Week 9 Power Rankings
The revolving door of the number one team is alive and well. For the 4th week in a row, the team we previously had number one has lost the following. The Chiefs were the latest victim as they fell 24-9 at Denver, marking Patrick Mahomes first loss against the Broncos. This season of NFL play has seen the renaissance of defensive play - and it was on display against this past weekend. We saw multiple teams this week lead with defense while offenses continue to struggle on a weekly basis. We also have a new “hottest” team in the NFL…and they resolve in Duval county. Let’s reveiew the latest power rankings!
POWER RANKINGS - WEEK 8 (October 26th-October 30th)
The Cream of the Crop
Philadelphia Eagles (+1) Philly just keeps on winning. Even with the Commanders up 14-3, this game never felt in doubt. Jalen Hurts had his best game on Sunday and AJ Brown continues to be a special, special player. The Eagles are back on top as the team to beat in the NFC.
Baltimore Ravens (+2) This team keeps finding a way. It isn’t always pretty, but it doesn’t have to be. Sunday it was Gus Edwards who carried the offense. Next week it can be someone else. That’s what makes this team dangerous.
Kansas City Chiefs (-2) Mahomes finally lost to the Broncos. It took a long while, but the Chiefs winning streak was snapped at 6 on Sunday in a snowy setting in Denver. They just didn’t look right all game. Massive game on deck in Germany against the Dolphins.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) All they do is win, win, win no matter what. That’s five in a row for the cats in Duval. They currently have the best SOV (Strength of Victory) in the AFC while having the toughest SOS among the AFC elite. The defense is excellent and the offense is coming along. Dangerous football team with a much needed bye next week.
You’re Really Good, but How Good Are You?
5. Miami Dolphins (+2) You play who is on your schedule. The Dolphins took care of the Patriots Sunday with another double digit victory. Jalen Ramsey made his debut and picked off Mac Jones. They now get on a flight to Germany to take on KC for their third test of the season. So far they are 0/2.
6. Detroit Lions (-) The Lions beat a team they were supposed to beat handedly. Are they the biggest threat to Philly in the NFC?
7. Dallas Cowboys (+1) They beat the Rams in the first quarter and then cruised. While we will praise them this week, next week is the big one. A game against the Eagles with the division lead on the line. Will Dan show up two weeks in a row?
8. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) They’re back.
9. Seattle Seahawks (-) The new leaders of the NFC West! Seattle won a tight game at home against Cleveland and traded for Leonard Williams. They’re going for it, and why not? This is a serious football team.
10. San Francisco 49ers (-7) Now losers of three in a row after looking unstoppable. Brock Purdy hasn’t looked comfortable in a month, and all of a sudden the Niners are holding onto a wild card spot by a game. What a difference a month makes.
You Need to be Active on Deadline Day
11. New York Jets (+4) Won the ugliest of games on Sunday, but when we look back in six months it will still say “W”. This team needs more - a receiver and offensive line depth should be on Joe Douglas’ wish list. A massive game against the Chargers looms on Monday Night.
12. Minnesota Vikings (+4) Another win, but at what cost? Kirk Cousins is done for the year with an achilles injury. Brutal loss for Minnesota and likely kills their Super Bowl hopes. They are the most interesting team to watch on deadline day.
13. Buffalo Bills (+1) They took care of business at home, but it wasn’t pretty. There is something off with this team, but I can’t pinpoint it. With all their injuries on defense, they should look for help there.
Nice Teams; That’s All They Are
14. Cleveland Browns (-4) Credit PJ Walker for keeping the Browns afloat while DeShaun Watson nurses his injury (ego??). But a brutal mistake late in the 4th quarter yesterday cost the Browns from potentially being 5-2. This team won’t get to where it can with the QB play from either quarterback.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2) The Steelers got “out-steelered” at their own place and then cried about it after the game. Not a good look. The defense is solid, but the offense is way, way, way behind schedule.
16. Houston Texans (-4) For all the talk about CJ Stroud, it was very weird to see a conservative gameplan against an 0-6 football team. Just when we were loving Houston, a stark reminder they are now quite there…yet.
We WANT to Believe in You!
17. New Orleans Saints (+3) They’ve now put together 5 straight competent quarters of offensive football. In a wide open NFC South, maybe they finally figured something out? I’m not sold yet.
18. Los Angeles Chargers (+3) A vintage Herbert performance on SNF reminded us how good he is. This team didn’t break a sweat. Next week? A gigantic game against the Jets on Monday Night Football with AFC positioning at play. Which Chargers team will show up?
If We Take Small Pieces From All of You, We Have a Good Team!
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-) The Bucs beat who they’re supposed to…and lose who they’re supposed to lose to.
20. Tennessee Titans (+4) Will Levis looked incredible in his first start. Can he carry it over to a second game? It will be interesting to see if the Titans sell on deadline day.
21. Denver Broncos (+8) Ok, MAYBE the Broncos aren’t that terrible. They still aren’t good, but no denying this team is way better than it was in September.
22. Atlanta Falcons (-5) Someone needs to be held accountable for not entertaining the thought of Lamar Jackson and then benching Desmond Ridder in Week 8. Concussion or no concussion - Ridder got benched. This team needs a QB. Arthur Smith’s job is in danger.
You Drive Me Crazy
23. Washington Commanders (+2) I can’t imagine being a fan. The ultimate tease.
24. Los Angeles Rams (-6) This team has dropped 12 spots in two weeks. I think they are who we thought they were. Stafford is hurt, again.
25. Indianapolis Colts (-3) They score 27 points against a good Saints defense….and give up 38 to the poor Saints offense. The Colts are stuck in hell.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (-) There is now a stench on the Raiders. This team was more disciplined under Rich Bisaccia.
We Watch Because?
27. New England Patriots (-) Of Bill Belichick
28. Chicago Bears (-5) They currently employ a D-II QB who has as many wins as Justin Fields in a year.
29. Carolina Panthers (+3) To watch Bryce Young’s Development.
Do We Have to Watch?
30. Green Bay Packers (-) There is nothing special. You’re better off painting.
31. New York Giants (-3) Only in torture chambers they show the Giants. They team actually moved backwards in the pass game yesterday (-.5 Yards Per Pass). I mean good christ.
32. Arizona Cardinals (-1) How many guys take the bus to the facility? I think I’d rather know that whole interaction than watch whoever is worse than Josh Dobbs.
