As of November 1, no NFL team remains undefeated. Week 8 brought a major upset as the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys needed overtime against the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals. The Baltimore Ravens are also facing a difficult stretch after another injury to quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Here are the Week 9 NFL power rankings, with previous positions in parentheses. These rankings reflect the action available before the Sunday night and Monday night games.
## 1. Buffalo Bills (1)
**Record: 6-1.** Buffalo’s game changed significantly after Lamar Jackson was injured, making it difficult to draw broad conclusions from the result. Josh Allen did set the franchise’s all-time touchdown record and became the NFL’s career leader in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. The Bills’ offense converted just 4 of 14 third downs, but they are increasingly positioned to pursue the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye.
## 2. San Francisco 49ers (2)
**Record: 6-1.** The 49ers return from their bye with the possibility of getting Deebo Samuel, Mike Evans and Christian McCaffrey back in the lineup. The defense could also benefit from a new-look defensive line featuring DeForest Buckner and a potentially healthy Nick Bosa. San Francisco has remained competitive despite numerous injuries, and a healthier roster could strengthen its outlook.
## 3. Detroit Lions (4)
**Record: 5-2.** Beating the last undefeated team carries weight. Detroit totaled 384 yards against Minnesota and scored 13 points in the second half, even though the offense was not flawless. The defense also appears to be improving. However, linebacker Jack Campbell’s frightening injury, after he was taken from the field on a backboard, casts a shadow over the victory.
## 4. Chicago Bears (7)
The Bears made a major move by acquiring Jeffery Simmons. The trade may have cost the team heavily, but it gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit a key addition. If Chicago’s offense continues to perform at a high level and the defense becomes above average, the Bears have the potential to compete with any team in the league.
## 5. Denver Broncos (8)
Rookie running back Jonah Coleman made another major impact. His 51-yard catch-and-run set up the go-ahead touchdown, building on his breakout performance the previous week. Denver needed an offensive spark, and Coleman has provided one. Questions remain about quarterback Bo Nix, but the defense and rookie running back could continue helping the Broncos win games.
## 6. Seattle Seahawks (5)
Seattle added left guard Quenton Nelson, addressing a significant problem along the interior offensive line. Running backs Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet are also expected back for Monday Night Football. Those changes could help restore balance to the offense. The question holding the Seahawks below the top five is quarterback Sam Darnold.
## 7. Minnesota Vikings (4)
Minnesota’s loss highlighted a need for more help in the running game. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason combined for only 42 yards on 15 carries. The offense converted 3 of 10 third downs and reached the red zone twice in 11 drives. Until the Vikings improve their rushing attack—or acquire a top running back such as Jonathan Taylor—they remain a tier below the leading teams.
## 8. Kansas City Chiefs (3)
Kansas City had a chance to win against Denver, but could not finish from the 1-yard line. A pass play went nowhere, Kenneth Walker was stopped on second down, a false start erased a potential touchdown, and Patrick Mahomes was sacked on the final play. The sequence raised further concerns about the Chiefs’ offensive line.
## 9. Jacksonville Jaguars (10)
Jacksonville earned a 42-7 win, though the opponent’s struggles limited what could be learned from the performance. The Jaguars’ backups, including Quinn Ewers and Ameer Abdullah, saw extensive action. At 5-2, Jacksonville will take the result, but faces a quick turnaround before a Thursday night game against a Ravens team dealing with quarterback injuries.
## 10. Cincinnati Bengals (9)
Cincinnati turned the ball over four times and allowed 440 yards and 36 points before escaping with an overtime victory. The Bengals benefited from playing one of the league’s weakest teams, but the win leaves them one victory behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North. Cincinnati still looks like the division’s strongest team, though its playoff potential is less certain.
## 11. New England Patriots (11)
The Patriots secured another victory without A.J. Brown. Drake Maye contributed with his arm and legs, while DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams each scored a key touchdown. New England is 5-3, but its next game against Green Bay will be more demanding, particularly if Brown remains unavailable.
## 12. Los Angeles Rams (12)
The Rams won by 15 points, but their offensive performance left room for improvement. They converted only 3 of 11 third downs and produced 152 net passing yards. Los Angeles is back at .500 and has the Commanders and Cardinals ahead. The Cardinals, as their recent results suggest, should not be treated as an automatic win.
## 13. Pittsburgh Steelers (17)
Pittsburgh is 6-2, powered by Jaylen Warren and a strong defense. That approach may not work against every opponent, but it has been effective against teams the Steelers are expected to beat. Their upcoming schedule includes the Ravens, Eagles, Titans and Panthers. If Pittsburgh handles those matchups, a double-digit-win season is possible for Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy.
## 14. Green Bay Packers (14)
At 5-3, Green Bay remains in the NFC playoff picture despite playing without Micah Parsons. Jordan Love has performed at a high level, but the Packers’ ground game is a serious concern: they average 60.6 rushing yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry. A difficult stretch against New England, Minnesota and Los Angeles will test whether the team can overcome that weakness.
## 15. New York Giants (19)
The Giants are looking to improve their position in the NFC East and have been linked to possible trade moves involving Jonathan Taylor and Jeffery Simmons. The coaching staff has helped develop J.J. McCarthy and Deonte Banks while getting strong production from tight end Isaiah Likely. Upcoming games against Philadelphia and Washington could create an opportunity to gain ground.
