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NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Colts Continue to Dominate, While Bears and Falcons Suffer Brutal Losses thumbnail

NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Colts Continue to Dominate, While Bears and Falcons Suffer Brutal Losses

Week 8 featured a few shocking road wins and several dominant performances by the league’s top teams as we continue to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
These games, among others, led to movement in our PFSN power rankings this week compared to last. Here’s how the league is shaping up eight weeks into the season.

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32) Tennessee Titans

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 32
  • Playoff Odds: 0.2%

The Tennessee Titans fell to 1–7 after a 38–14 loss in Indianapolis this week. Tennessee has scored 14 points or fewer in five games this season while allowing 31 or more points in four.

The Titans will host the Chargers next week before heading into their bye week, hoping to recover from a brutal start to the season.

31) Las Vegas Raiders

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 29
  • Playoff Odds: 2.3%

The Las Vegas Raiders are on a bye in Week 8. They entered the break after a 31–0 loss to the Chiefs and will return to host the Jaguars. After opening the season with a win against the Patriots, the Raiders’ only other victory was against the Titans.

30) Cincinnati Bengals

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 28
  • Playoff Odds: 15.8%

The Cincinnati Bengals’ up-and-down season might have hit rock bottom against the Jets in Week 8. After blowing a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, Cincinnati’s hopes ended when Joe Flacco couldn’t drive the team into field-goal range on the final possession.

Cincinnati was coming off a last-second win against the Steelers and, after the third quarter, looked as though it was building momentum behind Flacco, with a home game against the Bears looming before their bye week. The Bengals are desperately trying to stay in contention as they await Joe Burrow’s return. Sunday’s loss could linger for the rest of the season as Cincinnati chases a playoff spot.

29) New York Jets

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 31
  • Playoff Odds: 0.4%

The New York Jets earned a stunning first victory of the season, the first of Aaron Glenn’s head coaching career, in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. New York, playing without injured stars Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, trailed 31–16 entering the fourth quarter.

Breece Hall Goes Nuclear Vs Bengals

🏈 18 CAR
🏈 133 YDS
🏈 2 RUSH TDs
🏈 1 PASS TD

The Jets star did everything today — ran it, threw it, owned it.

Absolute fantasy gold. 💰

pic.twitter.com/Wb3ouzfvBA

— RotoLegends (@RotoLegends) October 26, 2025

In the final quarter, Breece Hall rushed for 52 yards and two touchdowns and threw the game-winning touchdown pass in the final two minutes. For now, Justin Fields’ job as the starting quarterback appears safe. The Jets now head into their bye week and will return in Week 10 for a home game against the Cleveland Browns.

28) New Orleans Saints

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 27
  • Playoff Odds: 0.5%

The New Orleans Saints committed four turnovers and managed just three points in a home loss to the Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough saw his first meaningful snaps of the season, completing 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with an interception and a lost fumble.

The offense has struggled, being held to 19 points or fewer in six of eight games. New Orleans will visit the Rams and Panthers before entering its bye week in Week 11.

27) Miami Dolphins

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 30
  • Playoff Odds: 1.7%

The season has been filled with injuries, tough losses, and finger-pointing for the Miami Dolphins. A huge road win against the Atlanta Falcons, who were without Michael Penix Jr., snapped a three-game losing streak and might at least pause the drama surrounding the team and the future of Mike McDaniel.

READ MORE: ‘I Find It Very Offensive’ — Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Breaks Silence on Possibility of Getting Fired

Tua Tagovailoa let his left arm do the talking this week, completing 20 of 26 passes and throwing four touchdowns to four different players. Miami, now 2–6, will begin a two-game homestand against the Ravens and Bills. Then, they play Commanders in Spain before a bye week. This is the Dolphins’ chance to dig back into the playoff race.

26) Carolina Panthers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 24
  • Playoff Odds: 21.5%

The Carolina Panthers competed with the Bills in the first half before getting blown out 40–9 at home. Trailing 12–3 at halftime, Andy Dalton threw an interception that set up a short Bills touchdown drive, then took a sack in the final seconds, creating a frantic situation as the field goal unit rushed out and missed a short attempt before the half.

