B/R Experts Week 9 NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand? (2025)

All 32 of the NFL's teams were in action in Week 8, and action was certainly not in short supply.

In Cleveland, the lowly Browns used a fancy new invention called the forward pass to shock the first-place Baltimore Ravens. In Green Bay, the Packers outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars but suffered an injury that could mean big trouble in Titletown. A battle of first-place teams in Seattle was anything but, with the Buffalo Bills throttling the Seahawks.

A clash of historic NFC powers in Santa Clara got the 49ers back into first place-tie in the NFC West. The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles solidified their status as Super Bowl contenders with emphatic wins. And a showdown in the nation's capital between the top two picks in the 2024 draft ended with a finish we'll be watching on replay for approximately forever.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in the league. The Carolina Panthers remain terrible. And fans in New York were left wondering why the Jets always have to Jet.

Another wild week in the NFL has shaken up the balance of power across the league, and just as they do every week here at Bleacher Report, NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to rank the league's teams from worst to first.

Familiar faces bookend the rankings. But in between?

You can't ever say the NFL is boring.

Last Week: 30

Week 8 Result: Lost at Denver 28-14

The Carolina Panthers are a bad football team.

The opponent (outside one glorious game against the Las Vegas Raiders) hasn't mattered. Neither has the quarterback. Bryce Young was back under center for the Panthers in Denver, and the result was the same as all season long—less than 300 yards of total offense and another lopsided loss.

Carolina head coach Dave Canales told reporters he liked some of the things that Young did in Week 8, although he's not willing to commit to the second-year pro as the team's Week 9 starter.

"Trying to find a rhythm,'' Canales said. "Trying to find things he can throw with confidence. ... We mixed some different actions in there. That was part of our game plan. ... So, trying to give him good answers to do those things. It's his first time back out there, and he was able to just keep working through some of the issues and compete to find completions out there.''

Analyst's Take

"The Panthers aren't good on either side of the ball, and they might as well keep Bryce Young in the lineup for the remainder of the season. They need to determine if he has any future in Carolina, and the Panthers don't need Andy Dalton behind center to figure out which other players deserve to stick around. The effort, or lack thereof, over the final 10 weeks will speak volumes."

"The big question is whether head coach Dave Canales deserves to stay beyond this season. The rookie head coach probably shouldn't be judged too harshly, given the quality of the team he inherited. Given David Tepper's track record, though, Canales might not even make it to Week 18. On the plus side, Carolina owns its first-round pick in 2025, and it's going to be a high one." -- Knox

Last Week: 29

Week 8 Result: Lost at Detroit 52-14

Want to know how the season has gone for the Tennessee Titans? Sunday in Detroit, the Titans actually outgained the Lions by a wide margin...and lost by 38 points. The Titans turned the ball over four times and surrendered touchdowns on both a trick play and a punt return.

Titans head coach Brian Callahan has had a lot of practice this season trying to explain ugly losses while talking to the media. But it wasn't hard to discern where things went wrong in Motown.

"You're going to get blown out by every team in the league turning the ball over four times," Callahan said. "We just don't complement each other at all. Right now, our special teams give up yards, our defense doesn't get a stop and we don't do anything on offense and we turn it over. Everything needs to be better."

Other than that, though, things in Nashville aren't that bad.

Analyst's Take

"I'd like to say something positive about the Titans, so...Calvin Ridley's (10 catches for 145 yards Sunday) still pretty good, eh?"

"Really, the good news for Tennessee is that it has a tremendous chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick and finding its quarterback of the future in the spring. This team has already started selling off pieces—we could see more moves made before November 5—and I don't think it has a lot to play for, aside from pride and, perhaps, Brian Callahan's job." -- Knox

Last Week: 31

Week 8 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 25-22

The New England Patriots entered Week 8 a reeling team whose own head coach called them "soft" a week ago. When starting quarterback Drake Maye went down, it looked like it was going to be another long day in Beantown.

Instead, veteran backup Jacoby Brissett and the Patriots defense both stepped up, and a late touchdown run from running back Rhamondre Stevenson gave New England its first win at Gillette Stadium in over a year.

Brissett told reporters after the game that New England's players took their coach's criticism to heart.

"We got a challenge earlier this week. The guys came out and responded well," Brissett said. "We pushed it in at the end to score the win. I think that encompassed a lot of things throughout the season. Just hoping this is a snowball effect, the start of something special."

Frankly, it was a game that likely said more about the Jets than the Patriots. But for a team that hadn't won since the season opener, a victory was a welcome change of pace.

Analyst's Take

"The Patriots offense has some sizzle when Drake Maye is on the field throwing deep or picking up yards on the ground."

"New England's offense lost its pizzazz when Maye went into concussion protocol on Sunday. With him, the Patriots aren't one of the worst teams in the league, which is a baby step in the right direction. Hopefully, Maye doesn't miss extended time." -- Moton

Last Week: 28

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Green Bay 30-27

Things just keep getting better and better for the 2024 Jaguars.

It's not enough that the Jaguars once again came up short on the scoreboard, failing to prevent Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis from leading a late drive that culminated in a game-winning kick. Or that the Jags are now 2-6, with no real hope of making the playoffs.

No, now the team may also be trying out wide receivers in the stadium parking lot.

Christian Kirk's season is over after the veteran wide receiver fractured his collarbone. Rookie Brian Thomas (chest) and free agent-addition Gabe Davis (shoulder) both left the game and did not return. That left wideouts Parker Washington and Tim Jones and tight ends Evan Engram and Brenton Strange as the only healthy pass-catchers on the roster.

Head coach Doug Pederson tried to put a positive spin on a disastrous afternoon, crediting those players for stepping up when called upon while speaking to the media.

