The end of the 2021 CFL season is now well within our sights and the playoff picture is almost set. We know who is good and who isn’t by now, and our ranking should be stabilized for the most part. The crazy thing, however, is they aren’t. More changes have come, so here’s how things look after week 14.

9. Edmonton Elks (2-9)

It’s been a bleak season in Edmonton, and a loss to the Roughriders in week 14 solidified a winless home schedule for the Elks in the 2021 season. Despite the loss, there was a good effort from the Elks. Taylor Cornelius played well throwing for 322 yards and two touchdowns, and the Elks’ defence held the Roughriders to just 19 points. It ended with a loss for the Elks, but it wasn’t a terrible game from them all things told. Putting this season behind them as soon as possible is critical.

8. Ottawa Redblacks (2-11)

The Redblacks put a close on their home schedule in week 14, and they sent their fans off with the first start of the CFL career of Devlin “Duck” Hodges. With duck calls ringing out from the stands, Hodges completed eight of his 22 passes for 90 yards. He wasn’t great, but the Redblacks stayed close in large part thanks to a big first half from Timothy Flanders and DeVonte Dedmon. Once again, the win didn’t come, but the game was competitive and fun and that’s all that fans have been asking for.

7. BC Lions (4-8)

The possibility for the East crossover is officially off the table for the BC Lions after losing to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in week 14, and their chances of finishing ahead of the Calgary Stampeders and making the playoffs isn’t going to be easy. Their season would be over with a loss in week 15, but they haven’t shown much of an ability to win in the past two months. It seems inevitable that the Lions will miss the playoffs unless some sort of minor miracle takes place.

6. Toronto Argonauts (8-4)

I can already hear the comments about this ranking. Yes, we are fully aware that the Argos current lead the East Division and are 8-4, but how they have gotten there isn’t in the least bit impressive. McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw three interceptions in their week 14 game against Ottawa, and had they been playing nearly anyone else, this game would have been over. They have allowed teams to hang around and they have been making critical mistakes, but they have been playing bad teams and have been able to win regardless. When they play the league’s best, they won’t win if they continue to make these mistakes. It matters who you play in these rankings, and a win doesn’t mean you played well.

5. Montreal Alouettes (6-6)

On the note of who you play matters, the Alouettes did really well to keep their game against the Blue Bombers close. Trevor Harris is likely still settling into things with the Alouettes, but they showed flashes of what they can be in the final couple of games and into the playoffs. This Alouettes team has the makings of being a tough out, and it feels like they are starting to peak at the right time. They will get another crack at the Bombers on their home turf in week 15, a game that a win could boost their confidence ahead of what is likely to be an away date in the East Semi-Final.

4. Calgary Stampeders (6-6)

The Stampeders had their final bye week of the season in week 14 and have a huge matchup with the BC Lions in week 15. A win would see them clinch a playoff spot, likely ensuring an away matchup with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Semi-Final. They need a big game from some of their big names to get in, but they will get a big boost when Reggie Begelton joins the team later this season.

3. Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-4)

You can stop holding your breath, Riders fans. You didn’t lose to the Elks. It wasn’t pretty, and much like some of the teams earlier on the list, it matters who you play. That is exactly why the Riders fall a spot. This was a game they should have controlled, but they simply made too many mistakes. There’s a lot of talent on the Riders this season, but it isn’t performing at its best right now. They have been winning, however.

2. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (7-5)

We have been very harsh on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this season. They have stayed in the middle of the rankings for a long time, but after their third consecutive win, they have moved into the second spot, marking the fourth consecutive week the second spot has been held by a different team. They are hitting their stride and Jeremiah Masoli has been playing well. This team has been one we have kept our eyes on all year long, and it seems like they are serious about contending for the Grey Cup that will be played in their home stadium in December.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (11-1)

The Bombers starters played the entire game in week 14 and that didn’t really come as a surprise, but that should be soon coming to an end. When they will pull their starters still remains unclear, but they have nothing left to play for in the regular season. They too ended their home campaign, but it went much better than the Redblacks or Elks. They went undefeated at home, giving their fans plenty to cheer about.

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