NFL Week Nine Power Rankings

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Nov 3, 2020

Well folks, we are officially halfway through the regular season for a lot of teams. It’s pretty sad that it’s gone so fast, but such is life. On the plus side, we had a week with some wild games and even a few crazy upsets. And, as you will see, we also have a new team atop the power rankings. 

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Week: 28-24 win @ BAL

Trending: ↑1

Next Week: 11/8 @ DAL

Pittsburgh’s defense once again was the shining star in this game. After just beating Tennessee by shutting down Derrick Henry, the Steeler defense was again up to the task against reigning MVP Lamar Jackson. They forced two interceptions and sacked him four times, and due to the impressive victories in back-to-back weeks, they have taken the top spot in the power rankings.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs

Last Week: 35-9 win vs NYJ

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/8 vs CAR

Did we really expect anything different? Kansas City trounced the Jets on both sides of the ball on the way to a dominant win. The fake punt was a little mean, though.

  1. Baltimore Ravens

Last Week: 24-28 loss vs PIT

Trending: —

Next Week: 11/8 @ IND

When Baltimore has played anyone other than Pittsburgh or Kansas City this year, they have outscored their opponent 159-70, an average margin of just under 18 points per game. However, they turn into a completely different team when facing these opponents. 

Lamar Jackson specifically struggles more, having his worst two outings of the year in these games. Baltimore is going to have to get through one, if not both, of these teams to get to the Super Bowl, and I’m not sure they’ll be able to do it. 

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Week: 25-23 win @ NYG

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 vs NO

Tampa Bay got lucky they played the Giants this week, otherwise they might not have gotten those two turnovers that were crucial to winning this game. Brady was pretty average and did just enough to get this win. Even so, a lot of other NFC contenders had some pretty subpar performances, so Tampa gets to move up a couple spots.

  1. Arizona Cardinals

Last Week: Bye

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 vs MIA

Arizona has to feel pretty confident in their playoff chances after watching Green Bay, Chicago, LA, and San Francisco today. Coming off the bye, they must be ready to compete as every team on their schedule other than the Patriots and Giants are firmly in a playoff hunt of their own. 

  1. Seattle Seahawks

Last Week: 37-27 win vs SF

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 vs BUF

Seattle was down three running backs in this game, but I mean, is that saying much considering what the 49ers have been forced to go through this year? Tevin Coleman, Jimmy Garoppolo, and George Kittle all went down again in this game, and Seattle jumped out to a 30-7 lead going into the fourth quarter. At the end of the day, Nick Mullens just isn’t Russell Wilson.

  1. New Orleans Saints

Last Week: 26-23 win @ CHI

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 @ TB

It’s the same old story with the Saints. The defense is pretty awful in the first half, giving up two big throws back-to-back on a touchdown drive, and then they are a force to be reckoned with in the second half. Looking at how the Vikings defense performed against Green Bay in the second half, it’s hard to think New Orleans couldn’t beat that team right now. 

  1. Tennessee Titans

Last Week: 20-31 loss @ CIN

Trending: ↓3

Next Week: 11/8 vs CHI

This honestly should’ve been a predictable tough game for Tennessee, coming off three weeks of Buffalo, Houston, and Pittsburgh. However, there’s very little excuse to score only 20 points on that Cincinnati defense. Tennessee is going to need to be much more prepared offensively for next week’s Chicago matchup. 

  1. Green Bay Packers

Last Week: 22-28 loss vs MIN

Trending: ↓5

Next Week: 11/5 @ SF

This, while probably very fluky, was nonetheless an embarrassing loss for a Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations. Dalvin Cook ran all over this team, becoming the first opposing player to have 200 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns at Lambeau Field. Green Bay has to regroup quickly for a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game on Thursday night. 

  1. Indianapolis Colts

Last Week: 41-21 win @ DET

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 vs BAL

The Colts’ offense took this game over in the second quarter with Philip Rivers throwing all three of his touchdown passes before halftime. An interesting result of this game was Jordan Wilkins getting more carries than Jonathan Taylor in this game, so we’ll have to watch if that continues. 

For a team that has been hovering around the bottom half of the playoffs for much of the season, next week’s matchup with Baltimore is an opportunity to show they are a legitimate contender. 