"I give credit to those receivers and those tight ends and the offensive line, he said. "Those guys, they made plays for [Trevor Lawrence]. Now, he made some really good throws and all of that, but those guys that were playing at the end of the game when you are down your top three receivers and you're playing in your 12 personnel for the rest of the game, that's tough. But the guys battled their tails off. Got us back to tying this football game with a chance to potentially win it there late. Hats off to those guys."

But the reality is Jacksonville had little chance of beating the Eagles in Philadelphia next week at full strength.

Now? Those odds go from slim to none.

Analyst's Take

"The Jaguars have a talented roster on the offensive side of the ball. Rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. has star potential, and Tank Bigsby can be a downhill lead running back similar to David Montgomery."

"However, the Jaguars can't stop anyone, not even the Packers with a backup quarterback. Head coach Doug Pederson's side of the ball can score, but this past offseason, he may have hired the wrong defensive coordinator in Ryan Nielsen." -- Moton

Last Week: 23

Week 8 Result: Lost at New England 25-22

There were plenty of things expected of the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets in 2024. Eight weeks in, being in last place in the AFC East most assuredly was not one of them.

That's where the Jets sit after squandering a late lead against the lowly Patriots. The offense and defense have been equally inconsistent. The addition of veteran wide receiver Davante Adams hasn't stemmed the losing even a little. Sunday's loss was the first time since 2012 that a team lost a game with zero giveaways and less than 250 yards allowed per ESPN Research. The Jets used all three first-half timeouts...in 10 plays.

While talking to reporters, interim Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich called the team's five-game skid a "moment of darkness."

"We did not execute in critical moments," said Ulbrich. "We say that's not who we are, but it's who we are until we demonstrate otherwise."

Tight end Tyler Conklin was a bit less philosophical.

"I mean, five losses in a row is pretty damn dark," Conklin said. "(Expletive), one or two losses in a row can get dark. This sucks."

However, quarterback Aaron Rodgers continued to insist that there's still time to turn things around.

"I've been in the darkness. You have to go in there and make peace with it."

Analyst's Take

"The 2024 Jets should remind you of the 2011 'Dream Team' Philadelphia Eagles. Like that Eagles squad 13 years ago, the Jets have a collection of marquee names, but they're not a good team and will likely miss the playoffs with a non-winning record."

"After another sloppy loss, the Jets should be dubbed the league's most disappointing team. With Rodgers, Adams, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Quinnen Williams, and Sauce Gardner, Gang Green is 2-6 and has lost five consecutive games in a disastrous start to general manager Joe Douglas' crucial campaign." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 25

Week 8 Result: Lost at Los Angeles Chargers 26-8

And then it was six.

The collapse of the 2024 New Orleans Saints continued unabated Sunday in Los Angeles. A blowout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers was the Saints sixth straight. The team benched backup quarterback Spencer Rattler for Jake Haener against the Bolts, but that was simply rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. Derek Carr could return this week, but he's not going to save what is clearly a lost season.

There has been no shortage of discussion of head coach Dennis Allen's future with the team. But he told reporters all he's concerned with is putting a stop to this long losing streak against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.

"The message is, it's the people in the room in there that are going to have to change it," Allen said. "Nobody's coming from outside the building. It's going to have to be the people in the locker room, coaches, to fix it. That's what it is. And we have to pay better attention to all the details. And we have to do a better job of coaching all the details, because the details matter in our league and we don't get to pick and choose which ones do and which ones don't."

Beating the awful Panthers might be doable, especially if Carr's back. But it won't save New Orleans' season—or Allen's job.

Analyst's Take

"I've tended to view the Saints favorably during the Dennis Allen era, because New Orleans has played well enough to remain relevant in the NFC South. That's no longer the case, though, because the Saints have too many injuries and too little talent to salvage this season. Even in the perennial winnable NFC South, New Orleans is cruising toward irrelevance."

"This isn't the worst team in the NFL, but it's trending toward the bottom—and the powerhouse that New Orleans appeared to be during its 2-0 start isn't making a return." -- Davenport

Last Week: 27

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 27-20

Stop me if you've heard this before—and if you've read this column this year, you have heard it before.

Sunday in Las Vegas, the Raiders played well enough to win. But as there seemingly is every week, there was a facet of the game where the team just would not get out of its own way. Against the Chiefs, it was the coaches—the offense's game plan was…puzzling. The clock management from head coach Antonio Pierce was even more so.

While addressing the media after another loss, Pierce lauded the fight of his team while simultaneously being tight-lipped about the primary culprits who cost them the game.

"We were competitive today," Pierce said. "I mean, I'm sure there's questions about what I did, but I think one thing our team did was we were competitive. We fought until the very end and gave ourselves a chance. As a team overall, we've got to get better. I'm not going to get into play calling or anything of that nature."

So, as the season circles the drain and team owner Mark Davis tries to shoot down Maxx Crosby trade rumors, the Raiders will keep doing what they've done all season long.

Play well enough to win...and then lose.

Analyst's Take

"The Raiders are a bottom-tier team that will battle playoff-caliber opponents in a close matchup and find a way to lose in the final quarter."

"Under head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders seem to feed off the underdog role, but they're too flawed and lack the talent—partially because of injuries—to pull off upset wins."

"The Raiders haven't quit on Pierce, but they'll be outmatched in most of their remaining games." -- Moton

Last Week: 32

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Baltimore 29-24

Not much has gone right for the Cleveland Browns this year. The team had failed to score 20 points in a game this season. Quarterback Deshaun Watson had been mostly terrible before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear.

