Written by Ben Slavin
Week number nine was a great one, bringing close finishes, a likely NFC Championship preview, and a GOAT quarterback matchup only seen once before. Neither of the dream matchups were particularly close finishes, but great games nonetheless. From the other games this week, a clear top four teams and tier behind them have established. Enjoy this week’s power rankings edition which you’re sure to disagree with.
Real quick let’s reiterate. Now that we’re into the season, teams will move up or down a lot based on trades, injuries, or big wins or losses. Who the opponent was, how close of a game it was, and just in general how good the team looked will be considered more than just getting the victory.
32. Oakland Raiders (1-7, Down 1)
Losing to arguably the worst team in the league is not ideal. Getting blown out by them is even worse. That blowout coming at the hands of an undrafted quarterback making his first career start is a whole new level. Welcome to rock bottom, Raiders fans. Hopefully the next decade in Las Vegas isn’t this bad.
31. Buffalo Bills (2-7, Down 3)
While they have two wins, almost every Bills loss has been as ugly as they come. They get blown out by almost every team and might just be better off in the one win tier where they can compete for the top pick in the draft. Starting Nathan Peterman is definitely the right move to help them compete in the draft standings.
While they have two wins, almost every Bills loss has been as ugly as they come. They get blown out by almost every team and might just be better off in the one win tier where they can compete for the top pick in the draft. Starting Nathan Peterman is definitely the right move to help them compete in the draft standings.
30. San Francisco 49ers (2-7, Up 2)
Welcome to the league, Brett Favre. Nick Mullens. Same thing. Able to take advantage of coach Kyle Shanahan scheming open every receiver, Mullens posted a blistering debut as the 49ers rolled to a blowout victory.
Welcome to the league, Brett Favre. Nick Mullens. Same thing. Able to take advantage of coach Kyle Shanahan scheming open every receiver, Mullens posted a blistering debut as the 49ers rolled to a blowout victory.
29. Arizona Cardinals (2-6, Up 1)
The Cardinals have a great chance to pick up a win after their week nine bye. Just kidding. They travel to Arrowhead to meet a red-hot Chiefs offense.
The Cardinals have a great chance to pick up a win after their week nine bye. Just kidding. They travel to Arrowhead to meet a red-hot Chiefs offense.
28. New York Giants (1-7, Up 1)
Unlike the Cardinals, the Giants actually have a great chance to get a rare win. Well-rested from their bye week, New York heads to San Francisco to meet superstar Nick Mullens and his 49ers.
Unlike the Cardinals, the Giants actually have a great chance to get a rare win. Well-rested from their bye week, New York heads to San Francisco to meet superstar Nick Mullens and his 49ers.
27. New York Jets (3-6, Same)
Just like their week two loss, the Jets were the better team on the field. New York only allowed 168 yards, though they couldn’t crack 300 themselves. The problem, just like in the first matchup, was Sam Darnold turning the ball over. At least this time they switched it up and added horrible snaps to the equation.
Just like their week two loss, the Jets were the better team on the field. New York only allowed 168 yards, though they couldn’t crack 300 themselves. The problem, just like in the first matchup, was Sam Darnold turning the ball over. At least this time they switched it up and added horrible snaps to the equation.
26. Cleveland Browns (2-6-1, Same)
The firing of both offensive coordinator and head coach didn’t seem to give the Browns much juice. They hung around for a while and then got destroyed in the second half. Regardless of the present results, those moves were the right ones for a young team. The list of potential coaching replacements makes it look like an even better move.
The firing of both offensive coordinator and head coach didn’t seem to give the Browns much juice. They hung around for a while and then got destroyed in the second half. Regardless of the present results, those moves were the right ones for a young team. The list of potential coaching replacements makes it look like an even better move.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5, Down 2)
The return of Ryan Fitzpatrick as QB1 wasn’t magical enough for the Bucs to knock off the Panthers in Carolina. Tampa looked awful for a half before a brief spurt where they nearly came back from a 28 point deficit. A spurt against prevent defense and conservative offense doesn’t come close to undoing the start to the game.
The return of Ryan Fitzpatrick as QB1 wasn’t magical enough for the Bucs to knock off the Panthers in Carolina. Tampa looked awful for a half before a brief spurt where they nearly came back from a 28 point deficit. A spurt against prevent defense and conservative offense doesn’t come close to undoing the start to the game.
24. Miami Dolphins (5-4, Up 1)
The Dolphins are great at looking awful while still finding themselves ahead on the scoreboard. Somehow, this team has a winning record despite a quarterback situation of Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler and below average defense. They could be the most recent squad to stumble into the AFC playoffs before getting bounced by a real team.