  1. Buffalo Bills 

Last Week: 24-21 win vs NE

Trending: —

Next Week: 11/8 vs SEA

The Bills had not beaten the Patriots at home since 2011 going into Sunday. They finally got over that hump, but this is certainly not the Patriots teams of old. While it’s great that they finally got this victory, it should not have been this close against a team that has not been the same since their COVID crisis. 

  1. Miami Dolphins

Last Week: 28-17 win vs LAR

Trending: ↑4

Next Week: 11/9 @ ARI

If you just look at the score and didn’t watch the game, you’d probably assume Tua led the way for this win. That was not the case though, as he threw 22 times for a measly 93 yards and a touchdown. Guys, this Dolphins defense is legit. 

Since week two, they have given up 20 or more points once, and that was in their loss to Seattle. They’ve also forced 13 turnovers this season, including four on Sunday, good for second-most in the NFL. Welcome to the playoff picture, Miami. 

  1. Los Angeles Rams

Last Week: 17-28 loss @ MIA

Trending: ↓3

Next Week: Bye

Let’s get something straight; Jared Goff was baddd on Sunday. He turned the ball over four times in the first half, and three led directly to touchdowns, one being a pick six. The other touchdown was a punt return.

This proved to be the only offense Miami could get going today against LA’s defense, as all six of their second half drives resulted in punts. LA has a bye week to regroup before playing a big game against Seattle. 

  1. Philadelphia Eagles

Last Week: 23-9 win vs DAL

Trending: —

Next Week: Bye

In typical NFC East fashion, the Eagles weren’t necessarily good on their way to a win; they were just better than their opponent. The Eagles turned the ball over four times, and the ensuing Cowboys drives resulted in a fumble, a field goal, a punt, and a missed field goal. 

It’s probably safe to assume that an offense not led by Ben DiNucci would have gotten more than three points off these four turnovers. Even so, the Eagles now hold a 1.5 game lead in the NFC East heading into their bye.

  1. Las Vegas Raiders

Last Week: 16-6 win @ CLE

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 @ LAC

A week after missing all their offensive line starters in a loss to Tampa Bay, the Raiders went into Cleveland, and it was their defense that led the way. In fact, this was the best defensive performance the Raiders have seen in years, allowing their fewest points since 2012. The offense had some uncharacteristic troubles getting the ball in the end zone, attempting four field goals. However, the offense still did very well controlling the game, only punting once, and holding the ball for nearly 38 minutes. 

  1. Chicago Bears

Last Week: 23-26 loss vs NO

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/8 @ TEN

The Bears offense continued their struggles for much of this game, but there were a few breakout plays that kept them in this game, such as the 50-yard pass to Darnell Mooney. Anthony Miller also emerged as a favorite target for Nick Foles in this game, catching eight of 11 targets. Next week, they have a big matchup with the (slightly overrated) Tennessee defense. 

  1. Cleveland Browns

Last Week: 6-16 loss vs LV

Trending: ↓4

Next Week: Bye

The biggest issue in this game was Cleveland’s third down defense. They let Las Vegas convert on eight of 14 third down attempts and both fourth down attempts. Meanwhile, they themselves converted just three of ten on third down. By letting the Raiders hold the ball as long as they did, Cleveland was unable to get any momentum in this game, and the result was a lackadaisical offense. 

  1. San Francisco 49ers

Last Week: 27-37 loss @ SEA

Trending: ↑1

Next Week: 11/5 vs GB

San Francisco’s ability to remain competitive even through injuries is incredible, but today that came to an end. They couldn’t get JaMycal Hasty going as much as they would have liked, and the defense just couldn’t stop Seattle’s offense. Things look bleak with the quick turnaround on Thursday night against a Green Bay team undoubtedly looking to take out some frustration on their next opponent. 

  1. Detroit Lions

Last Week: 21-41 loss vs IND

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/8 @ MIN

Detroit’s defense was pretty bad in this game, but the offense didn’t help much. After allowing 20 second quarter points, they fought back into the game in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 20-14, but back-to-back turnovers led to 14 points for Indy. Next week they face a Dalvin Cook-led Vikings team that can certainly take advantage of this defense. 

  1. Cincinnati Bengals

Last Week: 31-20 win vs TEN

Trending: ↑4

Next Week: Bye

Cincinnati seems to be starting to figure things out over the past few weeks. Outside of the Baltimore loss, every game had been decided by one possession coming into today, and now they finally got a big win against a playoff team. Granted, like I said, Tennessee is coming off a brutal stretch, but still, Cincinnati fans have reason to be excited for a Joe Burrow-led team. 