That injury thrust veteran Jameis Winston into the starting job at quarterback for the Browns—and with Winston under center the Cleveland offense finally woke up.

Winston completed 27-of-41 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Seven of those passes went to Cedric Tillman, who scored two touchdowns—including a 38-yarder late that was the difference in the game.

Winston was waxing poetic after leading the Browns to easily their biggest victory of the season.

"Man, there's a white boy from Detroit that I really admire named Eminem," Winston told reporters. "He said, you only get one shot. Do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity lasts once in a lifetime."

Whatever you say, Jameis.

Analyst's Take

Well, if you wanted one more example of how disastrous the Watson fiasco has truly been, you got it on Sunday. Winston had the best game by a Cleveland quarterback this season by a country mile—and he did it without having the since-traded Amari Cooper to throw to.

It's all but certainly too late for the Browns to salvage the 2024 season, especially with the ground game continuing to struggle to get on track behind a banged-up offensive line. But at this point, the Browns are just searching for some respectability. Looking to staunch the bleeding that has seemingly been going on from the moment the season started.

For one week at least, the Browns did that. -- Davenport

Last Week: 26

Week 8 Result: Lost at Pittsburgh 26-18

Nothing should terrify an NFL head coach more than a vote of confidence from the team's owner, but ahead of Monday night's trip to Pittsburgh, that's just what Brian Daboll got from John Mara of the Giants.

"Obviously, we're all very disappointed with where we are right now," Mara told reporters. "But I'm going to say one thing: We are not making any changes this season and I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason either."

We'll see if Mara feels the same way after another loss where the Giants were their own worst enemy.

For much of the game, the Giants gave a two-loss Steelers team all it could handle. But when the stakes were highest, the Giants (as they so often do) imploded. There were two turnovers, including a game-sealing interception by Daniel Jones. Eleven penalties. A two-point conversion attempt that would have made the Three Stooges proud.

The Giants may well be better than their record.

But that doesn't mean they are good.

Analyst's Take

"There's no shortage of doom and gloom on both sides of MetLife Stadium. But there was a positive in Monday's loss, too."

"Rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. was outstanding against a tough Steelers defense, gaining a career-high 145 rushing yards and averaging over seven yards per carry. It's his second 100-yard game in the last four games, and the fifth-round rookie appears to be the real deal."

"Of course, it's the Giants, so Tracy left Monday's loss late with a head injury. But once he's healthy, the G-Men have their No. 1 running back."

"Quarterback is another story." -- Davenport

Last Week: 24

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Arizona 28-27

The good news for the Miami Dolphins is the team got quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back Sunday and scored their most points of the season.

The bad news is Miami didn't score as many points as Arizona, and at 2-5, the Dolphins' chances of making a playoff run are rapidly dwindling.

Despite the loss, both coaches and players alike tried to put a positive spin on Tagovailoa's return while addressing the media.

"He came back and got the offense going. That was a beautiful thing to see," wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. "We scored some points today, so that's a positive."

"I think the biggest thing was he knew his teammates were going to give him a chance to play a pretty clean game," coach Mike McDaniel said. "He had a good amount of clean pockets, and when he didn't, he was decisive and kept himself out of harm's way."

Now the team needs to start stacking some wins—quickly.

Analyst's Take

"Tua Tagovailoa played well in his first game since he suffered a concussion in Week 2, but he didn't do enough to get the Dolphins back in the win column.

Miami's pass defense had arguably its worst game of the season, giving up 111-plus receiving yards to two pass-catchers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride.

"If the Dolphins intend to make a midseason run for a wild-card playoff spot, they have little room for error." -- Moton

Last Week: 18

Week 8 Result: Lost at San Francisco 30-24

It wasn't supposed to be like this for the Dallas Cowboys. This was a team that was supposed to repeat as NFC East champions. Make a deep playoff run. Win Jerry Jones another Super Bowl.

Instead, the Cowboys are a 3-4 afterthought in the NFC that has been savaged by injuries on defense and can't run the ball a lick on offense. The NFL's most anemic ground game managed less than three yards a carry against the 49ers, and the Dallas defense was blitzed for a 21-0 third quarter that Dak Prescott couldn't dig the Cowboys out of.

Despite the setback, Prescott pledged to reporters that the Cowboys wouldn't just fade away this year.

"We know what it takes in this league," Prescott said. "You got hot, you get rolling, that's all you're looking to do. That's my point, that this is frustrating, but nobody is giving up. Nobody is shook, as you can say, from where we're at. We just got to focus up, get ready to go on the road and got another good team coming up and do whatever we can do make sure we come out with a victory. Get even. Then worry about after that after this next road game."

With their next four games against teams that are a combined 22-9 though, this flawed Cowboys team could be hard-pressed to keep the season on the rails.

Analyst's Take

The 2024 Cowboys are done. Finished. Kaput. It's more likely they miss the postseason altogether than win a playoff game. Dallas can't run the ball or rush the passer right now. The secondary is beat up. And over the next four games, the Cowboys face the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Washington Commanders. These Cowboys would be fortunate to split that quartet, and it's entirely possible that this is a 3-8 or 4-7 team in a month. -- Davenport

Last Week: 17

Week 8 Result: Lost at Houston 23-20

The Colts may have an Anthony Richardson problem.

That Richardson has struggled throwing the ball this year is hardly a secret, and those struggles were once again glaring in Week 8. Richardson attempted 32 passes Sunday...and completed 10. His two completions in 15 attempts in the first half was the lowest completion percentage (minimum 15 attempts) by a quarterback in 30 years, according to CBS.

And yet, despite another miserable day throwing the ball, Richardson told reporters after the loss that his accuracy is a non-issue.

