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10/31/23
16 min read
NFL Week 9 Power Rankings: Chiefs, 49ers Slide in Top 10
Every Tuesday, we’ll provide updated power rankings. The rankings will be driven by who the teams are at the moment. Those stances will be centered on every team’s talent, reliability and current level of success.
Betting markets will also influence our stances, as will each team’s path to contention within its conference. We’ll also be aware of each team’s looming schedule difficulty.
NFL Week 9 Power Rankings
1. Philadelphia Eagles (7-1)
Previous Rank: No. 2
Last Game: Eagles 38, Commanders 31
The Philadelphia Eagles are on top of our power rankings as the league's lone one-loss team. Jalen Hurts’ offense has scored 69 points during the past two games. Philadelphia’s defense played well against Miami two weeks ago but stumbled against Washington.
Overall, the Eagles have one of the league’s best rosters, and they can win in any phase. That said, Philadelphia’s schedule is brutal through Week 15. In the next four weeks, they face three juggernauts in the Cowboys, Chiefs and Bills. It will be hard to stay on top against that gauntlet, but Philadelphia is talented enough to do it.
Next: vs. DAL, BYE, at KC (MNF), vs. BUF
2. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 3
Last Game: Ravens 31, Cardinals 24
The Baltimore Ravens pair one of the league’s best defenses with MVP contender Lamar Jackson. Baltimore’s passing attack has been efficient, but Jackson has only thrown for more than 240 yards once this season.
Week 7’s spike was encouraging, but Jackson will need to do more through the air to beat other contenders. The Ravens enter a schedule stretch where they face four potential playoff teams in a row.
Next: vs. SEA, vs. CLE, vs. CIN (TNF), at LAC (SNF)
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 1
Last Game: Broncos 24, Chiefs 9
The Kansas City Chiefs have played the Broncos two times in the past three weeks. This time, Denver’s defense clipped Kansas City. A divisional loss on the road isn’t the end of the world. That said, Patrick Mahomes' offense hasn’t been as consistent or as dangerous this season.
Kansas City’s defense continues to be the higher-performing unit. With games against the Dolphins and Eagles up next, the Chiefs need more from their offense.
Next: vs. MIA (Europe), BYE, vs. PHI (MNF), at LV
4. Miami Dolphins (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 5
Last Game: Dolphins 31, Patriots 17
The Miami Dolphins have won six games against sub-.500 teams but lost to the Bills and Eagles. Miami has an opportunity to put that narrative to bed in Germany against the Chiefs this week. The Dolphins’ offense continues to be dynamic, but Jalen Ramsey’s return already paid dividends last week.
Miami has the raw materials and coaching staff to become a complete football team. If the Dolphins' defense takes a step forward, they will be hard to beat.
Next: vs. KC (Europe), BYE, vs. LV, at NYJ (Black Friday)
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 6
Last Game: Jaguars 20, Steelers 10
We all know QB Trevor Lawrence can headline a premium offense. But the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has played well in its five-game winning streak. If that continues, Jacksonville has the easiest remaining schedule among AFC contenders. It could, realistically, finish the season as the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Next: BYE, vs. SF, vs. TEN, at HOU
6. Dallas Cowboys (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 7
Last Game: Cowboys 43, Rams 20
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best, most complete rosters in the league. That was on full display last week as they annihilated the Rams. Dak Prescott's passing attack showed some ceiling, but RB Tony Pollard continues to be just a minor factor.
After this week’s clash with rival Philadelphia, Dallas has three games in a row against very beatable opponents.
Next: at PHI, vs. NYG, at CAR, vs. WASH
7. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Previous Rank: No. 8
Last Game: Lions 26, Raiders 14
The Detroit Lions' win on Monday night wasn’t overly impressive, but rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs certainly was. If Gibbs continues to play as well as he did against the Raiders, Jared Goff’s offense has another dynamic weapon.
Detroit’s defense has been rock-solid for most of this season, as well. The Lions are in the driver’s seat in the NFC North with several beatable opponents on deck.
