CFL Preseason Power Rankings: Kicking off the journey to Regina

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

With the 2022 season kicking off in just a few days, it's time to evaluate where each team stands ahead of the regular season.

1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers

It's no surprise that the back-to-back Grey Cup champions sit atop the rankings ahead of opening week. Quarterback Zach Collaros returns under center alongside some new faces on offense. A Winnipeg defense led by Adam Bighill should ease any early-season pressure on the offense to start the regular season.

2. Toronto Argonauts

The Argonauts are aiming to climb over the hump in the East Division after falling short last year. Andrew Harris, Brandon Banks, and Ja'Gared Davis are among key additions brought in to push Toronto across the finish line in 2022.

3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Dane Evans enters the 2022 campaign as the unquestioned leader of the Tiger-Cats. While Hamilton parted with notable veterans, it added Micah Johnson to a formidable defense and should rely on a healthy Bralon Addison at wide receiver.

4. Saskatchewan Roughriders

Cody Fajardo spearheads a Roughriders offense led by Duke Williams and Shaq Evans, while A.C. Leonard headlines an intriguing defensive unit that features a revamped linebacking corps. If both sides of the ball can work harmoniously, the Riders could be serious challengers to the Bombers in the West.

5. Montreal Alouettes

The dynamic duo of Vernon Adams Jr. and William Stanback return to Montreal's backfield. The Alouettes seek to gain ground in a contentious East Division as they attempt to answer questions regarding their secondary following notable departures on defense.

6. Calgary Stampeders

A healthy Bo Levi Mitchell should equate to a promising outlook for the Stampeders this season. Calgary boasts an imposing offensive line that should provide ample time in the pass game or pave the way for running back Ka'Deem Carey. Linebacker Cameron Judge joins a stifling defensive unit that allowed the third-fewest points per game last year (18.8).

7. BC Lions

The Lions are set to usher in a new era at quarterback following Michael Reilly's retirement after 11 seasons. Canadian field general Nathan Rourke takes the reins with plenty of talent alongside him, including Lucky Whitehead and Bryan Burnham. BC could rise to playoff contention if its defensive acquisitions play to expectations.

8. Ottawa Redblacks

There's been plenty of changes within the Redblacks following a disappointing 2021 campaign. Jeremiah Masoli has taken the keys to the offense and will have plenty of weapons to choose from. With some early cohesion, Ottawa has the opportunity to become competitive moving forward.

9. Edmonton Elks

Chris Jones takes over the reins in Edmonton following the team's 3-11 mark last season, and it remains to be seen whether Nick Arbuckle, Taylor Cornelius, or perhaps rookie Tre Ford wins the starting passing job. Edmonton will likely lean on James Wilder Jr. and its defense while working on its starting signal-caller to begin the campaign.