"I feel like I'm a great passer," Richardson said. "I've been playing quarterback pretty much my whole life. I'm just a different quarterback from everybody else, so people are going to try to point out that I'm not as efficient as everybody else."

Richardson also pulled himself out of the game in the third quarter, claiming that he was fatigued after scrambling.

"Tired, ain't gonna lie," Richardson said. "That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn't think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there."

Now Steichen needs a break--on Tuesday the Colts announced that Richardson was being benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.

Analyst's Take

"Anthony Richardson's 44.4 completion percentage is a blight upon those who appreciate good football. At the same time, it's not nearly as bad as it appears. Multiple drops and excellent plays by defensive backs led to a staggeringly low 33.1 completion percentage against the Houston Texans. Yet Richardson delivered multiple passes that were catchable and even made a few big-time throws."

"Despite everything, the Colts have seen enough, as indicated by the organization's decision to bench Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 16

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 37-17

The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2024 season with high expectations. And despite yet another slow start, a win over the Philadelphia Eagles would have gotten the Bengals back to .500 for the season.

That didn't happen—or come close to happening—and after being dominated in most facets of the game by the Eagles, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow didn't mince words while addressing the media.

"We're not good enough," Burrow said. "We're not good enough."

Head coach Zac Taylor was only marginally more optimistic.

"There's no finger pointing," Taylor said. "We've got to take accountability, players and coaches. We're better than what our record indicates, but your record is what your record is."

The question now is beginning to become that if Cincinnati continues stacking losses, will Taylor survive as Cincy's head coach?

Performances like Week 8 don't help his chances.

Analyst's Take

"This just isn't the year for the Bengals. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase are awesome, but Cincinnati just doesn't have a whole lot else to hang its hat on. The defense looked good in Weeks 6 and 7, but a lot of defenses have looked good against the Giants (sans Malik Nabers) and Browns this season."

"The defense didn't look good at all against the Eagles, and it's likely to be a liability against teams like the Ravens (again), Steelers (twice) and Cowboys down the stretch. Teams still won't want to see Burrow in the postseason. I have serious doubts that Cincinnati can get there." -- Knox

Last Week: 22

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Minnesota 30-20

Heading into Thursday night's game with the one-loss Vikings, rumors were swirling that the Rams could be sellers as the trade deadline nears. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and even quarterback Matthew Stafford were mentioned as potential trade candidates.

However, after getting the proverbial band back together in last week's 10-point win over Minnesota, the Rams are suddenly right back in it in the NFC West.

Stafford threw for four touchdowns in the win, and he told reporters that getting Puka Nacua and Kupp back on the field made all the difference in the world for the Rams.

"They brought a lot of energy to our team, and a ton of confidence," said Stafford. "It's not only just the offense. I know the defense feels it too when those guys are out there making plays."

Kupp said he was just glad to be back out there after missing a month.

"It was just so much fun," Kupp said. "Offensively, we were just able to find ways to keep the sticks moving. Guys were just doing their jobs, and it was pretty cool to see us going."

Analyst's Take

What a difference a couple of wide receivers can make.

Over the first six games of the 2024 season combined, Stafford threw three touchdown passes. With Kupp and Nacua back, Stafford threw four scores, including one to Kupp. The return of L.A.'s star receivers doesn't fix all that ails the Rams—the offensive line continues to be an issue—but it certainly appeared to give the whole team a jolt. Lucky for the Rams, it's not like anyone is exactly running away with the NFC West -- Davenport

Last Week: 13

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Buffalo 31-10

The Seattle Seahawks would probably like to forget that Week 8 ever happened. Their blowout loss to the Bills got so out of hand that teammates Derick Hall and Jarran Reed had to be separated after exchanging punches on the sideline.

After the loss, Hall told the media that his kerfuffle with Reed was just a matter of tempers flaring in a moment of frustration.

"He loves the game, I love the game, and in that moment I think things got heated," Hall said. "But you know, he's a leader. He's the leader of our group. And when stuff hits the fan, you have to lean on those guys. And maybe we both could do something a little bit better."

Coupled with San Francisco's win Sunday night, that throttling made Seattle's stay atop the NFC West a short one. But with a big divisional game coming up in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle will need to have a short memory about getting carved up defensively and stifled offensively by the Bills.

Analyst's Take

"The Seahawks are a team without an identity, and first-year head coach Mike Macdonald knows it. 'It's too often we're in throw mode at the end,'" Macdonald told reporters after Sunday's 31-10 to the Bills.

"To the coach's point, running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for 12 carries against Buffalo. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who previously served as the Washington Huskies' offensive coordinator, led college football's second-best passing attack last season. However, his unit ranked 106th in rushing offense.

"The Seahawks have talented ball-carriers. They need to use them." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 21

Week 8 Result: Won at Miami 28-27

The Arizona Cardinals hadn't won consecutive games or had two pass-catchers surpass 100 receiving yards in the same game since 2021. They got both in Week 8, and they're now surprisingly part of a three-team logjam atop the NFC West.

Thanks to big games from rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride, the Cardinals erased a two-score fourth-quarter deficit to win on a game-ending field goal for the second week in a row. After the victory, quarterback Kyler Murray told reporters that opponents who underestimate Arizona's offense do so at their own peril.

"I like us," Murray said. "I want the ball in my hands. I want the ball in our hands. With the guys that we have offensively, as long as we stay on schedule and we execute, I think we can be one of the best offenses in the league."

Head coach Jonathan Gannon laid much of the credit at the feet of the team's quarterback.

"They couldn't sack him," Gannon said. "He extended plays a bunch, had a couple of free runners, couple (cover) zeros and got out of them. He's tough back there to get down."

