CFL power rankings: On the Stampeders decade of playoff disappointment
Over the last 10 CFL seasons, few teams can boast about having as much consistent on-field success as the Calgary Stampeders. Unfortunately, the Stamps’ great regular seasons are too often spoiled by postseason disappointment.
The Stampeders finish their 2014 season on Friday against the B.C. Lions having already locked up first place in the West and the best record in the league. It is the second season in a row accomplishing both those feats. The Stampeders last missed the playoffs in 2004, and in the 10 seasons since then they have won the West four times, had double-digit win totals nine times, the best record in the CFL four times – but have only one Grey Cup championship. Having only been to the big game twice, however, they’re not even perennial bridesmaids. The Stamps are 5-8 in playoff games over the last 10 seasons.
After their Grey Cup win in 2008, the Stamps lost back-to-back West finals against the Roughriders. The 2012 Stamps finished 12-6, met the 9-9 Argonauts in the 100th Grey Cup and lost. Last year’s 14-4 squad lost the West final to the Roughriders yet again.
Over the last 10 seasons the Stamps have averaged 11.5 regular-season wins, but again, have just one Grey Cup. The Lions and Alouettes have averaged 11 and 10.4 wins per season, respectively, over the same span and each have two Grey Cups, the Alouettes having been to the game five times. The Roughriders have averaged just 9.5 wins but have two Grey Cups in four appearances.
The 2014 Stamps’ 14 wins did not come easily as they battled injuries to stars like Jon Cornish and Bo Levi Mitchell. But if they are healthy, this year’s team appears poised to break the trend of postseason failures.
Team rankings:
1.
Calgary Stampeders (14-3; Previous: 1) - Don't put any stock into last week's loss to Winnipeg. If they're healthy -- and that is a big if considering Jon Cornish's on-going head problems -- they're the clear Grey Cup favourite.
2.
Edmonton Eskimos (12-5; Previous: 2) - They made a statement with last week's emphatic win over the Lions. They're the second-best team in the league; the question is whether they can beat the Stamps.
3.
Montreal Alouettes (9-8; Previous: 3) - Six wins in a row and playoff bound for the 19th consecutive season. Still have work to do to clinch first place and a bye.
4.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8-9; Previous: 6) - They got the win over Ottawa they needed but still are not asured of a playoff spot. Seventeen games into the season and I'm still not sure what to make of this team. Might be a contender, might miss the playoffs. Who knows.
5.
B.C. Lions (9-8; Previous: 4) - Ugly loss to Eskimos doesn't bode well with the playoffs approaching. If they finish third in the West they go right back to Edmonton. Are they better off in the crossover?
6.
Toronto Argonauts (7-10; Previous: 5) - The defence wasn't good enough to hold off Montreal in the fourth quarter, now their offence will be without Ricky Ray for Friday's must-win game against Ottawa.
7.
Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8; Previous: 7) - Like the Lions, maybe they want to be in the crossover game? They're recent woes -- five losses in a row -- go much deeper than quarterback play but getting Darian Durant back would be a major emotional boost.
8.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-11; Previous: 8) - Nice to end the season with a win, but after their great start it has to feel like a lost season. The team announced first-year coach Mike O'Shea will return next season.
9.
Ottawa Redblacks (2-15; Previous: 9) - They get one last chance to play spoiler this week against Toronto. One of their two wins came against the Argos.
Coming up in Week 20:
Ottawa at Toronto, Friday, 7 ET – The Argos’ playoff hopes are hanging by a threat. They need to beat Ottawa and hope that Montreal defeats Hamilton. One of Ottawa’s two wins came against Toronto back in July. Ricky Ray is unlikely to play due to a concussion so Trevor Harris will be under centre for the Argos. Can Harris get it done? Probably. Pick: Argonauts.
Calgary at B.C., Friday, 10 ET – Another end-of-season meaningless game for the first-place Stampeders, but an important game for the Lions. Cornish, the league's rushing leader, won’t play for the Stampeders. The Lions were routed by the Eskimos last week and still aren’t sure where their playoffs will begin. Pick: Lions.
Montreal at Hamilton, Saturday, 4 ET – The Alouettes have already clinched a playoff spot but there are still major implications in this game. There are three possibilities for the Ticats in the jam-packed East: miss the playoffs, finish second, or win the East and get a bye. Hamilton is 5-0 at Tim Hortons Field, Montreal is 3-5 on the road. Expect a low-scoring game. Pick: Tiger-Cats.
Edmonton at Saskatchewan, Saturday, 7 ET – The Eskimos will rest quarterback Mike Reilly and running back John White, having locked up second place in the West and a home playoff date. The defending champion Roughriders have lost five in a row but have clinched a playoff spot. Where they go remains to be seen. Depleted and uninterested Eskimos might be the cure the Riders need. Pick: Roughriders.
Picks -- Last week: 2-2; Season: 46-26
Bye: Winnipeg – They ended their season with a win, which is nice. One of the Bombers’ biggest problems this year? They were 2-8 against West Division teams.
Disagree with our rankings and picks? Join the conversation on Twitter with @IanDenomme and @YahooSportsCFL.