2021 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Packers take top spot, Browns in a tailspin

After a slow start to the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are trending in the right direction now. Their latest game put them above 500 as they secured a 15-10 win over the Browns.

They still have holes on offense but their defense is for real and there are enough playmakers that they can steal some unexpected wins. It’s probably time to admit they’re not done yet.

Sean Payton is an amazing coach. Want proof?

The New Orleans Saints were winning with Jameis Winston at quarterback while working with a rag-tag group of wide receivers. Still not convinced? Well, Payton upped the ante when he knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Trevor Siemian on Sunday.

Winston suffered a leg injury that likely ended his season and with Taysom Hill out with a concussion, Siemian stepped in and led them to a shocking upset 36-27. The defense deserves a ton of credit too but that offense was impressive despite turning to their third quarterback.

It’s hard to say a team overlooked an opponent because we cannot see what’s going on in their heads but that feels like it may have been the case Sunday. The Cincinnati Bengals were shocked by the Jets who were starting Mike White in place of an injured Zach Wilson.

White threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns and the Bengals ran out of time as they lost 34-31. They’re still in the mix for the AFC North but gave the Ravens first place back after beating them a week ago.

It’s not ideal to head into the bye week after a loss but it’s even worse when it was a blowout defeat. That’s what happened to the Baltimore Ravens who lost 41-17 to the upstart Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7.

Now, they have a whole week to simmer over that loss which is never easy. Once back, they have a favorable schedule that includes games against Minnesota, Miami, and Chicago which could help them erase the sting from that loss.