Next: BYE, at LAC, vs. CHI, vs. GB (Thanksgiving)
8. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 12
Last Game: Bengals 31, 49ers 17
The Cincinnati Bengals came off their bye and decisively beat the 49ers in San Francisco. Not only did QB Joe Burrow make it clear he’s back, but their offensive line played its best game of the season.
Cincinnati has played in each of the last two AFC Championship games. After winning three in a row, the Bengals are as dangerous as anyone.
Next: vs. BUF, vs. HOU, at BAL (TNF), vs. PITT
9. Buffalo Bills (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 10
Last Game: Bills 24, Buccaneers 18
The Buffalo Bills got back on track against the Buccaneers last Thursday. The most encouraging aspect of that game is QB Josh Allen was able to spread the ball around. Last season, the Bills’ offense was very reliant on WR Stefon Diggs, which became a problem against other contenders. Allen has a significantly better supporting cast on offense this season.
The Bills face a big test when they travel to Cincinnati on Sunday night.
Next: at CIN (SNF), vs DEN (MNF), vs. NYJ, at PHI
10. San Francisco 49ers (5-3)
Previous Rank: No. 4
Last Game: Bengals 31, 49ers 17
The San Francisco 49ers have lost three straight while scoring exactly 17 points in each of those games. That’s a big shift in Brock Purdy’s offense, which was routinely scoring at least 30 nearly every time it took the field.
Some of that can be explained by injuries to key players, but this has become a concerning trend. In particular, Purdy has made more bad decisions in the past two weeks than in the rest of the season combined. San Francisco is entering its bye at the right time.
Next: BYE, at JAX, vs. TB, at SEA (TNF)
11. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
Previous Rank: No. 9
Last Game: Seahawks 24, Browns 20
The Seattle Seahawks have an excellent skill group, and their defense has played very well for more than a month. However, QB Geno Smith’s offense hasn’t exactly impressed in recent weeks. Last week against the Browns, Smith had two interceptions and a fumble.
Also, Smith threw a dropped pick-six in that contest, as well. The Seahawks have enough talent to go into Baltimore and win, but that boils down to how well Smith plays.
Next: at BAL, vs. WASH, at LAR, vs. SF (TNF)
12. Cleveland Browns (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 11
Last Game: Seahawks 24, Browns 20
After an off week against the Colts, the Cleveland Browns' defense was a factor in Seattle in Week 8. As long as their core stays healthy, the Brown’s defense is among the league’s best.
Their offense, on the other hand, is as volatile as it gets. Cleveland has a premium offensive line and a solid group of pass catchers, but they are capped by QB P.J. Walker.
Next: vs. ARZ, at BAL, vs. PIT, at DEN
13. New Orleans Saints (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 22
Last Game: Saints 38, Colts 27
The New Orleans Saints’ defense has been a reliable, high-quality unit all season. Now, all of a sudden, Derek Carr has thrown for 300 yards in each of the past three games. More importantly, New Orleans finished scoring drives and made several big plays.
At their best, the Saints are one of the few teams in the league that can win in multiple styles. The NFC South is there for the taking.
Next: vs. CHI, at MIN, BYE, at ATL
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 13
Last Game: Jaguars 20, Steelers 10
The story stays the same for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their defense continues to be a high-quality, reliable unit. Unfortunately, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will miss time, reducing the capability of this group.
Offensively, the Steelers continue to be an unimpressive, untrustworthy unit. QB Kenny Pickett also has an injury uncertainty, which would thrust Mitch Trubisky into the starting role. The already volatile unit could become even more unreliable if Trubisky has to play for a significant amount of time. On the bright side, the Steelers have two winnable games in the next two weeks.
Next: vs. TEN (SNF), vs. GB, at CLE, at CIN
15. Los Angeles Chargers (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 20
Last Game: Chargers 30, Bears 13
As long as this team has Justin Herbert, it is capable of giving anyone a game. The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense still needs a field stretcher, but they have stability at quarterback and offensive line. They also have difference-makers in WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler.