Analyst's Take

"Murray shouldn't force-feed the ball to Harrison, though the coaching staff must continue to keep the rookie wideout involved in the passing attack. In Weeks 2 and 8, we have seen glimpses of Harrison's Offensive Rookie of the Year potential and how the Cardinals can score in flurries when he's clicking with Murray.

"That tandem has to be at its best for the Cardinals to hang with the top teams." -- Moton

Last Week: 19

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Carolina 28-14

It might be time to start taking the Denver Broncos seriously as a playoff contender.

Granted, Sunday's win comes with the asterisk that is beating the hapless Carolina Panthers. But the Broncos took care of business regardless. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix played his best game in the NFL, throwing three touchdown passes. The Denver defense continues to play at a high level, allowing only 284 yards of offense and forcing a pair of turnovers.

After the victory, Nix credited a Denver offense that racked up 400 yards and 28 points.

"Everybody on the field was making plays: receivers, tight ends, running backs," Nix told reporters. "The ball was being dispersed to a lot of positions and I thought that was good. Tough on a defense when you're getting a lot of guys involved."

The Broncos are now headed into their biggest litmus test of the season. In Week 9, they travel to Baltimore to face an angry Ravens team that was just upset in Cleveland.

Analyst's Take

"I'm certainly not going to throw Nix into the Rookie-of-the-Year conversation, but he has shown an impressive amount of growth since stumbling out of the gate. The Broncos defense was good enough to overcome his early growing pains, and Denver is now beginning to look and play like a balanced team."

"I'd say that the Broncos are better at this point with Nix than they were with Russell Wilson in 2023. That team won eight games. This one has already won five and could be marching its way into a wild-card berth. Upcoming road games against the Ravens and Chiefs should tell us exactly how much of a threat Denver can be." -- Knox

Last Week: 20

Week 8 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 26-8

Granted, it came against a New Orleans Saints team that has completely imploded. But on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Chargers played maybe their most balanced offensive game of the year.

On the ground, the Chargers logged 122 yards on 29 carries. For the second straight week, the passing game was more effective, with quarterback Justin Herbert rebounding from a slow start to throw for 279 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to rookie Ladd McConkey.

In the postgame presser, Herbert told reporters that he believes the Chargers are still fine-tuning their offensive identity.

"I think it's all about finding our identity. Going into a game and playing it the way it needs to be played," Herbert said. "If we're throwing the ball a bunch, it's all about being smart with the ball, taking our shots downfield and understanding the situation. We believe that we got a great offensive line and a great run game, so it's on us to be able to put those together."

Analyst's Take

"The Chargers offense is a different animal when it can actually stretch the field with wide receivers. They were able to do that with a healthy McConkey on Sunday, and I expect to see continued offensive growth once Quentin Johnston (ankle) returns to the lineup. If head coach Jim Harbaugh can marry even an average offense to the league's top-ranked scoring defense, Los Angeles should be relevant over the second half of the season."

"However, I still believe L.A. is a year away from being a contender. The closest thing the Chargers have to a quality win has come against the Broncos—and the jury is still very much out on Denver. Still, the Chargers might not need to be great to slip into the postseason. They'll have a chance to pad their record with upcoming games against the Browns, Titans and Bengals." -- Knox

Last Week: 11

Week 8 Result: Lost at Washington 18-16

You know all the momentum that the Bears had entering the bye week? Yeah, that's gone.

The Bears had an extra week to prepare for the Commanders, but it didn't look like it Sunday. Quarterback Caleb Williams reverted to the struggling rookie whom we saw earlier in the year, completing just 10-of-24 passes. Chicago's defense had no answer for Jayden Daniels and the Washington offense, allowing 481 yards of offense.

Even then, the Bears managed to keep Washington out of the end zone and took the lead late—only to blow it on a terribly defended Hail Mary in which cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was too wrapped up in jawing at Commanders fans to knock the ball down and secure the victory.

It was a gut-punch loss in a number of ways, but Williams told reporters that he intends to use it as fuel moving forward.

"That's just us shooting ourselves in the foot and that comes from details and focus in the game, throughout the week," said Williams, a Washington-area native who was playing back home for the first time as a pro. "That comes from myself. I'm included in that for sure. Definitely missed a few passes that I don't miss typically so, tough, but very encouraging because we stayed in it."

We'll see Sunday in Arizona, in what has become a game the Bears need.

Analyst's Take

"The Bears aren't going to forget their excruciating last-second loss to the Commanders. D'Andre Swift's performance shouldn't be completely overlooked during what will go down as a historically good ending (at least for general football and Commanders fans).

"Williams struggled throughout most of Sunday's contest. He didn't finally pick up his play until Chicago's last two offensive series. Swift delivered all afternoon, though. He provided 129 rushing yards, including a 56-yard touchdown scamper.

"Even with Williams not playing at a high level, the Bears can lean on their running back." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 12

Week 8 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 31-26

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a tough stretch, and things aren't going to get any easier. After losing to the Falcons on Sunday, the Bucs have dropped two straight to contenders. The Falcons swept the season series.

Tampa's next two games are against last year's Super Bowl participants. And the Bucs will play both without wide receivers Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring).

Tampa's defense has been positively roasted of late, including allowing four touchdown passes in Week 8. Head coach Raheem Morris told reporters that if the Bucs are going to reverse their skid and win the NFC South again, the key is getting improved play defensively after allowing 27 or more points in four straight games.

"It starts with me. It starts with the defensive coaches, and it starts with the players. We've got to play better," Bowles said. "We have to fix it. Nobody is coming to save us," Bowles added. "We have to do a hell of a lot better job then we're doing, and that starts with me."