The Dolphins are great at looking awful while still finding themselves ahead on the scoreboard. Somehow, this team has a winning record despite a quarterback situation of Ryan Tannehill and Brock Osweiler and below average defense. They could be the most recent squad to stumble into the AFC playoffs before getting bounced by a real team.
23. Indianapolis Colts (3-5, Up 1)
With back-to-back wins before their bye week, the Colts seem to be hitting their stride. They’ll look to make it three straight when Jacksonville visits next week.
With back-to-back wins before their bye week, the Colts seem to be hitting their stride. They’ll look to make it three straight when Jacksonville visits next week.
22. Detroit Lions (3-5, Down 4)
Detroit’s decision to trade Golden Tate removed the element of quick passes from their offense. It was apparent Sunday just how much they missed that. Golden Tate usually gets around 6 receptions and the Lions decided to replace those with sacks. The defense did a great job slowing down the Vikings offense save for one long run and it was wasted by offensive futility.
Detroit’s decision to trade Golden Tate removed the element of quick passes from their offense. It was apparent Sunday just how much they missed that. Golden Tate usually gets around 6 receptions and the Lions decided to replace those with sacks. The defense did a great job slowing down the Vikings offense save for one long run and it was wasted by offensive futility.
21. Denver Broncos (3-6, Same)
Denver has seemingly fixed their run defense issues that were so troubling early on. The Texans backs accumulated just 60 yards on 27 carries. Deshaun Watson found it relatively tough out there too, getting sacked four times. The Denver offense was much more effective, but lost the game on mistakes. Two missed field goals and a fumble that leads to an opposing touchdown make it tough to win.
Denver has seemingly fixed their run defense issues that were so troubling early on. The Texans backs accumulated just 60 yards on 27 carries. Deshaun Watson found it relatively tough out there too, getting sacked four times. The Denver offense was much more effective, but lost the game on mistakes. Two missed field goals and a fumble that leads to an opposing touchdown make it tough to win.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5, Down 1)
Jacksonville is backed into a wall now with five losses. They’ll look to use their bye week to figure things out and rejoin the fight for the AFC South crown. Week one of proving their a new team takes place in Indianapolis.
Jacksonville is backed into a wall now with five losses. They’ll look to use their bye week to figure things out and rejoin the fight for the AFC South crown. Week one of proving their a new team takes place in Indianapolis.
19. Dallas Cowboys (3-5, Down 2)
Early on, the Cowboys looked to be well on their way to a win. They moved the ball well, getting acquisition Amari Cooper involved, and recovered two fumbles. They only converted one of three early red zone possessions into points, though, with a missed field goal and end zone interception. With just a seven point deficit, Tennessee was able to get back in the game and take over.
Early on, the Cowboys looked to be well on their way to a win. They moved the ball well, getting acquisition Amari Cooper involved, and recovered two fumbles. They only converted one of three early red zone possessions into points, though, with a missed field goal and end zone interception. With just a seven point deficit, Tennessee was able to get back in the game and take over.
18. Washington Redskins (5-3, Down 7)
Washington’s magical start of winning close, ugly games came to an end at the hands of the mediocre Falcons. It wasn’t even like their luck reversed and they lost a tough game, either. Atlanta came to their house and dominated them. It’s now clear the Redskins are good if they can get an early lead and pound the rock, but if they get in an early hole, Alex Smith can’t dig them out.
Washington’s magical start of winning close, ugly games came to an end at the hands of the mediocre Falcons. It wasn’t even like their luck reversed and they lost a tough game, either. Atlanta came to their house and dominated them. It’s now clear the Redskins are good if they can get an early lead and pound the rock, but if they get in an early hole, Alex Smith can’t dig them out.
17. Atlanta Falcons (4-4, Up 5)
Atlanta seemed to really benefit from their bye week. They came into it a hobbled mess and reappeared a disciplined and dangerous squad. If the defense can hold up like it did Sunday, a great offense will keep them in the playoff hunt.
16. Tennessee Titans (4-4, Up 4)
Marcus Mariota put together his best game of the season, dominating on third down and showing much better pocket presence. Dion Lewis looked great with over 120 total yards. The defense did an admirable job of containing Ezekiel Elliott and had no problem shutting down the Cowboys passing attack. After a rough stretch, Tennessee is back to their winning ways.
Atlanta seemed to really benefit from their bye week. They came into it a hobbled mess and reappeared a disciplined and dangerous squad. If the defense can hold up like it did Sunday, a great offense will keep them in the playoff hunt.
