NFL power rankings, Week 9: Dolphins moving up
In the AFC edition of our NFL power rankings for Week 9, the Miami Dolphins are making some noise as a legit contender.
16. Houston Texans (LW: 16)
The Texans have a stud in rookie running back Dameon Pierce, but there’s not much else in terms of long-term talent to build around.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 15)
Pittsburgh better hope rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett stops turning the ball over, or it might be looking for another signal-caller come 2023.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW: 12)
Trevor Lawrence has to hit easy throws. Until that happens, the Jags aren’t going to move up the NFL power rankings.
13. Denver Broncos (LW: 14)
Denver finally won another game, getting to 3-5. Now in their bye week, can the Broncos finally get something consistent from the offense?
12. Indianapolis Colts (LW: 10)
If the Colts can’t hold onto a nine-point, fourth-quarter lead at home against Washington, that might say it all.
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11. Las Vegas Raiders (LW: 9)
The Raiders got hammered in New Orleans last week, losing 24-0 to the Saints. If they don’t beat the Jaguars this week, it’s over.
10. Cleveland Browns (LW: 13)
Cleveland stayed alive in the AFC playoff race by crushing the Bengals on Monday. Huge win from the Browns over a divisional rival.
9. New York Jets (LW: 7)
New York was handled at home by the Patriots, falling to 5-3. Next up? The Bills.
8. New England Patriots (LW: 11)
The Patriots earned a critical win over the Jets, and now go home to host a beleaguered Colts team.
7. Los Angeles Chargers (LW: 8)
After the bye week, the Chargers go on the road for four of their next five. Can Los Angeles get some momentum, or will it get buried?
6. Tennessee Titans (LW: 6)
Tennessee has won five straight, but now goes to Arrowhead for a Sunday night date with the Chiefs. Huge test.
5. Cincinnati Bengals (LW: 3)
Cincinnati lost star corner Chidobe Aquzie for the year to a torn ACL on Monday. Really rough blow to an underrated defense.
Read: Tua Tagovailoa Bullish On Dolphins’ Super Bowl Chances
4. Baltimore Ravens (LW: 4)
The Ravens added linebacker Roquan Smith this week, but also lost receiver Rashod Bateman for the year. Uneven last few days for Baltimore.
3. Miami Dolphins (LW: 5)
The Dolphins haven’t lost when Tua Tagovailoa both starts and finishes a game. Then, they added Bradley Chubb at the deadline. Well done.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (LW: 2)
Kansas City remains the biggest challenger to Buffalo. The Chiefs have 10 games remaining, and project as favorites in all of them.
1. Buffalo Bills (LW: 1)
Buffalo is a juggernaut with an easy schedule ahead. The Bills have to feel great about their chances.
