NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Eagles, Ravens at the top, plus something scary for every team

Blissful Halloween, NFL followers.

The Energy Rankings are stepping into the spirit of the season by selecting out one thing scary related to every workforce. A few of these are scary for followers of a given workforce, whereas others needs to be scary for the workforce’s upcoming opponents.

We hope all of them offer you perception into the place we stand with the NFL season practically midway full.

(Final week: 2)

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 38-31

One thing scary (for others): A.J. Brown

The 6-foot-1, 226-pound broad receiver/cyborg is taking part in at a historic degree. He had eight catches for 130 yards Sunday in opposition to Washington and now has topped 125 receiving yards in six consecutive video games, turning into the primary NFL participant in historical past to do this. He’s second within the league in receiving yards (939) behind solely Tyreek Hill.

Up subsequent: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Final week: 3)

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 31-24

One thing scary (for others): Lamar Jackson beneath Todd Monken

The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator has the Ravens’ outdated quarterback taking part in at an MVP degree. Within the final three weeks, no quarterback within the league has extra whole anticipated factors added (24.98) than Jackson, in response to TruMedia, and his completion proportion (70.5) and yards per try (7.8) are on tempo to be profession highs.

Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 4)

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 31-17

One thing scary (for others): Jalen Ramsey is again.

The veteran security returned in opposition to the Patriots, simply 94 days after struggling a meniscus tear within the preseason. The seventh-year cornerback had an interception that he returned 49 yards in his Dolphins debut, which is able to open up much more choices for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The Dolphins are sixteenth within the league in protection (permitting 329.4 yards per recreation). If that improves and the offense retains buzzing, Miami shall be an issue.

Up subsequent: at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

(Final week: 1)

Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 24-9

One thing scary (for them): Something occurring to Patrick Mahomes

Kansas Metropolis followers know what it’s like to carry their breath over information of their quarterback’s well being. Greater than at any time for the reason that Chiefs’ run started, Kansas Metropolis appears utterly carried by its quarterback this season. With Mahomes affected by the flu and posting the second-lowest passer score of his profession (59.2) Sunday, the Chiefs misplaced to the Broncos for the primary time in 17 conferences.

Up subsequent: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (Frankfurt, Germany)

(Final week: 6)

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 26-14

One thing scary (for others): A playoff recreation at Ford Subject

There has by no means been one. The final time Detroit hosted a playoff recreation was on Jan. 8, 1994, and their dwelling area was the Pontiac Silverdome then. The Silverdome has since been demolished, and Common Motors doesn’t even make Pontiacs anymore. However the Lions are good once more, and their dwelling area was raucous for “Monday Night time Soccer” as rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had a breakout recreation with a season-high 152 dashing yards. Think about it for a playoff recreation. The Eagles ought to be sure that the Lions keep of their rearview mirror.

Up subsequent: Bye

(Final week: 5)

Sunday: Misplaced to Cincinnati Bengals 31-17

One thing scary (for them): This shedding streak

After beginning 5-0, the 49ers have misplaced three in a row for the primary time since October 2021. Brock Purdy is twenty sixth within the league in passer score (77.9) in the course of the shedding streak. In Weeks 1-5, he led the league in passer score (123.1) Having offensive sort out Trent Williams (ankle) and broad receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) out once more Sunday didn’t assist the top-heavy Niners. (In fact, San Francisco followers shouldn’t fret an excessive amount of. That 2021 workforce went to the NFC Championship Sport.)

Up subsequent: Bye

(Final week: 12)

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 24-20

One thing scary (for others): Boye Mafe’s ascent

The second-year outdoors linebacker is beginning to appear to be an old-school Seattle defender. He has a minimum of one sack in 5 consecutive video games, the second-longest streak in workforce historical past. On Sunday, he had eight tackles, 4 quarterback hits and a fumble restoration. Seattle offensive sort out Charles Cross apparently mentioned he’s extra of a problem to dam than Myles Garrett.

Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

#Seahawks Offensive Linemen Charles Cross tells the Media

“Myles Garrett was truthfully not so good as i believed he was, my teammate Boye Mafe in coaching camp was extra of a problem than him”

Is that this a strike at Myles Garrett? pic.twitter.com/7KizuGGQ1j

— jah (@jahinterlude) October 30, 2023

(Final week: 11)

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 31-17

One thing scary (for others): Joe Burrow is again.

And he’s bringing Ja’Marr Chase with him. Burrow was 28-for-32 for 283 yards and three touchdowns in opposition to the 49ers on Sunday. Chase had 10 catches for 100 yards. Since shaking off a preseason calf harm, Burrow has led the Bengals to a few consecutive wins, and he leads the league in passer score (111.8) in that span. Chase is averaging 124 receiving yards in these video games.

Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, Sunday, 8:20 ET

(Final week: 9)

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 43-20

One thing scary (for others): This model of Dallas

The Cowboys led Sunday’s recreation 33-3 late within the second quarter. We’ve seen them do that to groups. Their first three wins had been by a mixed 108-13, however this was the very best workforce the Cowboys have achieved this to. Cornerback Daron Bland returned his third interception for a landing this season, becoming a member of Derrick Brooks and Darren Sharper as the one gamers to do this in a single season in NFL historical past.

Up subsequent: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Final week: 8)

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 20-10

One thing scary (for others): Trevor Lawrence getting scorching

We may have simply added “within the playoffs” to this one as a result of Jacksonville feels nearly as good a guess for the postseason as any workforce proper now. After Sunday, they’ve three extra wins than the opposite three groups within the AFC South. The Jaguars have gained 5 in a row, and Lawrence, who was 24-for-32 for 292 yards in opposition to the Steelers, appears like he’s beginning to discover his groove.

Up subsequent: Bye

(Final week: 10)

Thursday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-18

One thing scary (for them): The accidents

Since Week 5, when linebacker Matt Milano was misplaced for the season with a knee harm, Buffalo is twenty fifth within the league in defensive EPA per play (minus-.02). In Weeks 1-4, the Payments had been fourth within the league in defensive EPA per play (.20). It’s not simply Milano who’s gone both. All-Professional cornerback Tre’Davious White (Achilles) can be out for the yr, and defensive sort out Daquan Jones (pectoral) most likely is, too.

Up subsequent: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)

(Final week: 13)

Sunday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 20-10

One thing scary (for them): Mike Tomlin’s loyalty

Kenny Pickett needed to depart Sunday’s recreation with a rib harm, however does it matter who the quarterback is with offensive coordinator Matt Canada in cost? Canada has been in command of Pittsburgh’s offense since 2021. In that point, the Steelers are twenty ninth within the NFL in scoring (18.63 ppg). For the reason that begin of final season, Pittsburgh is lifeless final in scoring (17.5 ppg), and nonetheless, there’s no indication that Tomlin goes to eliminate Canada.

Up subsequent: vs. Tennessee Titans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Final week: 7)

Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 24-20

One thing scary (for them): The Deshaun Watson contract

Each time somebody in Cleveland tries to elucidate what’s happening with Watson, it will get extra complicated. The quarterback missed one other recreation Sunday due to a shoulder harm, and nobody is saying how lengthy it’ll take to heal sufficient for him to play. Cleveland is dedicated to giving Watson $63.9 million of salary-cap house for every of the following three seasons and doesn’t have a practical monetary out till after the 2026 season. In Watson’s 10 begins, the Browns are 6-4 and averaging 21 factors per recreation. That absolutely assured deal is so much to pay for mediocrity.

Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 22)

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 28-23

One thing scary (for others): Mike Vrabel might have a QB.

Rookie Will Levis made his first look Sunday, and he grew to become the third participant in league historical past to throw 4 landing passes in his debut. Two have achieved it for the Titans (Levis and Marcus Mariota). The opposite is Fran Tarkenton. Levis’ scores got here from 47, 16, 61 and 33 yards out. Ryan Tannehill (excessive ankle sprain) might not get his job again. The truth is, the Titans may see if they’ll commerce Tannehill to the Vikings this week.

Up subsequent: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Final week: 23)

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 30-13

One thing scary (for others): Joey Bosa could possibly be getting there.

The veteran defensive lineman hasn’t regarded like himself shortly, however he had a season-high 5 pressures in opposition to the Bears, and his strain proportion (23.5) was his second-highest of the season. Bosa has 4 sacks this yr and solely 6 1/2 within the final two seasons, but when he can get again to his 2020 type (10 1/2 sacks), it’ll be a lift for a Chargers protection that wants some assist.

Up subsequent: at New York Jets, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Final week: 15)

Sunday: Misplaced to Tennessee Titans 28-23

One thing scary (for them): A quarterback controversy

The Falcons actually need Desmond Ridder to take management of the beginning job, however Ridder dedicated his seventh turnover within the final three weeks Sunday and was taken out of the sport after a halftime concussion analysis. Ridder was cleared by the medical workers, however the Falcons caught with Taylor Heinicke within the second half anyway. Heinicke led 4 scoring drives in six possessions. Ridder’s eight possessions totaled 89 yards and three factors. Coach Arthur Smith didn’t decide to a starter after the sport.

