The CFL will present two Power Rankings in 2011. The first ranking will be the subjective opinion of CFL.ca columnist Matthew Cauz. The second ranking will be based on a mathematical formula.

The 2011 CFL Power Rankings ‘mathematical edition’ uses an objective measurement of a team’s performance to date to establish a team’s ranking.

The 2011 statistical model – formulated using a statistical tool known as regression analysis – is based on information gathered from all regular season games played during the 2004 to 2010 seasons, inclusive – 1,044 observations in total.

The results of the regression analysis suggest that the nine most statistically significant indicators of team success are:

1. Quarterback Efficiency Rating
2. Time of Possession, as measured by percentage
3. Rushing Yards
4. Turnovers on Downs
5. Fumbles
6. Sacks Taken
7. Punt Return Yards
8. Kick-Off Yards
9. Kick-Off Return Yards

Our regression model suggests that a team’s offensive score in a game may be represented by the following formula:

Quarterback Efficiency Rating x 0.137, plus
Time of Possession (%) x 8.602, plus
Rushing Yards x 0.027, less
Turnovers on Downs x 1.299, less
Fumbles x 0.499, less
Sacks Taken x 0.629, plus
Punt Return Yards x 0.017, plus
Kick-Off Yards x 0.048, plus
Kick-Off Return Yards x 0.017.

Each week a Club’s “weekly score” will be determined by calculating a Club’s offensive score, using the formula above, then subtracting its opponent’s score calculated using the exact same formula. 

Once a weekly score has been determined, the Power Rankings will be determined:

1. For the first half of the season by taking each week’s score and weighting them evenly (for example, the Power Rankings in week 4 would weight each week 25%, week 5 would weight each week 20%, and so on); and

2. For the second half of the season, after Labour Day, by weighting the current week 20%, the immediately prior week 10%, and all other weeks 70%.

Below you can find the weekly rankings from both Matthew Cauz and the CFL's mathematical formula.