Given how Tampa has looked this season on that side of the ball, repairs could be easier said than done.

Analyst's Take

"Evans and Godwin are the lifeblood of the Bucs' roster. The two have been a tandem since the 2017 campaign. However, Godwin is now out for the season because of a dislocated ankle, while Evans is nursing a balky hamstring.

"In their absence, tight end Cade Otton quickly emerged as Baker Mayfield's favorite target with 17 catches for 181 yards over the last two contests. Mayfield can keep the offense going and the team competitive even without Evans and Godwin in the lineup." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 15

Week 8 Result: Won at Tampa Bay 31-26

Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has guided the Falcons to the top of the NFC South after scorching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for four touchdown passes for the second time this season. But while talking to reporters after the victory, Cousins said his primary concern was just Week 8 and not winning the division.

"We didn't get too caught up in the division with how much football there is left to play," Cousins said. "We understand the importance of winning the South and facing a divisional opponent, but didn't talk about scenarios. ... Right now, we're just trying to focus on playing our best football and seeing where that leads."

Tight end Kyle Pitts has been in Atlanta for longer than Cousins. The young tight end, who caught two touchdown passes Sunday, put a little more stock in the Falcons being a first-place team eight weeks into the season.

"This is the first time (since) I've been here with us having (a division lead this late into the season)," Pitts said. "So, it's pretty cool for us just to be a new team with a new vision. We're just taking it week by week."

Analyst's Take

"Cousins has been everything the Falcons could have hoped for and more. After being stuck in quarterback limbo over the last two seasons, Atlanta now has a legitimate starter who ranks fourth leaguewide with 1,830 passing yards.

The Falcons' new starter has feasted on the rival Buccaneers with 785 passing yards and eight touchdowns in their two meetings this year. With that success, the 5-3 Falcons now control the NFC South thanks to a 4-0 divisional record." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 14

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Dallas 30-24

The San Francisco 49ers weren't in unfamiliar territory entering Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Slow starts to the season have become a somewhat regular occurrence under head coach Kyle Shanahan, even if the team would rather they weren't.

This year, injuries on offense were largely to blame. The team suffered yet another one Sunday night when running back Jordan Mason left after aggravating his shoulder injury. But rookie Isaac Guerendo stepped up in Mason's stead, the Niners peeled off 21 straight points in the third quarter and San Fran held off a late charge to move back into a tie for first place in the NFC West.

Veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams told reporters that the 49ers are still trying to find their stride, but things are headed in the right direction.

"We're a confident team," Williams said. "We know that we haven't played up to our standard that many times in these first eight games. I don't think that we were looking at this game to draw some newfound confidence. I just think that when we can run the ball effectively and not turn it over, the results today are what we can expect."

Analyst's Take

"The Niners can't be dismissed by any stretch. We've already seen them go from 3-4 to 13-4 in a season, and they've managed to tread water despite their injuries. The bye week should help wide receiver Jauan Jennings get healthy, and at some point, the team hopes to have running back Christian McCaffrey as well.

"If McCaffrey returns to practice as expected in Week 10, the 49ers could be primed for another second-half surge." -- Davenport

Last Week: 9

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Chicago 18-15

Jayden Daniels' performance against the Chicago Bears is how legends are made.

It's not just that Daniels played after missing most of last week's game with a rib injury. Or that he threw for 326 yards and ran for 52 more. It's that 52 of those passing yards came on a game-winning Hail Mary to wide receiver Noah Brown.

It's a moment that makes stars into superstars—and Daniels told reporters he couldn't even really see what happened.

"I just heard people screaming and our sideline rushing the field. That's how I knew," said Daniels. "That's kind of like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Not too many people get to experience stuff like that."

The even bigger story Sunday may be Washington's defense. After some early-season struggles, the Commanders have been solid on that side of the ball as of late. They held Caleb Williams in check and allowed only 307 yards of offense.

Make no mistake: The Commanders aren't a fluky 6-2. This team is for real.

Analyst's Take

"Daniels can do it all. He can lead the NFL in completion percentage. He can lead all rookies in rushing yardage. He can overcome a rib injury and lead his team to victory even if it requires a miraculous Hail Mary to do so.

"Daniels is the no-doubt favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. With Williams, this year's No. 1 overall pick, on the other side of the field, it became even more obvious who this year's top option really is." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 8

Week 8 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 26-18

Last week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told Jay Glazer of Fox Sports that his decision to start Russell Wilson in Week 7 wasn't necessarily a permanent one.

"Look, if it doesn't work out, I'll take the heat, I'll shoulder the blame, no problem," Tomlin said, per Glazer. "The reason I did this, is I knew I had two quarterbacks going into camp that are very capable, but I wanted to see both of them before I made a long-term decision. Well, I haven't seen the other one [Wilson]. I want to see at least what I have from him, exhaust all options, and then make a decision down the stretch."

It's looking less and less like there will be another decision to make.

Since Wilson took over under center, the Steelers offense has opened up. Wilson wasn't flawless Monday night, but he was red-hot in the second half and his deep throws have unlocked wide receiver George Pickens.

Add in a ferocious pass rush and punishing ground game, and the Steelers have the look of a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Analyst's Take

"What's not to like about the Steelers as they enter their bye? Wilson is playing well. Najee Harris has gained 100-plus yards on the ground in three straight games. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are as good a one-two punch on the edge as any in the NFL—and showed it Monday night.

"Pittsburgh's schedule is daunting post-bye—all six AFC North games are still on the slate, as are the Commanders, Eagles and undefeated Chiefs. But the first meeting with Baltimore on November 17 has become a fascinating game—because it could carry massive stakes for two teams that don't like one another even a little." -- Davenport

Last Week: 3

Week 8 Result: Lost at Los Angeles 30-20

Some of the shine has come off the Minnesota Vikings.