Up subsequent: vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 17)

Thursday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 24-18

One thing scary (for them): The run recreation

Tampa Bay is final within the NFL in dashing success charge (26.5). That’s on tempo to be the worst within the league for the reason that Baltimore Ravens in 2013 (24.6). Rachaad White, the Bucs’ main rusher, is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and doesn’t have a run longer than 15 yards. The Bucs’ second-leading rusher? Baker Mayfield.

Up subsequent: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 18)

Sunday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 43-20

One thing scary (for them): Turning again right into a pumpkin

After a surprisingly OK begin, the Rams have misplaced three of their final 4, beating solely the Cardinals in that span. Matthew Stafford left Sunday’s recreation with a thumb harm, and if he’s out for very lengthy, Los Angeles is in actual bother. Main rusher Kyren Williams has already gone on injured reserve and gained’t be eligible to return till a minimum of Week 12.

Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 21)

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 38-27

One thing scary (for others): Taysom Hill

Just like the horror film villain who appears to maneuver very slowly however always positive factors floor on his prey, Hill simply retains coming and coming. He had 44 yards passing and led the Saints in dashing (9 carries, 63 yards) on Sunday. In his seventh season, Hill has the best dashing success charge (65.5 p.c) of his profession. On high of that, Alvin Kamara confirmed some flashes of being the Alvin Kamara of outdated Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Taysom Hill runs 20 yards for the @Saints TD!

: #NOvsIND on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Quwvdzpx7G pic.twitter.com/EJGV7Kpela

— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2023

20. Denver Broncos (3-5)

(Final week: 26)

Sunday: Beat Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 24-9

One thing scary (for others): The protection is getting higher.

After permitting 36.2 factors per recreation by their first 5 video games, the Broncos have given up 15 per recreation within the final three, and two of these video games had been in opposition to the Chiefs. Mix that with Russell Wilson’s continued quiet competency, and Denver could possibly be a troublesome out within the second half of the season. Wilson had his forty third profession recreation with three touchdowns and a passer score above 100 on Sunday, tying Tom Brady for third all-time in that class.

Up subsequent: Bye

(Final week: 14)

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 13-10

One thing scary (for them): Losing this protection

The Jets held the Giants to 194 yards Sunday, however they gained solely 251 themselves. In some way, a workforce that features Breece Corridor was led in dashing by Zach Wilson. The Jets are permitting 4.8 yards per play, which ranks fourth within the NFL, however except Aaron Rodgers makes a miraculous restoration, it won’t matter. Wilson accomplished 47 p.c of his passes Sunday. He’s thirty first within the league in completion proportion (58.3) for the season.

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

(Final week: 19)

Sunday: Misplaced to Carolina Panthers 15-13

One thing scary (for them): An offensive drought

After averaging 24 factors per recreation within the first month of the season, Houston is averaging 17.3 factors per recreation in its final three. Rookie C.J. Stroud has a passer score of 84.8 in that span, which is decrease than Kenny Pickett, Bryce Younger and Tyrod Taylor, amongst others. Nobody is frightened about Stroud in the long term, however the Panthers held him to a season low in yards (140) on Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 20)

Sunday: Misplaced to New Orleans Saints 38-27

One thing scary (for them): The go protection

Indianapolis gave up 354 passing yards to the Saints of Derek Carr and Taysom Hill. The Colts are the one workforce within the league to attain 20 or extra factors in each recreation this season, but it surely’s been wasted the final three weeks by the protection, which has allowed a mean of 38 factors in these three video games. The Colts are twenty fifth within the league in passing yards (247.3 per recreation) and yards per try (7.6) allowed this season.

Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

24. Minnesota Vikings (4-4)

(Final week: 16)

Sunday: Beat Inexperienced Bay Packers 24-10

One thing scary (for them): Kirk Cousins’ harm

Cousins was taking part in maybe the very best soccer of his profession earlier than struggling a torn Achilles on Sunday. He’s second within the league in passing yards per recreation (291.8), and that can find yourself being the second-highest single-season variety of his profession. Rookie Jaren Corridor completed the sport Sunday, however coach Kevin O’Connell indicated after the sport that every one choices, together with signing a avenue free agent or making a commerce, are on the desk to fill Cousins’ giant sneakers.

Up subsequent: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Vikings locker room was fairly emotional. A number of gamers, leaders, tearing up over how a lot Kirk Cousins has meant and means to them and to the locker room.

“I can’t describe it,” Harrison Smith mentioned. “You actually simply must expertise it to know.”

