NFL Week 9 Power Rankings 2026 (BY THE TIME YOU FINISH READING THIS, LAMAR JACKSON HAS A NEW INJURY)

We no longer have any undefeated teams. Week eight saw many wild games, along with heartbreaking losses and numerous injuries to key guys that will impact their respective teams’ seasons moving forward. With that in mind, it’s time to dive into the power rankings heading into week nine.  Who are the risers and fallers in this week’s NFL Power Rankings? 32) Los Angeles Chargers: (Last week: 32)Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers lost to their interstate rivals, the Rams, 24-9 as the visiting team in SoFi Stadium. Justin Herbert threw two costly interceptions and was sacked twice; the Chargers’ rushing attack was held to 64 yards on the ground, and Ladd McConkey had 86 yards. The Chargers’ defense couldn’t slow down the Rams’ offense in the third quarter, giving up 281 total yards of offense. The “Bolts” are 0-7 for the first time since 2000, when Jim Harbaugh was the quarterback of the team.  31) Tennessee Titans: (Last Week: 29)Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Titans put up a fierce fight, despite being 13.5-point underdogs, but they still lost 43-36 in overtime. Cam Ward threw two touchdowns; Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards and scored two touchdowns, and Chimere Dike had 71 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The Titans’ defense forced four turnovers, but they struggled to contain the Bengals’ passing attack.  30) Miami Dolphins: (Last Week: 30)Aug 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports The Dolphins started the afternoon with a 13-3 halftime lead, but it all slipped away in their 24-19 loss to the Patriots. Malik Willis threw two touchdowns to an interception; Ollie Gordon II had 69 rushing yards, and Kevin Coleman Jr. had 46 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Dolphins suffered a second-half collapse, as the Patriots scored 21 unanswered points. They attempted a fourth-quarter comeback, but couldn’t get the job done in the end via a failed two-point conversion.  29) Indianapolis Colts: (Last Week: 26)Indianapolis Colts helmet (Photo By Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Colts played an ugly game against the Jaguars, losing 42-7. Daniel Jones threw a touchdown to Josh Downs against two costly interceptions, and Jonathan Taylor had 23 rushing yards.  The Colts’ defense couldn’t contain the Jaguars’ offense, as Trevor Lawrence carved them up for 210 yards and three touchdowns. They fell a few spots in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. 28) New York Jets: (Last Week: 27)New York Jets helmet (Photo via Imagn Images) “Gang Green” had a strong offensive performance, but they fell short 38-33 to the Raiders at home. Geno Smith threw two touchdowns and an interception; Braelon Allen rushed for 147 yards and scored a touchdown, and Adonai Mitchell had 142 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The Jets’ defense collapsed in the second half, as they couldn’t slow Kirk Cousins down, allowing the Raiders’ offense to surge ahead.  27) Philadelphia Eagles: (Last Week: 22)Philadelphia Eagles helmet (Credit: IMAGN) The Eagles played a disastrous game on the road, extending their losing streak to six in their 27-10 loss to the Commanders. They have failed to adjust again without Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee threw a costly interception and was sacked five times; Saquon Barkley rushed for 30 yards and scored a touchdown, and Makai Lemon had 57 receiving yards.  The Eagles’ defense couldn’t stop the Commanders’ offense, as they struggled for most of the game. As a result of the loss, the Eagles are currently in last place in the NFC East. 26) New Orleans Saints: (Last Week: 25)Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a New Orleans Saints helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Saints are resting up after their tough 16-10 loss to the Steelers in Paris, but they must fix their rushing attack and tighten up their defense before squaring off against the Browns.  25) Arizona Cardinals: (Last Week: 31)Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cardinals played an intense battle against the Cowboys, winning 33-30 in overtime. Jacoby Brissett was benched after some abysmal play for Gardner Minshew, who threw three touchdowns. Tyler Allgeier had 147 rushing yards, scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown, and Michael Wilson had 111 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  As the Cardinals were down, Minshew’s heroics saved the team and guided them to a much-needed victory on the road, and Chad Ryland kicked the game-winning field goal. That’s the reason for their jump in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. 24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Last Week: 24)Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet ( Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports) The Bucs defeated the Falcons at home 16-0, but it was a wet and weird game for them. Baker Mayfield didn’t throw any passes because of the awful weather. However, the rushing attack was dominant, with Bucky Irving rushing for 170 yards and scoring a touchdown, and Kenny Gainwell rushing for 140 yards. The Bucs’ defense played well, intercepting Michael Penix Jr. four times, and Alex Anzalone had two interceptions. Chase McLaughlin also played well, kicking three field goals.  23) Washington Commanders: (Last Week: 28)A general view of a Washington Commanders helmet on the field (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images) The Commanders overcame a 10-0 deficit in the first quarter and scored 27 unanswered points in their 27-10 victory. Jayden Daniels threw a touchdown to Stefon Diggs; Rachaad White rushed for 55 yards and scored a touchdown, and Treylon Burks had 81 receiving yards. The Commanders’ defense dominated the line of scrimmage, had five sacks, and an interception against Tanner McKee.  