Defensively, Los Angeles has difference-making talent, but it has underachieved under Brandon Staley. At this point, the Chargers probably are who they are under Staley.
Next: at NYJ (MNF), vs. DET, at GB, vs. BAL (SNF)
>>READ: Chargers Can't Rely Solely on Justin Herbert
16. New York Jets (4-3)
Previous Rank: No. 14
Last Game: Jets 13, Giants 10 (OT)
The New York Jets’ defense has carried them to a 4-3 record, which includes wins over the Bills and Eagles. Zach Wilson’s offense, however, is hard to watch.
New York is a championship-caliber team with Aaron Rodgers, but they are a fringe wild-card contender with Wilson. The Jets could be an underdog in three, if not all of their next four games.
Next: vs. LAC (MNF), at LV (SNF), at BUF, vs. MIA (Black Friday)
17. Atlanta Falcons (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 18
Last Game: Titans 28, Falcons 23
The Atlanta Falcons' 2023 campaign has been a roller coaster with Arthur Smith at the controls. Few teams have three skill position players who were taken within the first 10 picks of the draft. The roles of TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and RB Bijan Robinson have been questionable.
Now comes a Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke quarterback controversy. Atlanta is a quarterback away from being a dangerous team. Unfortunately, they don’t appear to have one. On the bright side, they have two winnable games over the next two weeks.
Next: vs. MIN, at ARZ, BYE, vs. NO
18. Houston Texans (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 15
Last Game: Panthers 15, Texans 13
C.J. Stroud has been good as a rookie, but his production has steadily decreased in the past three games. Since the Houston Texans have struggled to run the ball, that means their offense has done little over that span. The reality is the Texans are a young, rebuilding team that’s overachieved to this point in the season.
Next: vs. TB, at CIN, vs. ARZ, vs. JAX
19. Denver Broncos (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 25
Last Game: Broncos 24, Chiefs 9
After a shockingly horrendous start to the season, the Denver Broncos’ defense has played three exceptional games in a row. That was capped off by Sunday’s win over the Chiefs. The Broncos are still an unreliable team with a volatile offense, but they enter their bye with at least one major positive in their defense.
Next: BYE, at BUF (MNF), vs. MIN (SNF), vs. CLE
20. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 19
Last Game: Saints 38, Colts 27
The Indianapolis Colts’ offense has exceeded expectations with two different quarterbacks this season. Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, the Colts are staying in games because of their offense.
Their defense, on the other hand, is giving up 38 points per game over their past three games.
Next: at CAR, vs. NE (Europe), BYE, vs. TB
21. Washington Commanders (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 23
Last Game: Eagles 38, Commanders 31
QB Sam Howell has had a few tremendous games this year, which is more than several quarterbacks could say this season. He’s been fantastic in both games against the Eagles, who sit atop our power rankings. We still can’t quite count on Howell, but he’s shown some legitimate ceiling many times now.
On the other hand, the Washington Commanders’ defense is among the most underachieving groups in football. If they can play to their potential, the Commanders will be the seventh seed in the NFC.
Next: at NE, at SEA, vs. NYG, at DAL (Thanksgiving)
22. Tennessee Titans (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 30
Last Game: Titans 28, Falcons 23
The Tennessee Titans' stars, RB Derrick Henry and WR DeAndre Hopkins, balled out in their win against Atlanta. So did Will Levis in his first start as a professional quarterback.
Defensively, the Titans still have a premium front, but their secondary is among the worst in the league. They are well-coached, and they have talent, but they are stuck in football purgatory with a rookie quarterback.
Next: at PITT (TNF), at TB, at JAX, vs. CAR
>>READ: Titans Might Have a Franchise Quarterback
23. Los Angeles Rams (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 17
Last Game: Cowboys 43, Rams 20
Outside of DT Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford’s passing attack, the Los Angeles Rams are not a talented team. That showed in a big way in Dallas last week. Now that Stafford has a throwing hand injury, this team would become a bottom-tier group if Stafford misses time.
