Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
The Rockstar QB Index is a weekly power ranking of quarterbacks across the CFL. The ranking reflects recent performance, historical value, statistical indicators, team success and overall on-field evaluation.
TORONTO — Aside from owning the CFL’s top record in 2018, the Calgary Stampeders have at least one decisive advantage heading into the post-season: Bo Levi Mitchell.
The Katy, Texas native is the unchallenged top pivot for the Grey Cup Playoffs, earning the unanimous choice for No. 1 in the Rockstar QB Index. Mitchell had another MOP-calibre season this year, throwing for 5,124 yards, 35 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions, leading Calgary to a league-best 13-5.
Mitchell already has an MOP, Grey Cup Championship and Grey Cup MVP under his belt at age 28, and has a realistic opportunity to win all three once again this season.
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Others will spend the next few weeks trying to get on Mitchell’s level, including Trevor Harris, Jeremiah Masoli and Matt Nichols. All three have teetered on the status of elite in their past, and have a chance to take the next step in the playoffs.
Nichols has gotten the Bombers to the post-season for a third straight season and heads into the playoffs on a personal five-game winning streak, while Harris has played some of his best football the last two months, helping the REDBLACKS win their third division title in four seasons.
These are uncharted waters for Masoli, who had a breakout season in his first go as a full-time starting quarterback and will try to carry his success into the playoffs.
With that, CFL.ca ranks the pivots heading into the Grey Cup Playoffs in the latest Rockstar QB Index:
BO LEVI MITCHELL CGY
THIS WEEK: 1 | LAST WEEK: 2
With Mike Reilly watching from home, Bo Levi Mitchell stands alone atop the quarterback mountain for the 2018 Grey Cup Playoffs. Favoured to win the second Most Outstanding Player honour of his career, Mitchell and the Stamps have a clear path to a third straight Grey Cup appearance, despite their late-season struggles.
TREVOR HARRIS OTT
THIS WEEK: 2 | LAST WEEK: 3
Trevor Harris is playing some of the best football of his career going into the playoffs, completing 76.6 per cent of his passes over his last six contests for 1,895 yards (315.8 per game) and an 11-2 touchdown to interception ratio. He’s averaged a staggering 9.7 yards per attempt over that span while compiling a 4-2 record. Harris and the REDBLACKS are ready for the playoffs.
MATT NICHOLS WPG
THIS WEEK: 3 | LAST WEEK: 5
Despite throwing for 358 yards while averaging a season-high 10.8 yards per attempt in a season-defining win over Calgary, Matt Nichols faces the biggest test of his career in the Western Semi-Final. In three games against the Riders this season, Nichols averaged just 162 yards per game while going 53.1 per cent with two touchdowns and five interceptions.
JEREMIAH MASOLI HAM
THIS WEEK: 4 | LAST WEEK: 4
Jeremiah Masoli has struggled in a game and a half without Brandon Banks, and now June Jones says he’s dealing with a sore knee. Still, Masoli is one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, leading all regular starters with 9.1 yards per passing attempt while ranking second with 473 rushing yards. The key for Masoli in the playoffs will be limiting the mistakes, which have often come during costly moments.
TRAVIS LULAY BC
THIS WEEK: 5 | LAST WEEK: 6
Sunday will be special for 35-year-old Travis Lulay, who makes his first playoff start since the 2013 Western Semi-Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Working his way back from yet another devastating injury, Lulay has put up solid numbers this season while boasting a Grey Cup and MOP-winning resume. Counting him out would be a mistake.
ZACH COLLAROS SSK
THIS WEEK: 6 | LAST WEEK: 7
The Riders hope Zach Collaros will be available for Sunday’s home playoff game after being sidelined during their season finale. The 30-year-old has flirted with greatness this year, most notably in two season-defining wins over Calgary, but has also been inconsistent, throwing four more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (9). If he can just be average, the Riders have a chance to win the Grey Cup.
BRANDON BRIDGE SSK
THIS WEEK: 7 | LAST WEEK: NOT RANKED
Brandon Bridge has struggled in spot duty this season, throwing just one touchdown pass with three interceptions on 131 attempts. The Riders have also brought in previously-retired quarterback Drew Tate as another insurance policy in the event that Collaros can’t play.