After peeling off five wins in as many games to open the season, the Vikings have now dropped two straight after losing on the road to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. They may have suffered an even bigger loss than on the scoreboard, too.

The Vikings had played every game this season with the same five starters on the offensive line. But left tackle Christian Darrisaw will now miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee against the Rams.

The injury forced veteran David Quessenberry into the starting lineup against L.A., although head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters that Minnesota is keeping its options open up front moving forward.

"I thought [Quessenberry] settled in and did some things to help us," O'Connell said, "but yeah, whether when you talk about that mentality of trying to get the best five guys in there, not only those five options but then what's the rest of the depth look like? I do feel like this is where your O-line depth that we felt good about throughout training camp and then leading into the season gives you possibilities and we'll continue to have that dialogue within our coaching staff and we'll figure out what the best plan of attack is moving forward, and I do think there's multiple options on the table with that and that's what we've got to figure out."

Analyst's Take

"The injury to Darrisaw isn't Minnesota's only problem coming out of the loss against the Rams, although it may be the most pressing. Sam Darnold has locked onto Justin Jefferson to the point that it may be hurting the Vikings. As great as Jefferson is, Minnesota struggled offensively with almost half of Darnold's attempts and passing yards going his way.

"The biggest issue, however, remains the Vikings' leaky pass defense. Matthew Stafford had more touchdown passes Thursday (four) than he had all season preceding that game. The Vikings have the worst pass defense in the NFC.

"It's going to be awfully hard to catch Detroit when you have no real chance of stopping them." -- Davenport

Last Week: 4

Week 8 Result: Lost at Cleveland 29-24

No quarterback in the NFL has played at a higher level this season than Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. Before Sunday's trip to Cleveland, Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah told reporters that the Browns knew the Ravens offense would be a handful.

"When we say there's another level, it's just like, alright, like we didn't know there was another level because he's been playing on such a great level and high level," Owusu-Koramoah said. "He's using his feet, he's doing miraculous plays, extending plays as all great quarterbacks do."

Jackson, running back Derrick Henry and the Ravens offense held up their end. They tallied 387 yards, 24 points and zero turnovers.

But Baltimore's NFL-worst pass defense crumbled again, allowing well over 300 passing yards and three touchdown passes from Browns backup Jameis Winston. It was the first time this season that the Browns scored 20 points in a game.

So of course the Ravens made an offensive move Tuesday, acquiring wide receiver Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Maybe Johnson can play both ways.

Analyst's Take

"There's no denying that the Ravens are explosive and exciting on offense, whether it's Jackson extending plays and throwing accurate passes or Henry running people over. But there's also no denying that the Baltimore secondary is officially a problem.

"Entering Week 8, the Ravens were dead last in the league in pass defense, and they looked it against a backup quarterback with a depleted wideout corps. Baltimore has now surrendered a whopping 291.4 yards per game through the air.

"That woeful pass defense has put considerable pressure on Jackson and the Ravens offense. On Sunday, they buckled under it." -- Davenport

Last Week: 10

Week 8 Result: Won at Cincinnati 37-17

Week 8 featured a pair of contending teams traveling to the state of Ohio. In Cleveland, the Browns stunned the Baltimore Ravens. In Cincinnati, it was the Philadelphia Eagles who did the stunning.

The Eagles dominated just about every facet of Sunday's meeting with the Bengals, whether it was as many total touchdowns as incompletions for quarterback Jalen Hurts or only 280 yards of offense allowed by the Philadelphia defense.

After the victory, Hurts talked up Philly's defensive level of play while speaking to the media.

"I think today was a great team win, a great showing as a team," Hurts said. "When you play like that on defense and you're able to stop an offense capable of playing at a high level and with the star players they have on that team, that's a great job."

Wide receiver DeVonta Smith had his own attaboys to offer up.

"We're executing at a high level right now," Smith said. "Guys are in the right spots at the right time."

Analyst's Take

"I don't think the Eagles are quite back to where they were during their 2022 Super Bowl run. However, they're certainly trending in the right direction."

"The offense has obviously been much better since Smith and A.J. Brown returned after the bye. The defense finally seems to be finding its identity under Vic Fangio. Philly is probably a tier below Detroit in the NFC, but I expect the Eagles to be one of the top challengers in the conference." -- Knox

Last Week: 7

Week 8 Result: Won vs. Indianapolis 23-20

There's no question that C.J. Stroud is the leader of the Houston offense. After the Texans outlasted the rival Colts on Sunday to open up a two-game lead in the AFC South, head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters he continues to be impressed by his second-year quarterback on a weekly basis.

"He made great decisions with the football all day," Ryans told reporters. "Kept us out of some bad plays. Can't say enough about what C.J. is doing and how he is leading this offense. So very proud of him."

While Stroud may be the team's offensive leader, running back Joe Mixon has become the offense's engine. In all but one game he's played this season, Mixon has eclipsed 100 rushing yards and scored. The veteran running back said he's glad to do whatever is necessary to help his new team win.

"I'm in my element. I'm in my zone honestly," he said. "It's a great thing where I can be able to try to do whatever I can to put the team on my back."

However, the Texans suffered a devastating injury during Sunday's win. Star receiver Stefon Diggs tore his ACL and is out for the year.

Analyst's Take

"Houston suffered yet another blow to the wide receiver corps with the injury to Diggs. They will be moving forward without him and Nico Collins (for at least a few weeks). Stroud already hasn't quite looked like the quarterback that he was last year. But the loss of both of his starting outside receivers could drastically change Houston's offensive approach, with a greater emphasis on Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz working the middle of the field." -- Sobleski

Last Week: 5

Week 8 Result: Won at Jacksonville 30-27

The Green Bay Packers may have won the battle and lost the war.

