Week 9: NFL Power Rankings

Not too many surprises this week in the National Football League. Outside of the drama in Detroit, many top teams such as the Saints, Packers and  Bengals steam rolled their opponents.

Something to really take away from this past week of football was what happened with the Seattle Seahawks. For a team that is supposedly the favorites coming out of the NFC, they showed their biggest weakness; the offensive line. The St. Louis Rams completely manhandled the Seahawks up front. The Seahawks better hope they get the number one seed in order for them to receive home field advantage, because on the road, they are just an average team. 

Another thing I would like to point out is the maturation of Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton. Over the past few weeks Newton has really taken a step forward.

I previously wrote an article about Cam Newton this past week. Click here to view it. If Cam Newton can keep us this type of play, the Panthers can definitely find themselves in the playoffs. They have the defense to do it.

Here are my Power Rankings for week 9. Feel free to leave your comments and opinions below. Also, make sure you check back every Tuesday morning as I will continue to post my Power Rankings throughout the season.

Number 1: Kansas City Chiefs (8-0) – Last Week 1

The Chiefs were able to survive a late push by the Cleveland Browns to remain the only undefeated team in the NFL. Next up is the Bills, then a bye and then their biggest challenge of the season, the Denver Broncos.

Number 2: Denver Broncos (7-1) – Last Week 2

The Broncos found themselves in a dog fight for much of their game against the Washington Redskins, however, their 31 fourth quarter points was good enough to give them a 45-21 victory.

Number 3:  Seattle Seahawks  (7-1) – Last Week 3

Well, it wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. The Seahawks offense continues to be incredibly inconsistent on the road, while the offensive line showed to be the main problem for this team. They need to improve the offensive line if they want to continue their success because come playoffs that is going to be a serious issue.

Number 4: Indianapolis Colts (5-2) – Last Week 4

The Colts had a weekend to relax and continue to get healthy. Next up is their in-division rival, Houston Texans on Sunday night.

Number 5: New Orleans Saints (6-1) – Last Week 6

A big time win by the New Orleans Saints against a decent Buffalo Bills team. Brees looked like Brees, throwing for over 300 yards and 5 touchdowns. Scary to think that this team has a top ten offense and defense.

Number 6: San Francisco 49’ers (6-2) – Last Week 5

Much like the Saints, the 49’ers had a huge win yesterday in London. Kaepernick is starting to look like last years  Kaepernick. If this defense can turn it around then the 49’ers could be looking at another Super Bowl appearance.

Number 7: New England Patriots (6-2) – Last Week 7

Yet another comeback victory led by Tom Brady. This team played very poor in the first half against the Dolphins, but somehow they found a way to come out in the second half and not only shutout the Dolphins, but put up 24 points.

Number 8: Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) – Last Week 9

Wow, did the Bengals look good or what yesterday? Dalton has been playing at a Pro-Bowl level the past three weeks and it is clearly showing on the field. If they can keep this up, the Bengals will put themselves right up top with the Chiefs, Broncos and Colts.

Number 9: Green Bay Packers (5-2) – Last Week 8

Another big win for the Packers as they continue to try and separate themselves in the NFC North. Their division play continues next week as they host an injured Bears team.

Number 10: Detroit Lions (5-3) – Last Week 11

Wow! What a game that the Lions played against Dallas. By far the game of the week in my opinion. Megatron is an absolute BEAST. Big time comeback win for Detroit. Really says a lot about who they are as a team.

Number 11: San Diego Chargers (4-3) – Last Week 13

Despite having their bye, the Chargers move up a couple spots by default. The bye might have come at the best time for San Diego as they will now face the most difficult portion of their schedule to close out the season.

Number 12:Dallas Cowboys  (4-4) – Last Week 10

Typical Cowboys. How do you possibly blow a lead like that? Not a good thing for Dallas, luckily they’re the best team in the worst division in football.

Number 13: Carolina Panthers  (4-3) – Last Week 20

I’m not sure what has happened with the Carolina Panthers over the past few weeks, but man, they are playing some phenomenal football. Newton has looked like a MVP the past three weeks, scoring 8 total touchdowns with no turnovers. This team is very much alive and with their defense they can make a serious push at a Wild Card spot.

Number 14: Baltimore Ravens (3-4) – Last Week 15

I’m giving the Ravens the benefit of the doubt moving them up one spot despite not playing. They have great talent and a really good coaching staff. With an easy schedule coming up this team has the ability to turn things around.

Number 15: Tennessee Titans  (3-4) – Last Week 16

Much like the Ravens, I am giving the Titans the BOTD. They have a tremendous defense and a balanced offense. They also have a winnable schedule to close out the season.

Number 16: Arizona Cardinals (4-4) – Last Week 19

Big time win for the Cardinals against a struggling Falcons team. To the surprise of many, the Cardinals are sitting at .500 and are in a great position to make a run at the post season.