As the CFL heads into the highly anticipated Labor Day Classic, we assess each team’s performance using a customized point system that takes into account recent performance, Strength of Schedule (SOS), and Power Ratings. This ranking system offers a comprehensive view of which teams are performing at their best as we approach the mid-season mark.
Point System
- Win Points: Each win earns +2 points.
- SOS Adjustment: For each win, add points equal to the SOS percentage. For each loss, subtract points equal to half of the SOS percentage.
- Power Rating Bonus: Multiply the team’s Power Rating (PR) by 10 and add it to the total points.
Now, let’s rank the teams based on their performance over the last 7 games.
Team Rankings
- Montreal Alouettes
- Wins: 6 × 2 = 12 points
- SOS Adjustment: (6 wins × 31.91) – (1 loss × 15.955) = 191.46 – 15.955 = 175.505 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.59 × 10 = 5.9 points
- Total Points: 193.405 points
- Ottawa Redblacks
- Wins: 5 × 2 = 10 points
- SOS Adjustment: (5 wins × 37.50) – (1 loss × 18.75) = 187.5 – 18.75 = 168.75 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.60 × 10 = 6.0 points
- Total Points: 184.75 points
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Wins: 5 × 2 = 10 points
- SOS Adjustment: (5 wins × 38.30) – (2 losses × 19.15) = 191.5 – 38.3 = 153.2 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.55 × 10 = 5.5 points
- Total Points: 168.7 points
- Toronto Argonauts
- Wins: 4 × 2 = 8 points
- SOS Adjustment: (4 wins × 40.43) – (3 losses × 20.215) = 161.72 – 60.645 = 101.075 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.48 × 10 = 4.8 points
- Total Points: 113.875 points
- Edmonton Elks
- Wins: 3 × 2 = 6 points
- SOS Adjustment: (3 wins × 50.00) – (4 losses × 25.00) = 150.0 – 100.0 = 50.0 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.47 × 10 = 4.7 points
- Total Points: 60.7 points
- Calgary Stampeders
- Wins: 2 × 2 = 4 points
- SOS Adjustment: (2 wins × 65.96) – (5 losses × 32.98) = 131.92 – 164.9 = -32.98 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.48 × 10 = 4.8 points
- Total Points: -24.18 points
- Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Wins: 1 × 2 = 2 points
- SOS Adjustment: (1 win × 64.58) – (5 losses × 32.29) = 64.58 – 161.45 = -96.87 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.41 × 10 = 4.1 points
- Total Points: -90.77 points
- British Columbia Lions
- Wins: 2 × 2 = 4 points
- SOS Adjustment: (2 wins × 48.94) – (5 losses × 24.47) = 97.88 – 122.35 = -24.47 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.39 × 10 = 3.9 points
- Total Points: -16.57 points
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Wins: 2 × 2 = 4 points
- SOS Adjustment: (2 wins × 59.18) – (5 losses × 29.59) = 118.36 – 147.95 = -29.59 points
- Power Rating Bonus: 0.44 × 10 = 4.4 points
- Total Points: -25.19 points
Final Thoughts
The rankings highlight the dominance of the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Redblacks as they lead the CFL going into the Labor Day Classic. Winnipeg is also showing strong form, while teams like Saskatchewan and British Columbia are struggling. The Power Ratings reflect each team’s recent performance, strength of schedule, and overall power, providing insights into who may continue to excel or falter as the season progresses.