  1. New England Patriots

Last Week: 21-24 loss @ BUF

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/10 @ NYJ

The good news? Cam Newton is finally beginning to look more like himself, as he ran for 54 yards and a touchdown. Damien Harris also was able to run for 102 yards because the Buffalo defense was worried about Newton. The bad news is they lost again, and are now three games out of the division. Luckily, they get the Jets this week, and they should be able to sort out the rest of their issues in that game. 

  1. Denver Broncos

Last Week: 31-30 win vs LAC

Trending: ↑3

Next Week: 11/8 @ ATL

Denver looked dreadful to start this game. They had managed just 57 total yards halfway through the third quarter, and Drew Lock looked real bad. Then, the Chargers…Chargered. Philip Lindsay and Lock both started making big plays, and it finished with a game winning touchdown throw from Lock to K.J. Hamler. 

  1. Los Angeles Chargers

Last Week: 30-31 loss @ DEN

Trending: ↓2

Next Week: 11/8 vs LV

Once again, my condolences go out to the Chargers fans. It wasn’t quite 28-3, but man it was close. Herbert looked great for most of the game, and then the interception cracked the door open. Then, the fact that the defense just forgot how to tackle blew it wide open. 

  1. Houston Texans

Last Week: Bye

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/8 @ JAX

Looking at Houston’s remaining schedule, there’s a lot of struggling teams on it. I’m not saying that Houston is going to make a comeback in this division race, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they win a few games after being able to regroup.

  1. Carolina Panthers

Last Week: 17-25 loss vs ATL

Trending: ↓3

Next Week: 11/8 @ KC

Atlanta has owned Carolina over the past few years, winning six of the last seven matchups now. The Panthers playoff chances look bleak after back-to-back divisional losses, and now a matchup with Kansas City. 

  1. Minnesota Vikings

Last Week: 28-22 win @ GB

Trending: ↑2

Next Week: 11/8 vs DET

Minnesota got their version of a Super Bowl win by beating the Packers in Lambeau. Dalvin Cook carried this team on his back, and the defense played serviceable enough in the second half. I’m not convinced that this team has hope again, but they do have a winnable game against Detroit this week.

  1. Washington Football Team

Last Week: Bye

Trending: ↓1

Next Week: 11/8 vs NYG

Last time we saw Washington their defense carried them against Dallas. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if we saw the same thing this week against the Giants. Again, don’t count this team out in the division race just yet. 

  1. Atlanta Falcons

Last Week: 25-17 win @ CAR

Trending: ↑1

Next Week: 11/8 vs DEN

Atlanta managed to fall backwards into a win against the Panthers. There was only one touchdown in the second half of this game, and it was just your typical division game between two bad teams. It was close, but not entertaining in the least. Don’t be shocked if Denver comes in and wins this week.

  1. New York Giants

Last Week: 23-25 loss vs TB

Trending: ↓2

Next Week: 11/8 @ WSH

Daniel Jones definitely competed this week, but the same turnover issues haunted him yet again. His erratic throwing continues to be the Achilles heel of a Giants team that has now blown double digit leads in each of their last three losses.

  1. Dallas Cowboys

Last Week: 9-23 loss @ PHI

Trending: —

Next Week: 11/8 vs PIT

As a fantasy owner of Ezekiel Elliott, I am pissed. There is absolutely no reason for this guy to be getting just 63 yards against this Eagles defense, but here we are. The Cowboys got four takeaways against the Eagles, and still didn’t score a single touchdown. This team is going to get blown out by Pittsburgh.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Week: Bye

Trending: —

Next Week: 11/8 vs HOU

Jacksonville is firmly in the race for #TankForTrevor, and they have no reason to win this week. Not to mention, they have one of the more difficult remaining schedules in the NFL, so any reason to watch this team is over unless you have James Robinson or Gardner Minshew on your fantasy team. 

  1. Bye Week

You know the drill by now. 

  1. New York Jets

Last Week: 9-35 loss @ KC

Trending: —

Next Week: 

Patrick Mahomes threw more touchdowns against the Jets than Jets’ quarterbacks have thrown all season.

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