NFL Power Rankings: Week 9
by Dave Ryan
The undefeated Titans claim the top spot in the rankings after a week eight victory, while the winless Bengals and Lions battle it out for rights to first overall pick in 2009.
1. Tennessee Titans (7-0)
Previous Rank: 2
Seven games into the season without a loss, we’re starting to see a trend with Tennessee’s offense. Quarterback Kerry Collins has been an ideal game manager and has only turned the ball over three times, while the tailback tandem of Chris Johnson and LenDale White continues to churn out both yardage and touchdowns on the ground. With a stout defense, the Titans don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Next Game: vs. GB (No. 12)
2. New York Giants (6-1)
Previous Rank: 3
In the match-up of the weekend, the Giants’ defense abused Pittsburgh’s offensive line and made things impossible on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Along with sacking him five times, New York intercepted four Roethlisberger passes en route to their sixth win of the year. The Giants still have plenty of work to do with such a tight divisional race ahead of them, but that might not be a problem if they keep on finding ways to win like this.
Next Game: vs. DAL (No. 7)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Previous Rank: 1
Despite another solid performance out of backup runner Mewelde Moore, the Steelers were not able to overcome the four key interceptions thrown by Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday. For having such a commanding lead early on in the year in the AFC North, Pittsburgh now finds themselves with a mere one game lead on the Baltimore Ravens. A week nine meeting with Washington looms large, and it bears noting that the Steelers are 0-2 against NFC teams this season.
Next Game: at WAS (No. 5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)
Previous Rank: 4
With the much needed return of some key offensive players, the Eagles took care of business to pick up a second straight win in week eight. Philadelphia technically remains in last place in the NFC East, but things are so close that the balance of power could stand to shift in a hurry. A healthy Brian Westbrook gives the Eagles an offensive weapon few other teams can match, and as long as he can stay off the injury list this team is in great shape.
Next Game: at SEA (No. 26)
5. Washington Redskins (6-2)
Previous Rank: 5
The Redskins had a field day on offense against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, which is hardly a surprise considering Detroit is giving up a league worst 421 yards per game on defense. Clinton Portis is 56 yards shy from hitting the 1,000 yard rushing mark for the sixth time in his career, and even after eight games he has to be considered a frontrunner MVP candidate. Fans should be in for a treat for week nine’s Monday night game, as the Skins will look to hand a frustrated Steelers squad their second straight defeat.
Next Game: vs. PIT (No. 3)
6. Denver Broncos (4-3)
Previous Rank: 7
It’s make or break time for the Broncos, and putting together a big winning streak is exactly what Mike Shanahan’s team needs at this point in the season. The Chargers have taken yet another step back and the Raiders and Chiefs aren’t doing much of anything, but Denver still needs to prove that they are among one of the AFC’s elite teams. With Jay Cutler already on pace to throw for over 4,000 yards and 25+ touchdowns, expect these guys to cruise through their favorable schedule in the coming weeks.
Next Game: vs. MIA (No. 25)
7. Dallas Cowboys (5-3)
Previous Rank: 11
In what essentially amounted to a must-win game, Dallas fought to the bitter end against the Buccaneers to move to 5-3 on the year. Judging by their record alone, this team has nothing to worry about right now. But as most know, it goes deeper than that and tensions are still running extremely high for the Cowboys. The defending Super Bowl champions are up next, and Dallas will need a big showing this weekend before heading into their week ten bye.
Next Game: at NYG (No. 2)
8. New England Patriots (5-2)
Previous Rank: 10
It was business as usual for the Patriots on Sunday, as the NFL’s most unheralded team quietly moved to 5-2 on the year. The chemistry between quarterback Matt Cassel and his receivers is starting to heat up, and that bodes well for an offense that has been absolutely decimated by injuries this season. With two games still remaining against the 5-2 Buffalo Bills, New England is moving up the ranks and still has plenty of opportunities to control their own destiny in the AFC East.