22) Atlanta Falcons: (Last Week: 17)Aug 15, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sideline against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Falcons played an incredibly sloppy game in a very wet Raymond James Stadium, losing 16-0 to the Buccaneers. Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and had a passer rating of 12.0. Bijan Robinson was a bright spot, rushing for 76 yards, and Jahon Dotson had 95 receiving yards.  The Falcons’ defense couldn’t slow down the Bucs’ rushing attack in the very rain-drenched divisional battle.  21) Carolina Panthers: (Last Week: 21)Carolina Panthers helmet. Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports The Panthers fell behind and attempted a late rally, but they fell short 27-19 to the Packers. Bryce Young threw a touchdown to Jalen Coker, then threw an interception, and Chuba Hubbard had 81 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown.  After the loss, the Panthers relieved defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero of his duties, with Todd Wash stepping up as the interim for the rest of the season.   20) Dallas Cowboys: (Last Week: 20)Dallas Cowboys helmet (Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images) The Cowboys had a rough afternoon, losing an intense 33-30 overtime battle to the Cardinals. Dak Prescott threw a touchdown to Ryan Flournoy and scored a rushing touchdown, and CeeDee Lamb had 58 receiving yards. While the Cowboys looked in complete control with a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead, the Cardinals stormed back and defeated them in overtime. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ defense couldn’t stop Gardner Minshew, who threw three touchdowns against them.  19) Houston Texans: (Last Week: 23)Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans are on a bye week, but they must rebound from their 27-21 overtime meltdown to the Giants. DeMeco Ryans and Matt Burke must clean things up defensively, while the backfield must establish a consistent ground game on offense.  18) Cleveland Browns: (Last Week: 15)A general view of Cleveland Browns helmets (Ken Blaze-Imagn Images) The Browns looked awful in their 27-6 blowout loss to the Steelers. Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times, the Browns’ rushing attack was held to 34 rushing yards, and Harold Finn Jr. was the lone bright spot with 154 receiving yards. The Browns defense had one sack, and Denzel Ward had one interception, but allowed the Steelers’ offense to have 200 rushing yards on the ground.   17) New York Giants: (Last Week: 19)General view of a New York Giants helmet (Rich Barnes-Imagn Images) With the Giants on a bye week after defeating the Texans, they have a few things to fix. They must bolster the defensive line, while the offense must avoid throwing costly turnovers and have cleaner pocket execution. For now, they will stay at this spot in the NFL Power Rankings. 16) Baltimore Ravens: (Last Week: 14)Baltimore Ravens helmet (Photo Via Imagn Images) The Ravens had a rough afternoon in Western New York, losing 36-10 to the Bills. Lamar Jackson injured his right thumb after one play, and Tyler Huntley suffered a toe injury, forcing rookie Joe Fagnano into action. He struggled, throwing an interception and being sacked three times. Derrick Henry scored a rushing touchdown, but the passing attack was almost nonexistent. The defense completely collapsed in the second half, as Josh Allen and the Bills were too much to handle. 15) Las Vegas Raiders: (Last Week: 16)Aug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Raiders snapped a four-game losing streak in a thrilling 38-33 fourth-quarter comeback win against the Jets. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns and scored a rushing touchdown; Mike Washington Jr. had 83 rushing yards, and Brock Bowers had 92 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns.  Jeremy Chinn had an interception, and the rest of the Raiders’ defense had two sacks. On special teams, Dylan Laube had a spectacular 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the second quarter. 14) Cincinnati Bengals: (Last Week: 13)A Cincinnati Bengals Riddell Speedflex helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The Bengals played a back-and-forth battle against the Titans and emerged as winners in a 43-36 overtime victory. Joe Burrow threw five touchdowns to three interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown; Tee Higgins had 155 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns, and Ja’Marr Chase had 141 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Bengals’ defense had two sacks and two fumble recoveries, with Dexter Lawrence sacking Cam Ward, forcing the Titans out of field goal range, and Demetrius Knight Jr. scoring a safety.  13) Pittsburgh Steelers: (Last Week: 16)Pittsburgh Steelers helmet. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Steelers avenged their week four loss to the Browns, defeating them 27-6 at home. Aaron Rodgers threw an interception, Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and scored a touchdown, and Darnell Washington had 94 receiving yards.  The Steelers’ defense was relentless against Deshaun Watson, sacking him eight times and forcing two turnovers. T. J. Watt had two sacks on the day.  12) Los Angeles Rams: (Last Week: 12)Los Angeles Rams helmet (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Rams started their battle against the Chargers slowly, but sped things up in the third quarter and won 24-9. Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown to Puka Nacua against an interception; Blake Corum and Kyren Williams each scored rushing touchdowns, and Nacua had 80 receiving yards. The Rams’ defense dominated with two sacks and two interceptions against Herbert and the Chargers.  