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 29, 2023

25. Washington Commanders (3-5)

(Final week: 25)

Sunday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 38-31

One thing scary (for them): The commerce deadline

New proprietor Josh Harris may determine to go full fireplace sale earlier than at present’s 4 p.m. ET deadline. Defensive lineman Montez Sweat is rumored to be available on the market, and no one needs to be off limits. Sam Howell doesn’t appear to be the answer at quarterback, and Washington may be in search of draft capital. The Commanders are in place to have the eleventh choose in subsequent yr’s draft and doubtless must get a little bit greater to have a shot at a difference-maker at quarterback.

Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 24)

Monday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 26-14

One thing scary (for them): The pinnacle coach hiring observe report

Remind me, why did the Raiders fireplace Wealthy Bisaccia once more? After taking on following the abrupt resignation of Jon Gruden in 2021, Bisaccia went 7-5 and took the Raiders to the playoffs. That makes him considered one of solely three Raiders head coaches since 2001 to go away the job with a successful report. The others had been Gruden (22-31 in his second stint) and Jack Del Rio (25-23). In that very same time-frame, seven coaches have left with shedding information. Josh McDaniels fell to 6-12 within the function Monday evening.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

(Final week: 27)

Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 24-10

One thing scary (for them): Jordan Love’s play

The person Inexperienced Bay hoped would take over (considerably) seamlessly for Aaron Rodgers is thirty second within the league in completion proportion (57.7). Solely Zach Wilson has had a worse charge in any season since 2020. And it’s not as a result of Love is taking deep pictures. His 6.4 yards per try rank twenty sixth within the league, and he’s tied for the league lead in interceptions (eight).

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. New York Giants (2-6)

(Final week: 28)

Sunday: Misplaced to New York Jets 13-10

One thing scary (for them): Saquon Barkley’s well being

All the way down to their third quarterback (undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito) due to harm, the Giants gave the ball to Barkley 36 occasions Sunday. That’s essentially the most carries in a recreation within the final two seasons, and the second most was Barkley’s 35 carries final yr in opposition to the Texans in Week 10. After that recreation, Barkley didn’t high 90 yards the remainder of the season. The Giants completed with minus-9 passing yards in opposition to the Jets, so it’s going to be tempting to attempt to journey Barkley the remainder of the season. That may not be potential, although.

Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

29. New England Patriots (2-6)

(Final week: 29)

Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 31-17

One thing scary (for them): Invoice Belichick’s staples

Mac Jones has been dangerous (thirtieth in EPA per dropback), however he’s not the one cause New England is 4 video games beneath .500. The protection and particular groups, Belichick’s specialties, additionally stink. The Patriots are permitting 26 factors per recreation, which ranks twenty sixth within the league. They’ve held only one opponent beneath 20 factors, and that was the Jets. On high of that, New England’s particular groups EPA is minus-19.68, which ranks thirty first, in response to TruMedia.

Up subsequent: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Arizona Cardinals (1-7)

(Final week: 31)

Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 31-24

One thing scary (for others): Kyler Murray has plenty of worth

Murray was wholesome sufficient to play Sunday however didn’t, so it’s nonetheless not clear if the brand new regime envisions him as their quarterback of the longer term or as a commerce chip. Both manner, he’s a precious commodity for a Cardinals workforce that proper now owns the No. 1 choose within the 2024 draft. The rash of quarterback accidents means Murray may command greater than common on the commerce market, and his abilities on the sphere are plain.

Up subsequent: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Final week: 30)

Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 30-13

One thing scary (for them): The quarterback decision-making

Tyson Bagent is a superb story, however how can the Bears go into the season with an undrafted rookie from Division II school soccer as the one choice behind Justin Fields, who performs a method that makes him susceptible to lacking time? Fields, who missed Sunday’s recreation with a thumb harm, has already been dominated out for this week. The Bears want him again. Bagent threw two interceptions and had a passer score of 62 in opposition to the Chargers.

Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

(Final week: 32)

Sunday: Beat Houston Texans 15-13

One thing scary (for them): The protection

Perhaps the bye week turned issues round as a result of the Panthers did maintain the Texans down. Nonetheless, this protection was supposed to offer Bryce Younger some room to develop. As a substitute, it’s thirtieth within the league in factors allowed (28.4 per recreation) even after Sunday’s recreation. Edge rusher Brian Burns was dominant in his first recreation of the season, however he’s had greater than two quarterback pressures in a recreation solely as soon as since Week 3.

Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(High picture of Eagles receiver A.J. Brown: Kyle Ross / Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Pictures)

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