16. Tennessee Titans (4-4, Up 4)
Marcus Mariota put together his best game of the season, dominating on third down and showing much better pocket presence. Dion Lewis looked great with over 120 total yards. The defense did an admirable job of containing Ezekiel Elliott and had no problem shutting down the Cowboys passing attack. After a rough stretch, Tennessee is back to their winning ways.
15. Baltimore Ravens (4-5, Same)
Baltimore is falling apart. They’re still a solid team, but they have to be able to turn that into wins at some point. Losers of four of their last five, the Ravens have struggled to move the ball when they can’t hit the long ball to John Brown. Even their vaunted defense has struggled to get off the field. With his team spiraling, John Harbaugh’s seat is apparently scalding.
Baltimore is falling apart. They’re still a solid team, but they have to be able to turn that into wins at some point. Losers of four of their last five, the Ravens have struggled to move the ball when they can’t hit the long ball to John Brown. Even their vaunted defense has struggled to get off the field. With his team spiraling, John Harbaugh’s seat is apparently scalding.
14. Seattle Seahawks (4-4, Same)
Drawing a home game against a 5-2 Chargers team fresh off their bye, the Seahawks were gift wrapped a chance to legitimize themselves as playoff contenders. When they marched down the field on the first drive to go up 7, it looked like they were going to take advantage. After that drive, they looked a lot more like the bad team most expected of Seattle than one with playoff aspirations.
Drawing a home game against a 5-2 Chargers team fresh off their bye, the Seahawks were gift wrapped a chance to legitimize themselves as playoff contenders. When they marched down the field on the first drive to go up 7, it looked like they were going to take advantage. After that drive, they looked a lot more like the bad team most expected of Seattle than one with playoff aspirations.
13. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3, Up 3)
After a game-winning field goal to beat Tampa Bay last week, the Bengals got a week off. Now, the 7-1 Saints, fresh off handing the Rams their first loss, come to Cincinnati.
After a game-winning field goal to beat Tampa Bay last week, the Bengals got a week off. Now, the 7-1 Saints, fresh off handing the Rams their first loss, come to Cincinnati.
12. Houston Texans (6-3, Up 1)
Houston’s winning ways continue. Their latest victims were Denver, who fell after Brandon McManus missed a game-winning kick. The Texans went back to their unconvincing style in this game after seemingly making progress last week in Miami.
Houston’s winning ways continue. Their latest victims were Denver, who fell after Brandon McManus missed a game-winning kick. The Texans went back to their unconvincing style in this game after seemingly making progress last week in Miami.
11. Green Bay Packers (3-4-1, Up 1)
In a game where the Patriots’ coaching brilliance was on full display, with ultra-hurry up offense and trick plays, the Packers bland play calling failed Aaron Rodgers once more. Rodgers was forced to throw bullet after bullet to receivers whose names we didn’t know coming into the season and still don’t know how to pronounce. After another loss, the Packers are in danger of missing the playoffs.
In a game where the Patriots’ coaching brilliance was on full display, with ultra-hurry up offense and trick plays, the Packers bland play calling failed Aaron Rodgers once more. Rodgers was forced to throw bullet after bullet to receivers whose names we didn’t know coming into the season and still don’t know how to pronounce. After another loss, the Packers are in danger of missing the playoffs.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (4-4, Same)
With Golden Tate now an Eagle and hopefully getting acclimated to the playbook over the bye, Philadelphia has a chance show their London win last week will spark a run. They get their first chance to prove themselves in a divisional matchup against Dallas.
With Golden Tate now an Eagle and hopefully getting acclimated to the playbook over the bye, Philadelphia has a chance show their London win last week will spark a run. They get their first chance to prove themselves in a divisional matchup against Dallas.
9. Chicago Bears (5-3, Same)
The final score shows complete domination by the Bears, but watching the game yielded different results. The Chicago defense shut down the Bills offense, which isn’t really that hard with Nathan Peterman. Offensively, they struggled to move the ball and benefitted from two defensive touchdowns that put the game away.
The final score shows complete domination by the Bears, but watching the game yielded different results. The Chicago defense shut down the Bills offense, which isn’t really that hard with Nathan Peterman. Offensively, they struggled to move the ball and benefitted from two defensive touchdowns that put the game away.
8. Carolina Panthers (6-2, Same)
To follow up their dramatic comeback victory over Philadelphia, the Panthers put together two dominant performances. In both games, their college-style offense exploded. While this could be difficult to maintain against a great defense, there aren’t too many of those this year and teams won't have experience defending it as Carolina is the only team with the personnel to execute it.