## 16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23)
Tampa Bay has won two straight and is back in the NFC South race. The team’s 46-point advantage in point differential over that span is notable, though it does not make the Buccaneers an elite team. With Todd Bowles remaining in charge for the rest of the season, Tampa Bay has reason to believe it can contend for the division.
## 17. Atlanta Falcons (13)
Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and produced 125 net passing yards on 24 dropbacks against Tampa Bay. The weather contributed to Atlanta’s offensive difficulties, but the performance raised questions about the team’s long-term quarterback plans. The Falcons now face the Bengals, Chiefs, Vikings and Lions, a challenging stretch that could put their record under pressure.
## 18. Cleveland Browns (16)
After close wins over Baltimore and Tennessee, Cleveland was soundly beaten by Pittsburgh. Harold Fannin Jr. was a bright spot, but the offense otherwise resembled the struggling unit many expected to see. The Browns also continue to have trouble stopping the run. A matchup with New Orleans offers a chance to respond.
## 19. Las Vegas Raiders (21)
Kirk Cousins helped end Las Vegas’ four-game losing streak, passing for 247 yards and contributing four total touchdowns. The Raiders are 4-4 and are expected to remain committed to their long-term plan with Fernando Mendoza. Their next three opponents are San Francisco, Seattle and Denver, making another difficult stretch likely.
## 20. Dallas Cowboys (18)
Dallas suffered a damaging overtime defeat after allowing Arizona to score 20 fourth-quarter points. The Cowboys converted 37.5% of their third downs and averaged 20.1 yards per drive, while the defense again struggled. The loss deepens concerns about both units and raises questions about the coaching staff’s future.
## 21. Carolina Panthers (20)
Carolina’s season has turned quickly. Injuries have hit the offensive line, with Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Damien Lewis and Taylor Moton among those affected. Bryce Young has also struggled, while injuries have forced backups into the secondary and at edge rusher. A game against Denver will be another difficult test.
## 22. Baltimore Ravens (15)
Lamar Jackson was injured on his first play in Week 8, and backup Snoop Huntley later left with a toe injury. Baltimore has lost three consecutive games, and its offense has struggled with backup quarterbacks. The Ravens are approaching a 4-5 record, with their next game against Jacksonville looming.
## 23. Arizona Cardinals (25)
Gardner Minshew led Arizona to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against Dallas. The result was a significant win for first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, whose team has also beaten the Chargers and Rams. Rookie running back Jeremiyah Love suffered another ankle injury, but the Cardinals can take encouragement from the coach’s early results.
## 24. Houston Texans (22)
Houston’s loss to the Giants before its bye hurt its playoff hopes, especially with a potentially manageable schedule ahead against the Chargers, Browns and Colts. The Texans have the league’s fourth-worst rushing offense at 84.7 yards per game, and their defense allows 2.29 points per drive. C.J. Stroud, however, has rebounded and is playing like a top-10 quarterback.
## 25. Philadelphia Eagles (24)
Philadelphia entered its Sunday night game with major questions about the roster’s direction. A win could keep the Eagles within reach of the NFC East lead, but it might also complicate decisions about whether to buy or sell before the trade deadline. Potential trade discussions could involve Saquon Barkley, Dallas Goedert, Landon Dickerson and other players.
## 26. New Orleans Saints (27)
New Orleans is 2-5 after its bye, leaving the team to weigh whether to sell at the trade deadline or keep pushing. Tyler Shough is trying to establish himself as the long-term starting quarterback, while head coach Kellen Moore’s position may not be secure. A win against Cleveland could revive the Saints’ hopes in the NFC South.
## 27. Washington Commanders (28)
Jayden Daniels continues to show the ability that made him a star as a rookie, but injuries have left him carrying too much of the offense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Terry McLaurin and Laremy Tunsil are on injured reserve, and Daron Payne suffered a season-ending injury. Washington still has a chance to challenge Philadelphia in its Sunday night matchup.
## 28. Tennessee Titans (32)
Tennessee fell to 1-7 after an overtime loss, but Cam Ward delivered a career-best performance. The Titans benefited from Cincinnati’s turnovers, yet Ward’s showing provided a reason for optimism. The team also received two first-round picks in exchange for Jeffery Simmons.
## 29. Miami Dolphins (29)
Miami led New England 13-3 at halftime but lost control of the game in the second half. The offense struggled to respond until a late touchdown made the margin closer. The Dolphins are 1-6, though the team’s competitive opening half and continued commitment to Jeff Hafley’s vision offer some encouragement.
## 30. New York Jets (30)
Several Jets players offered bright spots against Las Vegas. Braelon Allen recorded 153 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, Adonai Mitchell had 142 receiving yards and a score, and Garrett Wilson gained 83 yards on six catches. The performance provided reasons for optimism about the offense, but also renewed questions about head coach Aaron Glenn’s future.
## 31. Los Angeles Chargers (31)
The Chargers are 0-7 and have scored only nine touchdowns this season. Their offensive fit with Justin Herbert has not worked, and changes may be needed. The front office also faces a decision about the trade deadline, with the team’s poor start making a seller’s approach a possibility.
## 32. Indianapolis Colts (26)
Indianapolis sits at the bottom of the rankings amid expectations that the roster could be dismantled before the trade deadline. Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs are among the players discussed as possible departures. With uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction, the Colts face a difficult path for the rest of the season.