Next Game: at IND (No. 11)
9. Carolina Panthers (6-2)
Previous Rank: 14
On a weekend where their two biggest competitors atop the NFC South took a step backwards, it’s becoming clear that the Panthers are the team to beat in the division. Second year linebacker Jon Beason is blossoming into a star on the defense, and he currently ranks third in the conference with 52 solo tackles. From a physical defense to a balanced offense, the Panthers have all the makings right now of a team that can potentially go deep into the playoffs.
Next Game: BYE
10. New Orleans Saints (4-4)
Previous Rank: 15
With one tailback out for the next couple weeks and another facing a possible suspension, the Saints needed everything possible out of Drew Brees in London this past weekend. Brees had what was statistically his best game of the season, and is now on pace to throw for more than 5,000 yards if he can stay healthy. New Orleans heads into their bye week with plenty of confidence, which is a big thing considering they need anything they can get right now in a conference loaded with playoff contenders.
Next Game: BYE
11. Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
Previous Rank: 6
Even though Monday night was the perfect opportunity for Indianapolis to come out and make a major statement, the Colts dropped the ball and are now facing a very real possibility of missing the playoffs if they don’t turn things around. In what was traditionally the most anticipated game each and every season, the Colts play host to the 5-2 Patriots in what amounts to a must-win game this upcoming weekend. Indianapolis is optimistic that star running back Joseph Addai will be able to suit up after missing a majority of the past two games due to injury, but the Colts might need more than a banged up tailback if they want to climb out of this hole.
Next Game: vs. NE (No. 8 )
12. Green Bay Packers (4-3)
Previous Rank: 12
The true test of a good football team is measured by their ability to beat quality opponents, and the Packers can make their biggest statement of the year in week nine as they travel to undefeated Tennessee. Coming off their bye week, Green Bay cannot afford to lose ground in the conference, even against an AFC team like the Titans. Expect the Packers to benefit from the likely return of cornerback Al Harris, who has missed the past four games with a lacerated spleen.
Next Game: at TEN (No. 1)
13. Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Previous Rank: 9
After an impressive 4-0 start, the Bills are 1-2 in their last two games and appear to be falling back on their heels a bit. Buffalo’s depleted secondary was torched by Miami’s Chad Pennington in week eight, and will need to make adjustments to avoid the same fate against the Jets and Brett Favre this week. This upcoming stretch against New York and New England will put Buffalo’s meddle to the test, and we shall see just how viable of a playoff contender they actually are.
Next Game: vs. NYJ (No. 20)
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
Previous Rank: 8
The ups and downs of this 2008 season have started to take a toll on Jacksonville, and time is quickly running out if this team has hopes of entering the postseason. One thing working in their favor however is two upcoming games against winless teams (Detroit, Cincinnati), which could propel the Jaguars to a 5-4 record if they manage to take care of business. Jacksonville’s main priority should be to get running back Maurice Jones-Drew more involved in the offense. As it stands now, Drew is on pace for a career low in virtually every category across the board.
Next Game: at CIN (No. 31)
15. Baltimore Ravens (4-3)
Previous Rank: 22
Although their schedule down the stretch is brutal to say the least, the Ravens have put themselves in the playoff discussion with two straight victories. Baltimore has dominated lesser opponents all year and still has yet to beat a team with a winning record, but they stand at 4-3 and are currently just one game away from the AFC North leading Pittsburgh Steelers. With a defense that can potentially shut down just about any attack the NFL has to offer, the Ravens are most definitely a serious threat in the AFC right now.
Next Game: at CLE (No. 21)
16. Arizona Cardinals (4-3)
Previous Rank: 16
If the Cardinals are for real and are truly the frontrunners in the NFC West, then we’ll surely find out in the next three weeks. Arizona faces all three of their divisional rivals, and two of those games will be played at opposing stadiums. Kurt Warner continues his torrid pace through the air each week, but Arizona’s defense remains a serious question mark.