Next: at GB, BYE, vs. SEA, at ARZ
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
Previous Rank: No. 21
Last Game: Bills 24, Buccaneers 18
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to be a team with a good, but not great defense paired with a mediocre offense. That’s enough to stay competitive in the wide-open NFC South, but ultimately the Buccaneers are a slightly below-average team.
Next: at HOU, vs. TEN, at SF, at IND
25. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)
Previous Rank: No. 16
Last Game: Vikings 24, Packers 10
Not only was QB Kirk Cousins having his best season, but Brian Flores’ defense has been consistently improving. The Minnesota Vikings clawed their way out of a 1-4 hole and looked like the ascending seventh seed. Needless to say, that all changes with rookie quarterback Jaren Hall at the controls.
Next: at ATL, vs. NO, at DEN (SNF), vs. CHI (MNF)
26. New England Patriots (2-6)
Previous Rank: No. 24
Last Game: Dolphins 31, Patriots 17
The New England Patriots lack difference-makers on offense, and their defense is down a few of their best players. Despite that, in the next four weeks, the Patriots have three winnable games against volatile teams.
Next: vs. WASH, vs. IND (Europe), BYE, at NYG
27. Green Bay Packers (2-5)
Previous Rank: No. 26
Last Game: Vikings 24, Packers 10
The Green Bay Packers have a talented defense, paired with one of the league’s worst offenses. While the defense is talented, it hasn’t played well enough to carry the team. Therefore, if Green Bay is going to improve, QB Jordan Love’s offense needs to take a few steps forward.
Next: vs. LAR, at PIT, vs. LAC, at DET (Thanksgiving)
28. Arizona Cardinals (1-7)
Previous Rank: No. 31
Last Game: Ravens 31, Cardinals 24
After three down weeks in a row, the Arizona Cardinals transformed back into a physical, high-effort team against Baltimore. This is still a talent-poor roster in many areas, but they should be getting QB Kyler Murray back soon. That automatically makes them more dangerous.
Next: at CLE, vs. ATL, at HOU, vs. LAR
29. Las Vegas Raiders (3-5)
Previous Rank: No. 29
Last Game: Lions 26, Raiders 14
The Las Vegas Raiders look like a team on the verge of imploding. DE Maxx Crosby would be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation if Las Vegas was winning. WR Davante Adams finished with 11 receiving yards on Monday when he could have gone over 100 easily with a few catchable balls.
This week’s contest against the Giants is winnable, then Las Vegas faces several uphill battles down the stretch.
Next: vs. NYG, vs. NYJ (SNF), at MIA, vs. KC
30. New York Giants (2-6)
Previous Rank: No. 27
Last Game: Jets 13, Giants 10 (OT)
The New York Giants’ defense has been playing well for a month now. However, their offense is abysmal — it was historically bad against the Jets on Sunday. The Giants' consistently strong defensive efforts are the only reason they aren’t the worst team in football.
Next: at LV, at DAL, at WASH, vs. NE
31. Carolina Panthers (1-6)
Previous Rank: No. 32
Last Game: Panthers 15, Texans 13
The Carolina Panthers escaped the Texans for their first win of the season, which brings them out of the power rankings basement.
Carolina’s offense continues to be among the worst in the league. Its defense isn’t far behind, but it did step up last week. The Panthers have winnable games over the next two weeks.
Next: vs. IND, at CHI (TNF), vs. DAL, at TEN
32. Chicago Bears (2-6)
Previous Rank: No. 28
Last Game: Chargers 30, Bears 13
The Chicago Bears are still a high-effort team that has a few paths to improvement this season. However, when you ask “What is the current strength of this team?” There aren’t many inspiring answers. That, paired with their offensive struggles, puts the Bears back at the end of our list.
Next: at NO, vs CAR (TNF), at DET, at MIN (MNF)
Ryan is the associate director of fantasy and betting at The 33rd Team. Ryan has been covering NFL betting markets for five years. Follow Ryan @RyanReynoldsNFL on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
