The latest NFL Power Rankings after Week 9 show significant movement among teams following several notable games. The Atlanta Falcons have lost three of their last four games since their Week 5 bye, while other teams across the league have improved their standings.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense was a key factor in their win over the Indianapolis Colts, who had only one loss before this game. The Carolina Panthers managed an upset victory on the road against the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, a team they have struggled against in previous seasons.
“I am keeping the Colts at No. 1 in this ranking despite the loss because I would make the argument the Colts shot themselves in the foot more than the Steelers took the game away from them.”
Sam Darnold had a standout performance for his team, completing all 16 of his first-half passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He finished with only three incompletions and was not sacked during the game.
Josh Allen’s efficient play helped lead Buffalo to victory as he completed 20 of 21 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown when under no pressure. The Bills’ defense pressured Patrick Mahomes on over half of his dropbacks—its highest rate against him since 2020.
“The Bucs return from their week off set to face the Patriots, who aren’t an unbeatable team but still one that is on a six-game winning streak.”
Other teams such as the Rams and another top-10 squad were coming off bye weeks and preparing for upcoming matchups.
“Like the Patriots, the Broncos are another team on a tear. They just notched win No. 6 in a row. They face the Raiders this Thursday. So, maybe go ahead and pencil in No. 7.”
“It wasn’t a perfectly played game for the Patriots. But it did showcase a team that can still win a game in which they don’t play their best — a marker of a playoff-bound team.”
Christian McCaffrey set an NFL record by scoring both rushing and receiving touchdowns in his sixteenth career game, breaking Marshall Faulk’s previous mark.
Justin Herbert led his team both through passing and rushing; he surpassed Matt Ryan for fifth-most passing yards by any player within their first six seasons.
“The Steelers forced the Colts to turn the ball over six times. That doesn’t happen every day. And honestly, it shouldn’t in this league. But here we are.”
Jared Goff faced significant defensive pressure during his team’s recent contest but struggled to connect with receivers under those conditions.
“For the first time in his career, Micah Parsons did not record one singular pressure. There are more reasons the Packers didn’t win this game, but that one is most shocking.”
The Jaguars secured victory thanks partly to a record-setting field goal while commentary noted how close some matchups remained throughout Week 9.
“Julian Edelman said at halftime that Packers were just playing with their food by keeping score close. Doesn’t he know Panther is apex predator and cheese is nature’s best food?”
Several individual performances stood out: Caleb Williams contributed as both quarterback and receiver; Joe Flacco threw for over 470 yards and leads NFL passing stats since joining Cincinnati midseason; J.J McCarthy scored three times upon returning to action.
Some teams faced injuries or setbacks—such as C.J Stroud exiting due to concussion—which could impact future results given challenging schedules ahead.