Next Game: at STL (No. 29)
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
Previous Rank: 17
In the three games where either Earnest Graham or Warrick Dunn have rushed for 100 yards, the Bucs are 3-0 and are outscoring their opponents 77-34. Giving the ball to their tailbacks will be a key to victory in week nine, as their upcoming opponent Kansas City has been torched on the ground this year. Tampa Bay’s defense remains among the league’s best in total yardage allowed, and will be counted again to keep an inexperienced Chiefs team off the field on Sunday.
Next Game: at KC (No. 30)
18. Chicago Bears (4-3)
Previous Rank: 18
Still reeling after their impressive 48-41 victory in week seven over Minnesota, the Bears get the benefit of playing the winless Detroit Lions this weekend. Expect Chicago to use a heavy dose of rookie running back Matt Forte, as the Lions are giving up well over 150 yards rushing a game to opposing offenses. Forte leads AFC rookies in rushing yards with 515 through seven games, so expect the talented runner to post big numbers again this Sunday.
Next Game: vs. DET (No. 32)
19. San Diego Chargers (3-5)
Previous Rank: 13
Hopefully the Chargers can find some sort of answer to their struggles during their week nine bye, and the recent firing of defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell shows just how desperate this team has gotten. Their tough loss in London drops them to 3-5 on the season, despite the improved play of quarterback Philip Rivers. It will be interesting to see what other changes the Chargers make during the next week or so, but a couple more losses and San Diego could find themselves out of the playoff race altogether.
Next Game: BYE
20. New York Jets (4-3)
Previous Rank: 21
Interceptions have been the area of concern for New York’s offense so far this season. Although they picked up a victory this past weekend against the Chiefs, quarterback Brett Favre was picked off three more times to tie him with recently benched J.T. O’Sullivan from the 49ers for the league lead with 11. Favre’s 15 touchdowns tie for second in the NFL, but the Jets are entering a critical stretch in their schedule and cannot afford to keep turning the ball over at such a consistent rate.
Next Game: at BUF (No. 13)
21. Cleveland Browns (3-4)
Previous Rank: 23
With a 3-1 record over the past four games, the Browns are starting to show signs of the team that went 10-6 last season and just missed out on the playoffs. Quarterback Derek Anderson has been efficient over their current streak, with only one turnover compared to five touchdowns. If Cleveland’s offensive line can continue to give Anderson time to pick apart opposing defenses, then the Browns might just find a way to climb back up the standings.
Next Game: vs. BAL (No. 15)
22. Houston Texans (3-4)
Previous Rank: 24
There was little doubt about Houston’s ability to score points entering the beginning of this season. But a rough start and a key injury to starting quarterback Matt Schaub threw them in an immediate hole as their offense sputtered, leading to a disappointing 0-4 start. Now they are on a three game winning streak and are tied for second in the AFC South. As long as Schaub and Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson can stay healthy then there’s no reason they can’t keep finding the endzone to continue this streak.
Next Game: at MIN (No. 24)
23. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
Previous Rank: 19
As each week passes, it’s getting harder and harder to doubt Atlanta’s selection of Matt Ryan with the third pick last April. Ryan and Pro Bowl bound receiver Roddy White have given the Falcons’ offense a spark even at times when runner Michael Turner is unable to pick up yardage. Atlanta’s key to success so far this year is pretty simple, when Turner runs the ball 20 times or more, the Falcons win; when he fails to reach that number, they lose.
Next Game: at OAK (No. 27)
24. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
Previous Rank: 20
Although they did not play this past weekend, the Vikings slide four spots in the rankings as many other borderline teams pick up big wins. Minnesota needs to come out strong against a surging Houston squad in week nine to avoid losing any more ground in the NFC. The question mark remains about Gus Frerotte’s ability to lead this team back into contention, although Adrian Peterson seems to be heating up and is line for a big game against the Texans.
Next Game: vs. HOU (No. 22)
25. Miami Dolphins (3-4)
Previous Rank: 25
If Sunday’s game was any indication, then opposing defenses might have to be on the lookout for Dolphins’ receiver Ted Ginn Jr. from here on out. Ginn caught seven passes for a career high 175 yards to help Miami pick up their third win of the year, as the speedy receiver turned in his most impactful game since he was chosen as the ninth overall pick back in 2007. Miami’s defense has been much improved over last year, but if the offense continues to produce like this then the Dolphins might just be able to string a win streak together.
