Now that we're into the final five weeks of the CFL season, it's time to start talking about who this year's MOP will be. I've derived a list of a candidate from every team, and I'll analyze why each candidate can realistically be MOP.
BC LIONS: JUSTIN MCINNIS
Justin McInnis has been a monster of a target no matter which quarterback is throwing to him. He's first in the league for receiving yards and first in receiving touchdowns. An absolutely dominant player, McInnis should absolutely receive some MOP votes.
CALGARY STAMPEDERS: DEMERIO HOUSTON
It hasn't been the greatest season in Cowtown, but Demerio Houston has been a bright spot. He leads his team in tackles and is 2nd in interceptions. It would be a shame if the injury he sustained against the Riders takes him out for a game or two, but he can be something for the Stamps to build on next year.
EDMONTON ELKS: McLEOD BETHEL-THOMPSON
Statistically, MacBeth has been Edmonton's best passer this year, passing for 3,146 yards, which is 3rd in the league. Unfortunately, the Elks still have a 5-9 record despite their resurgence. McLeod did play well in his games, throwing for 19 TDs and 9 INTs.
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS: ROLAN MILLIGAN JR.
A universally agreed upon MOP candidate, Rolan has been exceptional on defense and special teams. He leads the league in interceptions with 6, leads the league in special teams tackles with 18. He's been exceptional at his position all year and will surely be in the MOP conversation come November. His team still sits at 6-7, with some work to do in the coming weeks.
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS: BRADY OLIVEIRA
Oliveira reached the 1000 yard milestone for the 3rd year in a row last week, proving him to be the most dominant back in the CFL right now. Oliveira also has 2 touchdowns and ten 20+ yard rushes.
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS: BO-LEVI MITCHELL
Bo-Levi has had a bounce-back year after missing much of last season. He currently leads the league in passing with 4,044 yards and leads the league in passing touchdowns with 24. Bo has been money for most of the season. Unfortunately, this hasn't equated to many wins with Hamilton sitting at 5-9, but Hamilton is still very much in the playoff conversation.
TORONTO ARGONAUTS: KA'DEEM CAREY
Carey is nearing the 1000 yard mark with 872 under his belt. He has a 5.5 yards per carry average and has been nothing short of great for the Argos backfield. His totals have been helped by the solid o-line he has in front of him, but that is no detriment to his speed and strength.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS: JUSTIN HARDY
Hardy is right behind McInnis for the league lead in receiving yards. He's just 39 yards behind McInnis, as well as having more targets and more yards after the catch. Hardy is easily the most underrated receiver in the league this year, as not many people are talking about his MOP-caliber season he's having.
MONTREAL ALOUETTES: CODY FAJARDO
Although Fajardo is 6th in passing yards, he's worked wonders with the 2,615 yards he's passed for, leading his team to an 11-2-1 record. There's no question that Fajardo should be in the conversation for MOP, especially with the possibility for the Alouettes to repeat as Grey Cup Champions.
Who's your pick for MOP this year? Let me know in the comments!
By Bruce Chimirri-Olson
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