Week 9 NFL Power Rankings: Injuries and Upsets Tell the Story
Out of the 8 weeks we have seen so far this NFL season, this one might have been the most wild yet. Injuries, crazy upsets, and backup QBs all around the league winning games. All of this is sure to have a big impact on the perceptions of teams around the sport going into week 9...
1. Los Angeles Rams (7-1)
Previously #5 +
There is a new number 1 amongst the rankings. The Rams return to the top for the first time since early in the season. While it was against the lowly Texans, the Rams steamrolled them. Cooper Kupp continues to make a case for offensive player of the year as he's clearly been the best WR in the NFL to this point in the season. The Rams are getting better in every aspect of the game and oh yeah, they just traded for 8-time pro bowler and 1 time Super Bowl MVP Von Miller to rush alongside Aaron Donald. These Rams are unfair and sometimes it feels like they are playing Madden with the players they are able to acquire.
2. Dallas Cowboys (6-1)
Previously #3 +
3. Green Bay Packers (7-1)
Previously #4 +
There is a real case to be made for the Packers to be the no. 1 team right now. We liked Los Angeles and Dallas just a little better but we hear you. The Packers went into Arizona on a short week and stunned the Cardinals as they handed them their first loss. Despite WRs 1 and 2 (Adams and Lazard) being out, Aaron Rodgers had no issue moving the ball. The Packers are beginning to look like one of the most well-rounded teams in football and are white hot right now. Give some credit to the front office for picking up stud DB Rasul Douglas, he made the game-winning pick and has been balling lately for Green Bay.
4. Arizona Cardinals (7-1)
Previously #1 -
It had to happen at some point. The Cards lost their first game of the season but shouldn't be too discouraged. They probably should have won the game and would have if they didn't have a boneheaded interception at the goal-line with under a minute remaining. Kyler Murray was injured in the loss and the team will really need him not to miss any time as they have a date with San Fransisco this Sunday and can't afford to lose any ground to the Rams.
5. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Previously #6 +
While it was closer than many might have expected going into half, the Bills found their rhythm in the second half and dominated from that point on. The Bills defense is so good that it almost undermines how good the offense is itself. Maybe the most well-rounded team in football, their slow starts lately have been a little worrisome, but they always seem to kick it into high gear for the end of the game which is a great sign. They look like the best team in the AFC right now.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
Previously #2 -
Tom Brady's struggles against the Saints (in the regular season) continue. Even against Trevor Siemian for most of the game, the Bucs couldn't figure out how to get over that hump. Down just two points with under two minutes to go, Brady had the ball...and threw a pick-6 to lose them the game. It was shocking to see but it shows that Brady is also human and these things happen. Not too worried about the banged up Bucs and think they still have a tight grip on the division, especially with the unfortunate ACL injury to Saints QB Jameis Winston.
7. Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
Previously #9 +
Was a good time to have a bye week for the Ravens. They needed to clear their heads after the thumping they took against Cincinnati a week ago. I think the Ravens will likely be one of the top 3 seeds in the conference when the playoffs roll around and so they are back on the rise. Lamar Jackson is going to be ready to roll when they go this weekend.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-2)
Previously #7 -
9. Las Vegas Raiders (5-2)
Previously #11 +
Just like for Baltimore, the bye has the Raiders moving up the ranks as well. After two straight wins following the departure of Jon Gruden, these Raiders lead the AFC West. Derek Carr is having an MVP caliber season and is one of the better QBs in the league right now. He can win them games with his arm. The Raider D is also so much improved, they are all tough players who really play together. They will face the Giants next week and hope to win a third straight without Gruden and continue to establish themselves as real playoff contenders.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3)
Previously #8 -
Just when they were getting hot and looking like the best team in the AFC...The Bengals were stunned on Sunday. The Jets who were starting backup QB Mike White bested the Bengals in a close one. White was outstanding, but the Bengals still should have won this game. A quiet day also for Ja'Marr Chase who clearly has to go off for the Bengals to win a lot of the time. I still love the Bengals, but man, what was that? Hopefully they don't linger on this one too much and move right on to the next.