Next Game: at DEN (No. 6)
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
Previous Rank: 26
Behind the arm of backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, the Seahawks finally started to show some signs of life on offense on Sunday. Wallace is expected to start yet again in week nine versus the Eagles, so there is hope that he can build upon his performance and put Seattle back into a wide open NFC West race with a win. The Seahawks have only beaten the two teams, both widely considered to be bottom feeders in the NFL, so an upset against the Eagles would undoubtedly highlight their dismal season.
Next Game: vs. PHI (No. 4)
27. Oakland Raiders (2-5)
Previous Rank: 28
For the fourth time this year, quarterback JaMarcus Russell failed to complete at least 50% of his passes as the Raiders dropped to 2-5. Russell’s second year under center has been less than impressive so far, and the former first overall pick has hardly made strides despite posting respectable passing numbers. Oakland’s offense is a mess right now and doesn’t look to be improving, and more blowout losses like this are bound to become the norm.
Next Game: vs. ATL (No. 23)
28. San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
Previous Rank: 27
The Mike Singletary Era is only a week old, and things in San Francisco are already undergoing serious changes. The interim coach blew up at tight end Vernon Davis after he was flagged for a foolish penalty on Sunday, and proceeded to berate him to the media. Davis looks to be set to ride the bench for most of the remainder of the season. Singletary’s then proceeded to bench struggling quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan, and insert backup Shaun Hill as the starter for the time being. Whether these moves pay off or not will be interesting to watch in the meantime, as the 49ers search for their new identity as a football team.
Next Game: BYE
29. St. Louis Rams (2-5)
Previous Rank: 29
In their effort to make it three straight victories on Sunday, the Rams fell just short without the services of their best player, tailback Steven Jackson. The most important thing for St. Louis in the past few weeks has been the emergence of their passing attack to complement Jackson, as rookie receiver Donnie Avery has been unstoppable as a deep threat. The Rams are still one of the league’s least effective teams, but as long as they can compete deep into games like they did this past weekend they should start to see a few more wins pile up this season.
Next Game: vs. ARI (No. 16)
30. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)
Previous Rank: 30
Although they were expected to talk with free agent quarterback Daunte Culpepper about a possible return, the Chiefs abruptly cancelled the meeting after their 28-24 loss to the New York Jets. The improved play of last weekend’s starter Tyler Thigpen most likely had something to do with the change of plans, although that may or may not prove to be a wise decision. Thigpen’s 280 yards passing on Sunday were nearly double his previous career high, and the Chiefs could be jumping the gun a bit in the hope that he’s the future of the franchise at quarterback after one game.
Next Game: vs. TB (No. 17)
31. Cincinnati Bengals (0-8)
Previous Rank: 31
In a heated race for the #1 overall pick with Detroit, the Bengals have now played half of their schedule without picking up a single victory. Cincinnati has been hit with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball, and there just isn’t enough talent on the field for this team to outplay anyone right now. Now that quarterback Carson Palmer is rumored to be on the shelf for the entire year, it’s hard to see anything getting better as Marvin Lewis’ job as head coach hangs by a thread.
Next Game: vs. JAX (No. 14)
32. Detroit Lions (0-7)
Previous Rank: 32
Another week down, and another heartbreaking loss for the Detroit Lions. Despite hanging around with the Redskins for longer than many predicted, Detroit’s defense folded yet again with the game on the line. The Lions are a mess at running back as well as most other positions, and the team has unwisely handed the starting role over to free agent signee Rudi Johnson, while rookie Kevin Smith is stuck on the bench. With no sense of future at the position due to what appears to be a misguided decision, there’s no question that Detroit is the worst team in the NFL at this point in the season.
Next Game: at CHI (No. 18 )