To follow up their dramatic comeback victory over Philadelphia, the Panthers put together two dominant performances. In both games, their college-style offense exploded. While this could be difficult to maintain against a great defense, there aren’t too many of those this year and teams won't have experience defending it as Carolina is the only team with the personnel to execute it.
7. Minnesota Vikings (5-3-1, Same)
After a pedestrian start to the season, the Vikings defense got back to their old form against a potent Lions offense. They piled up 10 sacks and allowed just over 200 yards. They needed every bit of that dominant defense, though, with their offensive struggles. The Vikings couldn’t hit 300 yards of offense and needed a defensive touchdown to put the game away.
After a pedestrian start to the season, the Vikings defense got back to their old form against a potent Lions offense. They piled up 10 sacks and allowed just over 200 yards. They needed every bit of that dominant defense, though, with their offensive struggles. The Vikings couldn’t hit 300 yards of offense and needed a defensive touchdown to put the game away.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2-1, Same)
In Baltimore, Pittsburgh came in and controlled their rivals. There was a scary moment for Steelers fans as Big Ben went down hard. Of course, he earned his nickname for being big and tough, so it was no surprise when he missed only one play. Games like Sunday are making people forget about the Steelers rough start.
In Baltimore, Pittsburgh came in and controlled their rivals. There was a scary moment for Steelers fans as Big Ben went down hard. Of course, he earned his nickname for being big and tough, so it was no surprise when he missed only one play. Games like Sunday are making people forget about the Steelers rough start.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (6-2, Same)
This might be the year Los Angeles plays up to their on-paper talent. The old disappointing Chargers would have gotten embarrassed in Seattle. The 2018 iteration stormed into Seattle and held strong. With their only losses being close affairs against the rams and Chiefs, the Chargers are dangerous.
This might be the year Los Angeles plays up to their on-paper talent. The old disappointing Chargers would have gotten embarrassed in Seattle. The 2018 iteration stormed into Seattle and held strong. With their only losses being close affairs against the rams and Chiefs, the Chargers are dangerous.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (8-1, Down 1)
The Chiefs continue to show off an unbelievable arsenal of offensive weapons. Sammy Watkins, who just signed a $48 million contract, doesn’t get any attention as the team’s number two receiver and fourth most dangerous weapon. Even if they don’t have the defense typical of a Super Bowl contender, the Chiefs will be in the thick of things come January.
The Chiefs continue to show off an unbelievable arsenal of offensive weapons. Sammy Watkins, who just signed a $48 million contract, doesn’t get any attention as the team’s number two receiver and fourth most dangerous weapon. Even if they don’t have the defense typical of a Super Bowl contender, the Chiefs will be in the thick of things come January.
3. New England Patriots (7-2, Down 1)
Everybody’s favorite team to hate did it again Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers, the people’s hero, rode into Foxborough to face hated villain Thomas Brady. Just like a recent superhero movie, the villainous side walked out victorious. In the game, Brady got a lot more help than Rodgers, from both personnel and coaching, and that proved to be the difference.
Everybody’s favorite team to hate did it again Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers, the people’s hero, rode into Foxborough to face hated villain Thomas Brady. Just like a recent superhero movie, the villainous side walked out victorious. In the game, Brady got a lot more help than Rodgers, from both personnel and coaching, and that proved to be the difference.
2. Los Angeles Rams (8-1, Down 1)
In Sunday’s huge game, the Rams killed their chances at winning with mistakes like a fake field goal failure, missed field goal, and interception. Despite the mistakes and ensuing 35-17 deficit, the Rams fought their way back to a tie. In the end, playing their sloppiest game of the year, they just fell to a great team.
In Sunday’s huge game, the Rams killed their chances at winning with mistakes like a fake field goal failure, missed field goal, and interception. Despite the mistakes and ensuing 35-17 deficit, the Rams fought their way back to a tie. In the end, playing their sloppiest game of the year, they just fell to a great team.
1. New Orleans Saints (7-1, Up 3)
Beat the best, become the best. Even with a 6-1 start to the season, New Orleans weren’t getting the respect people were throwing at the Rams or Chiefs. Everybody still remembered a week one loss to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Bucs. Now that memory should be erased from everyone’s brains after the Saints handled the Rams.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Beat the best, become the best. Even with a 6-1 start to the season, New Orleans weren’t getting the respect people were throwing at the Rams or Chiefs. Everybody still remembered a week one loss to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Bucs. Now that memory should be erased from everyone’s brains after the Saints handled the Rams.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Comments
Post a Comment
Agree with the experts? Or do they have it all wrong? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!