them win, and that ought to motivate him down the stretch. Head coach Khari Jones will have learned something too from the bitter experience of gambling late on third-and-goal instead of trying a chip shot field goal to take the lead.

Winnipeg (4)

Yes, there is something wrong with the Bombers. They have lost three of their last four games and all that shouting about a long-awaited Grey Cup run has morphed into a chorus of solemn whispers about ineffective quarterbacking from Chris Streveler. It appears as if they are starting to unravel.

Edmonton (6)

The crossover playoff spot is theirs with one more point. Then again, maybe they’re eyeballing the fading Bombers, who are just four points up and looking vulnerable. However, the Esks will be hard-pressed to make a move on anyone with a game in Hamilton this week.

B.C. (7)

If they beat Toronto and Edmonton loses in Hamilton — both seem likely — the Leos get another week on life support. But the reality of a terrible first half, for the offensive line in particular, will indeed come home to roost. They basically wasted Year 1 of Mike Reilly.

Toronto (8)

Can Pinball Clemons really help the Argos? Only if he’s allowed to jump in a time machine, dial it back to 1996 and bring Doug Flutie with him. They need an upgrade at quarterback, running back, offensive co-ordinator and so much more.

Ottawa (9)

In a poll posted on Twitter, respondents were asked to name the offensive players they would like Ottawa to bring back next year. How many votes did Henry Burris and Russ Jackson get? The Redblacks need to start over.