Week 9 NFL Power Rankings
Philadelphia Eagles (7-1) - The Eagles traded for Jay Ajayi and seem to be going all in to win the Super Bowl this year. Carson Wentz is a favorite to win MVP and if he continues his dominance this Philly team can get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2004.
New England Patriots (6-2) – The Pats started off the year slow losing two of their first four games, and although they are on a four-game winning streak, they have only averaged a little more than 21 points over those games. Trading Jimmy Garoppolo could be detrimental to this team if the GOAT goes down with an injury. Still, as long as TB12 and BB are winning games together, they're a Super Bowl favorite.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) – R-E-L-A-X is what Big Ben should have said after they lost 30-9 to the Jaguars at home. Since that, in three games Ben has thrown for 793 yards and four touchdowns and led his team to three straight wins over the Chiefs, Bengals, and Lions. Pair that with their dominating defense and this team has a legit chance to knock off the Patriots as the best team in the AFC.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) – In four of Kareem Hunts first five games, he rushed for over 100 yards. The last three games Hunt has rushed for a combined 154 yards, the chiefs have also lost 2 of their last 3, possibly because of this poor production from Hunt. This is not enough to cause panic though. Alex Smith has been unbelievable and Andy Reid is a great coach. It is worth noting that Alex Smith gets worse as the months colder, but right now this is a great team.
Minnesota Vikings (6-2) – The dark horse Super Bowl Champions. The NFC North is the Vikings’ division to lose. If the defense continues to play well and Teddy Bridgewater can get back to winning games like he did in 2015, the Vikings vs Eagles NFC Championship could be a reality.
New Orleans Saints (5-2) – Yes, the defense had been struggling early in the season. Yes, everybody knows Drew Brees is a 7-9, 8-8, 9-7 quarterback. But the trade of Adrian Peterson has made Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara’s run game take off and carry these Saints to a 5-game winning streak. Also, the defense is now ranked a very respectable 12th in points allowed per game. The breakout of the run game and the improvement of the defense paired with an all time under center makes this team dangerous.
Seattle Seahawks (5-2) – The LOB is DEAD. The Texans have had one of the hottest offenses in the league, but coming into one of the hardest stadiums to play with a rookie quarterback, young receivers, and a depleted defense, the Seahawks had to rely on their offense to win on a game winning drive. The LOB let up 38 points to the Texans on Sunday. The LOB no longer looks like a top 5 defense in the NFL.
Houston Texans (3-4) – The Texans have a losing record this year, but look at what Deshaun Watson has done to this team. Imagine he came out of the draft last year, the outcome of the AFC divisional game in Foxboro could have been a lot different considering Houston had to roll with Brock Osweiler that game. Deandre Hopkins has also looked like a top 3 receiver in football now that a good quarterback is throwing him the ball.
Dallas Cowboys (4-3) – Ezekiel Elliot is suspended. Now he will play. Now he is suspended. Now he will play. Now he is suspended again? With Zeke now suspended for the moment, this offense has a major flaw. Still, Dak is a winner and that offensive line could open up some holes for whoever Dallas decides to give Zeke's carries too.
Los Angeles Rams (5-2) – And coach of the year goes to… Sean McVay. McVay, the youngest coach in the league has already proved he belongs. The Rams have won more games than last year already and have played less than half since last year. Now the question is, Goff? Or Wentz?
Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
Carolina Panthers (5-3)
Detroit Lions (3-4)
Washington Redskins (3-4)
Green Bay Packers (4-3)
Tennessee Titans (4-3)
Baltimore Ravens (4-4)
Denver Broncos (3-4)
Oakland Raiders (3-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Los Angeles Chargers (3-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5)
Chicago Bears (3-5)
Miami Dolphins (4-3)
New York Jets (3-5)
New York Giants (1-6)
Indianapolis Colts (2-6)
Arizona Cardinals (3-4)
San Francisco 49ers (0-8)
Cleveland Browns (0-8)