11) Seattle Seahawks: (Last Week: 9)Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Seahawks were rocked on Monday night, losing a brutal 34-17 battle to the Bears. Sam Darnold threw two touchdowns to an interception; Jadarian Price rushed for 29 yards; and Jaxon Smith-Njigba had 118 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Defensively, the Seahawks had a sack and a fumble recovery, but the offense couldn’t get much going against a new-look Bears defense. Right now, they are out of the top 10 in the NFL Power Rankings. 10) New England Patriots: (Last Week: 10)New England Patriots helmet (Photo by Imagn Images) The Patriots had a very nice second-half comeback against the Dolphins, defeating them 24-19. Drake Maye threw two touchdowns; Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 82 yards, and DeMario Douglas had 76 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. Kevin Byard stepped up and snagged an interception, while the rest of the Dolphins’ defense had five sacks against Malik Willis. 9) Kansas City Chiefs: (Last Week: 4)Kansas City Chiefs helmets (Photo via Imagn Images) The Chiefs looked in control of the game for the most part, but the Broncos mounted a comeback and prevented the Chiefs from attempting a comeback of their own in the 28-24 loss. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns, Kenneth Walker III rushed for 69 yards, and Emmett Johnson had 128 receiving yards. The Chiefs hurt themselves with 11 penalties totaling 105 yards, but they will rebound from this loss in the coming weeks. 8) Green Bay Packers: (Last Week: 11)Green Bay Packers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The Packers built a comfortable 27-10 lead in their Thursday Night tussle against the Panthers, but held them off in the fourth quarter in a 27-19 victory. Jordan Love threw three touchdowns to an interception; Josh Jacobs had 39 rushing yards and scored a touchdown; and Christian Watson had 113 receiving yards.  The Packers’ defense played dominant football, disrupting the Panthers’ passing attack, sacking Bryce Young six times, and Ty’Ron Hopper had an interception.  7) Denver Broncos: (Last Week: 8)Denver Broncos helmets (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images) The Broncos played a thriller at home and defeated the Chiefs 28-24, coming back from a 24-13 deficit. Bo Nix threw two touchdowns, Jonah Coleman rushed for 41 yards and scored a touchdown, and Jaylen Waddle had 39 receiving yards and scored a touchdown. The Broncos’ defense had two sacks and prevented a Patrick Mahomes come-from-behind win all the way at the one-yard line, sealing the win and giving them first place in the AFC West. They are inching towards the top five in the NFL Power Rankings. 6) Detroit Lions: (Last Week: 7)Helmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions played a tough divisional game against the Vikings and ended their undefeated season in a 19-15 win. Jared Goff threw a touchdown to Jameson Williams (who scored the game-winner) against an interception, and Jahmyr Gibbs had 153 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. The Lions’ defense looked stout and tough against the Vikings’ offense, holding them to 266 total yards. However, Jack Campbell left the game with a severe neck injury when attempting to tackle T. J. Hockenson. We wish him a speedy recovery.  5) Jacksonville Jaguars: (Last Week: 6)Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars dominated the Colts with ease, crushing them 42-7. Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdowns; Bhayshul Tuten had 104 rushing yards, scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown; and Nate Boerkircher scored a receiving touchdown. The Jaguars’ defense forced three turnovers and made the rebuilding Colts look like a high school team going against the best NFL team. Safety Rayuan Lane III scored a 92-yard pick-six, as one of the signature plays before halftime.  4) Chicago Bears: (Last Week: 5)Chicago Bears helmet (Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images) The Bears had an outstanding night on the road, defeating the Seahawks 34-17. Caleb Williams threw a touchdown to Luther Burden III; D’Andre Swift rushed for 69 yards and scored three touchdowns, and Rome Odunze had 87 receiving yards. The defense made things rough for the Seahawks, sacking Sam Darnold three times, and James Lynch had an interception. Trading for Jeffrey Simmons was an absolute game-changer moving forward. 3) Minnesota Vikings: (Last Week: 1)Minnesota Vikings helmet (Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images) The Vikings’ undefeated season came to an end in their 19-15 loss. Kyler Murray threw two touchdowns to an interception; the Vikings’ rushing attack was held to 81 rushing yards, and Justin Jefferson had 33 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The majority of the game was a defensive battle between the two NFC North rivals, but Jahmyr Gibbs broke through with 153 rushing yards against them.  2) San Francisco 49ers: (Last Week: 3)A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images) The 49ers were off in week eight, but they should rebound from their week seven loss to the Falcons when they meet the Raiders at home. They must establish the run game and clean up the turnovers and penalties.  1) Buffalo Bills: (Last Week: 2)Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; A detailed view of the Buffalo Bills helmet before the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Bills had a very nice afternoon, defeating the injury-riddled Ravens 36-10. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns, threw an interception, and scored a rushing touchdown. James Cook had 80 rushing yards and scored a touchdown; Dalton Kincaid had 86 receiving yards and scored a touchdown; and DJ Moore had 82 receiving yards and scored a touchdown.  The Bills’ defense stepped up in a major way, slowing down the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens’ offense with ease, holding them to a season-low 144 yards and forcing three turnovers.