The Packers gutted out a three-point win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday to move to 6-2 on the year and keep pace in the uber-competitive NFC North. But in doing so, the Pack may have lost their starting quarterback, potentially for a prolonged period.

Jordan Love injured his groin in the game and left early in the second half. He's set to undergo further testing this week, but head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged to reporters that the team is concerned about the fifth-year veteran.

"Obviously high level of concern any time a guy's [not] in there," LaFleur said. "And he did it early in that first drive and I think you guys, I think everybody could see him struggling to move around. And it got to a point where we didn't feel like, and he didn't feel like he could protect himself. So, went with Malik and you can't say enough great things about Malik Willis, the job that he's able to do to go in there."

Willis has played well in Love's stead, both in Week 8 and earlier this season when Love was sidelined by a knee sprain. But next Sunday brings a visit to Lambeau from the red-hot, division-leading Detroit Lions.

Beating them with a run-heavy game plan and backup quarterback won't be easy.

Analyst's Take

"Green Bay has another quarterback scare with Love. The Packers won two games without him in September, beating the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans in those contests."

"If Green Bay has to match up against the Lions without Love this week, running back Josh Jacobs should be the focal point of the offense while Willis is under center to field a formidable ground attack in an NFC North showdown." -- Moton

Last Week: 6

Week 8 Result: Won at Seattle 31-10

The Buffalo Bills had been plagued by slow starts this season. But Sunday in Seattle, the Bills came racing out of the gate. This game was effectively over by halftime.

After the lopsided victory, quarterback Josh Allen told reporters that it felt good to start a game off strong.

"It was great," Allen said. "Got off to a quick start, first drive, go down there and get points. It's something that we've talked about repetitively over the course of the last couple weeks. Felt good to go out there and get it done."

Head coach Sean McDermott indicated that starting fast was a point of emphasis for the Bills this week.

"It's always a priority, even though we haven't done a great job of that," McDermott said. "So I tell you guys, we go back and look at everything and so we went back and looked at some things, and I felt more than anything, we got into a rhythm early."

Consider that point made emphatically.

Analyst's Take

"Buffalo's offense is rolling. In five of the Bills' six wins, they have scored at least 31 points. But the continuing maturation of what they're doing now is becoming apparent.

"Along with the addition of Amari Cooper', Keon Coleman's maturation has given Buffalo legitimate options on the outside. Coleman has 195 receiving yards over the last two games, with at least seven targets in both contests. He's becoming the big, physical option whom the Bills envisioned when they drafted him at the top of April's second round. -- Sobleski

Last Week: 2

Week 8 Result: Won vs Tennessee 52-14

As you can see from a quick glance at the scoreboard, the Lions are rolling. They dismantled an overmatched Titans team by 38 points in a game where their defense forced four turnovers while the offense amassed only 225 total yards.

From the moment that defense lost its best player in edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, there have been calls for Detroit to trade for a pass-rusher. Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, an Eastern Michigan product, has been a popular name in those rumors.

That talk is probably just that. But on a recent radio appearance, Lions broadcaster T.J. Lang said it's not impossible that the Lions could swing a deal for the Raiders star.

"I don't think it's lost on Maxx Crosby to look at the season and say, 'We're going nowhere,' and if the right fit is there, can we make it?" Lang said. "I'm not saying that's there, I'm not saying it's gone. But I don't think the door's completely shut. ... I don't think that hope is lost that Maxx Crosby is open to a trade. I'm not saying I don't think hope is lost that the Lions are gonna go and get him."

That would be a blockbuster move. But even without Crosby, it's hardly a stretch to call the Lions the favorites in the NFC.

When is the last time that could be said? Could it ever?

Analyst's Take

"The Lions are clearly the team to beat in the NFC, and they might be the best team in the NFL. I'd still like to see Detroit make a defensive addition or two ahead of the trade deadline, but the offense (and special teams) can cover up a lot of warts even if it doesn't."

"Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is making the most of Detroit's glut of playmakers. The Lions are beatable, but the list of teams that can knock them off in January is quite short." -- Knox

Last Week: 1

Week 8 Result: Won at Las Vegas 27-20

The Kansas City Chiefs aren't piling up style points. But they keep on stacking wins.

Against the rival Raiders, Kansas City had no run game to speak of. They mustered only 82 yards on 29 carries. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes actually had one of his better games of the season, passing for 262 yards and two scores. But he also threw a key interception deep in Chiefs territory that could have given the Raiders the lead.

However, Kansas City's defense rose up, failing to let the Raiders score on 1st-and-goal from the 3-yard line. While talking to reporters after the game, Mahomes praised the defense for picking up the offense's slack.

"It's easy in that situation to let them kind of get into the end zone because it's not really on them," Mahomes said. "It was on the offense that put them in position, but they stood their ground. The defense made a big-time stop and we were able to carry momentum into a win."

The Raiders were actually the last team to beat the Chiefs last year in Kansas City, but at Allegiant Stadium, it has been another story. In fact, counting last year's Super Bowl, the Chiefs are a perfect 6-0 in that building.

Analyst's Take

"The still-undefeated Chiefs will work on acclimating new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to their offense, and he will elevate their lackluster passing attack. Kansas City also added help on the defensive front this week, acquiring edge-rusher Josh Uche from the Patriots for a Day 3 pick."

"For now, Kansas City's defense is playing at a level similar to last season, even without cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. That was enough to keep its record spotless and remain atop the power rankings." -- Moton