11. New Orleans Saints (5-2)
Previously #13 +
If Jameis Winston didn't tear his ACL in this one, the Saints would be a lot higher up in the ranks. A brutal development for a team starting to play so well. Winston has really been pretty good for the Saints this year but won't be able to contribute for the rest of the season. What a win anyways though. The Saints defense is elite. It's shown it time and time again. That defense alone can win them some games. It might have to from now on. Taysom Hill will likely come in at QB for the team whenever he returns from injury but at least for now, it will be Trevor Siemian starting. He looked good in the win. Hard team to read right now, great win, bad injury loss.
12. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Previously #10 -
As a big believer in this team, the way that the last few weeks have gone is uninspiring to say the least. After getting blown out by Baltimore in a big game, things didn't look a whole lot better on Sunday following the bye. The Patriots with rookie Mac Jones found a way to win. After back to back losses, Brandon Staley's crew is going to need to turn it around on defense. He was famous for his Rams D last year, he has to figure it out with the Bolts this year or things could get ugly fast. I have a lot of belief in this Justin Herbert led team, but they need to play defense. Defense wins championships.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Previously #18 +
14. Cleveland Browns (4-4)
Previously #12 -
It seemed like things were finally about to start going Cleveland's way. Now we aren't so sure. Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb among others returned from injury this week, but it didn't matter. The Steelers defense that we mentioned early just stifled the Browns. It is clear that they can't win if the running game fails to get going. That could be a killer in the playoffs for the Browns as that is when you face some of the best defenses obviously. At .500 now, it's not time to completely panic, but this team needs to figure it out right away or it will be panic time.
15. New England Patriots (4-4)
Previously #17 +
Finally the Patriots came out on the right side of a close game. They've played so many good teams so close all season, but Mac Jones and Bill Belichick finally sealed the deal. 27-24, New England outlasted the Chargers. There were so many positives for the Pats. Damien Harris has been a revelation at RB all season long and is bucking the trend of ineffective Patriot RBs. The Patriot defense is also better than ever, even without Stephon Gillmore. I still don't believe that this team makes the playoffs, but this win at least proves they have a shot.
16. Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
Previously #16
It wasn't pretty, but the Chiefs found a way to emerge victorious at home on MNF. The Giants played them to their limits but in the end the Chiefs defense actually made a key stop to secure the win. Patrick Mahomes still looks off, and so did Travis Kelce in this game, but Tyreek Hill and Derrick Gore (practice squad RB) led the way. While it was the Giants poor offense, the Chief D looked a lot better tonight. Hopefully for Chief fans, this is a building block to get the team going down the next stretch as they have one of the hardest remaining schedules in the league.
Previously #20 +
Finally some positives from Seattle. They blew out the lowly Jaguars for their first win in a month. Geno Smith looked pretty good all day long and the defense continues to show they may have turned a corner. What's even better for the Hawks is that the pin in Russell Wilson's finger is officially out and he is entering the final stage of his recovery. The bye could not have come at a better time for this team as they have a good shot of returning Wilson to the lineup in a week from Sunday in Green Bay. In other positive news for the team, Chris Carson and Dee Eskridge may be returning from injury too and may play in that one just like Wilson.
18. San Fransisco 49ers (3-4)
Previously #21 +
This was a must-win for the Niners and they delivered. In a close one, Jimmy Garopollo was the difference maker. Even with the clamoring for Trey Lance, Jimmy G stepped up and did his thing. The Niners defense that has been so bad for most of this season also looked much improved on Sunday. Deebo Samuel deserves so much credit. What a breakout year he is having. The 80-yard catch he had changed the course of this game. The Niners need to keep winning to stay alive in the tight NFC Wildcard hunt but after this performance, it's believable to see them having a shot.
19. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
Previously #14 -
Just when you think this team is getting somewhere, they fold again. They had a massive opportunity on the table with a home SNF game against the Dak Prescott-less Dallas Cowboys and could not do it. The Vikings are supposed to be known for their dominant defense but this defense couldn't even stop a backup who has pretty much never seen the field before. The Vikings are just not there yet, it's clear. Kirk Cousins can't ever get it done in primetime. This could be his last year in Minnesota if the team can't make the post-season, the same goes for HC Mike Zimmer...
20. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
Previously #15 -
21. Denver Broncos (4-4)
Previously #23 +
The Broncos were finally able to win a game. It had been over a month, but Denver stole a close one with Washington. The most impressive part of this win was their defense. After playing so well through the first three weeks of the season, the D disappeared a bit. But it appears to have resurfaced again. I don't know if this win really means much for this team that clearly isn't a playoff contender, but for the time being, they are riding high.
22. Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Previously #24 +
Even though it was against Detroit, it was still good to see the Eagles dominate and win a game for once. Jalen Hurts was surprisingly not much of a factor as he took a game-manager type role. Despite scoring 44 points, not one was from a passing TD. The Eagles RBs pounded through Detroit's defense all day long and took the pressure off of Hurts. The Eagles D came to play vs Jared Goff as well. While it was a nice start, you can't expect this on a weekly basis from Philly until they prove us otherwise.
23. Carolina Panthers (4-4)
Previously #22 -
Just like Denver, Carolina got back in the win column, but it was less than impressive. Sam Darnold's cold stretch continues as he wasn't great in this one. While it was close and they did come out on top, the Panthers just don't instill a ton of confidence in me right now. Until we see some consistent improvements, I won't be in on this squad.
24. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)
Previously #19 -
The Falcons are back to stinking. They won a few in a row against bad teams and made it back to .500 before going back to their old ways. Even with this offense at it's peak, their defense is still going to hold them back. Aside from Deion Jones, there is nothing to really gush about right now on that side of the ball. To complicate matters even more, star WR Calvin Ridley is now stepping away from the team indefinitely to focus on mental health issues. This team is not good right now.
25. Chicago Bears (3-5)
Previously #27 +
It becomes more and more evident by the week that Matt Nagy is the problem. Due to COVID protocols, he was unable to coach this game the team instantly performed much better. Rookie QB Justin Fields had by far his best game as a pro yet. He was allowed to throw the ball more and it looked a lot better. Nagy's time has to be up soon. Even though the team still lost, it was prettier than most of their other recent ones.
26. New York Jets (2-5)
Previously #31 +
27. New York Giants (2-6)
Previously #25 -
The Giants were so close to a two-game winning streak. The played the Chiefs down to the final minute of the game but just couldn't produce a game-winning or tying drive. Daniel Jones took a sack late that essentially killed them. The Giants simply are not close to being there yet. While their D has been very good at times, especially tonight, it isn't enough to overcome how bad the offense is. I think the team needs to punt this season and go into the off-season with draft assets and maybe a new coaching staff.
28. Washington Football Team (2-6)
Previously #26 -
Things keep getting worse. The WFT is so bad. They put up 10 points all game and just looked lifeless on offense. However, they are down many key players. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is so badly needed right now. They are not making the playoffs this year, that is for sure, even if their returning players are great. If you are losing to the Broncos, you know you are bad.
29. Miami Dolphins (1-7)
Previously #29
While they have dropped 7 straight, the Dolphins could be doing worse. Tua Tagovailoa likely won't be the franchise QB in Miami, but he might be somewhere else. He hasn't been all that bad since returning from injury a few weeks ago. This team stayed competitive with Buffalo early before falling apart. The questions remains: will they be able to land Deshaun Watson before Tuesday's mid-day trade deadline? It's looking less and less likely by the second.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6)
Previously #28 -
The Jags won and then went to their bye week, they returned from the bye unready to compete. While few expected them to beat the Seahawks, they still could have played much better. They scored their only points of the afternoon with under 2 minutes to go in the game. To sum up their poor afternoon, after getting the late score, they went for an onside kick that was then returned by Travis Homer of the Seahawks for a TD. A 44-yard kick return TD. Yikes Jacksonville.
31. Houston Texans (1-7)
Previously #30 -
I'm out of things to say for this team. They are bad. It is what it is. We all expected it. Rookie QB Davis Mills hasn't been awful in relief of Tyrod Taylor, but the team will be happy to see Taylor return (possibly this coming week).
32. Detroit Lions (0-8)
Previously #32
0-8. No surprise, the Lions lost again. Who would have predicted that out of all the good teams they've faced so far, that the Eagles would be the ones to bash them the hardest. All the fight that we thought this team had despite its awful start looked pretty gone in this one. For the first time all year in week 9, the Lions won't lose. They are on bye.
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