CFL Power Rankings: West Division storming out the gate

The CFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors.

The CFL is in full swing with five weeks in the books. The West Division teams are well-represented atop the latest installment of the Power Rankings as their East Division peers attempt to find their footing.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5-0)

The Blue Bombers continue their reign atop the rankings after a dominant win over the BC Lions. Winnipeg's defense is leading the way by surrendering a league-low 17 points per contest. The Bombers will assuredly improve their 254.4 passing yards per game average if quarterback Zach Collaros can return to his Most Outstanding Player form.

2. Calgary Stampeders (4-0)

Calgary joins Winnipeg among the remaining undefeated clubs entering Week 6. After squeezing out single-possession wins in their first three outings, the Stamps delivered an emphatic 49-6 victory over their rivals, the Edmonton Elks. However, the real test arrives in Week 6 when they take on their nemesis, the Blue Bombers.

3. BC Lions (3-1)

Quarterback Nathan Rourke has not only been a pleasant surprise but he's also emerged as the early favorite to be named 2022 MOP. His 1,355 passing yards and 12 touchdowns lead all CFL passers. The Canadian signal-caller has leaned on receiver Dominique Rhymes and halfback Hakeem Butler while Bryan Burnham has been sidelined.

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1)

The Roughriders remain a formidable force in the West Division. Unfortunately, defensive lineman Garrett Marino's actions in a win last Friday against the Ottawa Redblacks marred the club's impressive record. That aside, Cody Fajardo's supporting cast of Jamal Morrow, Frankie Hickson, and D'haquille Williams show just how much talent and depth the Riders possess.

5. Toronto Argonauts (1-2)

It's been an underwhelming start for the Argonauts. Toronto's lone win came by way of a missed field goal in Week 2. The Argos' offense needs to improve on a league-worst 15 points per game if the club wants to remain atop the East. Their offense has scored just three touchdowns this campaign ahead of their Touchdown Atlantic matchup against the Roughriders.

6. Montreal Alouettes (1-3)

The Alouettes have undergone several major changes since the campaign started. Star tailback William Stanback sustained a significant ankle injury in their season opener. Montreal benched Vernon Adams Jr. for Trevor Harris due to his sporadic play. The club also fired head coach Khari Jones and defensive coordinator Barron Miles, with general manager Danny Maciocia assuming coaching duties for the rest of the year. Despite being in constant flux, the Alouettes are the only East team to defeat a West opponent this season.

7. Edmonton Elks (1-4)

Quarterback play - or lack thereof - remains an ongoing dilemma for Edmonton. The Elks recently dealt Nick Arbuckle to the Ottawa Redblacks, and rookie Tre Ford is set to miss time due to a collarbone issue. Taylor Cornelius will get an opportunity to prove that he's starting material again. However, Edmonton needs improvement across the roster if it aims to be a true contender.

8. Ottawa Redblacks (0-4)

Prized offseason acquisition Jeremiah Masoli is expected to miss at least 10-12 weeks with a leg injury. The Redblacks, who are much more competitive than their 0-4 record indicates, will likely lean on veterans William Powell and Jaelon Acklin as the team tries to earn their first victory.

9. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-4)

The winless Tiger-Cats remain the biggest surprise in the CFL this season. Quarterback Dane Evans' eight interceptions are tied for the most among CFL passers. After squaring off with four West Division opponents to start the campaign, Hamilton could pull itself out of the bottom of the standings with four of its five upcoming matchups against divisional foes.