Two crucial turnovers from Andy Dalton. A fumble in the Redzone and then this interception giving the Bills the ball at the 1-yard line.

Bills 19 Panthers 3.pic.twitter.com/QmHgOwYMq6

— Noah Chast (@NoahChastTV) October 26, 2025

The loss snapped the Panthers’ three-game winning streak and dropped them back to 4–4. Starting quarterback Bryce Young is expected to return next week in Green Bay.

25) Cleveland Browns

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 25
  • Playoff Odds: 5.5%

Scoring points remained a major problem for the Cleveland Browns. After scoring 31 points last week against the Dolphins, the Browns managed just 13 against the New England Patriots. This is the seventh time in eight games this season that the Browns have scored 17 points or fewer.

Dillon Gabriel, in his fourth start, threw two touchdowns and two interceptions. The conversation about who should be the starting quarterback between Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, who was inactive with a back injury, will likely intensify during the Browns’ upcoming bye week.

24) New York Giants

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 22
  • Playoff Odds: 2.6%

Last week in Denver, the New York Giants held a 19-point lead to start the fourth quarter and then a two-point lead with 37 seconds left after a missed PAT. The Broncos won the game on a last-second field goal. New York then traveled to face division rival Eagles in Week 8. Things couldn’t have gone worse.

The Giants were blown out 38–20, and former star Saquon Barkley scored the game’s first touchdown on a 65-yard run before adding another on a touchdown reception. Rookie running back Cam Skattebo scored early in the game but later suffered a dislocated ankle that ended his season.

23) Arizona Cardinals

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 23
  • Playoff Odds: 4.4%

The Arizona Cardinals started the season with two wins but have lost every game since. The Cardinals have dropped five straight by a combined 13 points, leading in the fourth quarter of each one.

After Week 8, Arizona will travel to Dallas and Seattle as it looks to claw back into the playoff race.

22) Chicago Bears

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 20
  • Playoff Odds: 29.5%

Chicago is on the outside of the NFC Wild Card race, but remains right in the mix as we head into October. The Bears had a chance at a road win in Baltimore, but couldn’t find the end zone often enough. They had to settle for three field goals, including two from inside 35 yards, and couldn’t get enough defensive stops to give Caleb Williams a late shot.

Ben Johnson’s squad heads back on the road next week to face a Bengals team that also needs a win. The loss in Baltimore marked the beginning of a five-game road stretch over the next seven weeks.

21) Atlanta Falcons

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 17
  • Playoff Odds: 16.9%

The Atlanta Falcons had one of the most disappointing weeks of any team in the NFL. Atlanta was at home facing a 1–6 Dolphins team and ended up getting blown out with Kirk Cousins starting in place of the injured Michael Penix Jr.

The Falcons have put themselves in a tough spot at 3–4, with consecutive road games against New England and Indianapolis coming up. Atlanta’s offense has scored just 40 total points in the team’s four losses. The postseason is still within reach, but stealing a win on the road over the next two weeks would help make up for the loss to the Dolphins.

20) Dallas Cowboys

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 18
  • Playoff Odds: 11.5%

The Dallas Cowboys continued to struggle on defense, giving up 44 points in a road loss to the Broncos. It was the fifth time in eight games that they’ve allowed 30 or more points. Dallas has yet to win consecutive games this season.

The Cardinals visit Dallas next Monday night before the Cowboys head into their bye week. Dallas will need to decide how aggressive to be at the trade deadline, as it sits on the playoff fringe.

19) Baltimore Ravens

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 26
  • Playoff Odds: 21.4%

The Baltimore Ravens earned a critical home win against the Chicago Bears with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley starting. It appeared Lamar Jackson was set to return, but he was ruled out the day before the game.

RELATED: Ravens HC John Harbaugh Breaks Silence on Lamar Jackson’s Injury Controversy

The Ravens came out of their bye week to pick up their second win of the season, snapping a three-game losing streak. If Jackson can return next week, Baltimore could be poised to go on a hot streak during a three-game road trip against the Dolphins, Vikings, and Browns. The Ravens have a chance to climb back into the AFC North race in November.

18) Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 19
  • Playoff Odds: 48.8%

The Jacksonville Jaguars were on a bye in Week 8 after losing their last two games following the thrilling win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

After the bye week, the Jaguars will play four of five games on the road against the Raiders, Texans, Cardinals, and Titans, with the only home game in the middle against the Chargers. This will be a stretch that will go a long way in determining if the Jaguars are a playoff team.

17) Minnesota Vikings

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 11
  • Playoff Odds: 18.0%

The Minnesota Vikings were routed on Thursday night by the Los Angeles Chargers, with Carson Wentz starting once again. The Vikings gave up 38 points and have now been outscored 65–32 over the past two weeks. They haven’t scored more than 22 points since their Week 2 win against the Bengals.

J.J. McCarthy is expected to return as the starting quarterback in Week 9 at Detroit, followed by a matchup with the Ravens the next week. Minnesota sits last in the NFC North and will have work to do with McCarthy back if they hope to stay in the playoff picture.

16) San Francisco 49ers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 16
  • Playoff Odds: 67.9%

The San Francisco 49ers lost for the third time in five games after a 3–0 start, as Houston jumped out to a 16–0 lead and never looked back. Mac Jones started once again with Brock Purdy out and passed for two touchdowns and one interception. Jones, with 23 rushing yards, and Christian McCaffrey, with 25, were the only 49ers to gain yards on the ground against the Texans.

San Francisco travels to play the Giants next week before a massive game against the Rams. The 49ers are 5–3 but 3–0 against NFC West opponents, having beaten each team, an advantage that could be valuable in tiebreaker scenarios.

15) Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 12
  • Playoff Odds: 67.6%

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a 16-7 halftime lead at home against the Packers but fell apart, being outscored 28-9 in the second half. Aaron Rodgers completed 24 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in his first game against Green Bay.​

The Steelers remain in first place in the AFC North, but the next two weeks are crucial. Pittsburgh hosts the Colts and then travels to play the Chargers. The Ravens are only two games behind, with Lamar Jackson close to returning, and Baltimore and Pittsburgh will play twice later in the season.

14) Washington Commanders

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 13
  • Playoff Odds: 15.0%

The Washington Commanders lost to the Chiefs, extending their losing streak to three games. Marcus Mariota, starting in place of Jayden Daniels for the third time this season, passed for 213 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The loss drops Washington three games behind the Eagles in the NFC East, pushing the Commanders’ playoff hopes into dangerous territory. They have three more games before their bye week, hosting the Seahawks and Lions before traveling to Spain to face the Dolphins.

13) Houston Texans

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 21
  • Playoff Odds: 27.8%

The Houston Texans had an impressive home showing against the 49ers, winning 26–15. C.J. Stroud passed for 318 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense held San Francisco to just 48 rushing yards.

It was the Texans’ third win in four games after an 0–3 start. Houston now faces a tough stretch with matchups against the Broncos, Bills, Colts, and Chiefs over the next six weeks.

12) New England Patriots

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 15
  • Playoff Odds: 91.6%

The New England Patriots continued their hot stretch with a 32–13 home win over the Browns, extending their winning streak to five games. It was another great day for Drake Maye, who threw for 282 yards, rushed for 50, and added three passing touchdowns.

The Patriots play five more games before their bye week, four of which are against teams with losing records. New England, currently in first place in the AFC East, will host the Bills after the bye in a matchup that could play a huge role in deciding the division.

11) Los Angeles Chargers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 14
  • Playoff Odds: 71.7%

The Los Angeles Chargers opened Week 8 on Thursday night with a dominant 38–10 win over the Vikings. Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes, including one to Ladd McConkey, who finished with six receptions for 88 yards.

The Chargers, now 5–3 after a 3–0 start, have upcoming road games against the Titans and Jaguars, followed by a home matchup with the Steelers before their bye week. Los Angeles remains in a tight battle with the Chiefs and Broncos for the AFC West title.

10) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 10
  • Playoff Odds: 92.8%

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers bounced back from last week’s loss to the Lions with a strong 23–3 road win in New Orleans. The Buccaneers forced four turnovers and got three field goals from over 50 yards by Chase McLaughlin against the Saints.

The Buccaneers now head into their bye week and will resume play with matchups against the Patriots, Bills, and Rams. Tampa Bay holds a two-game lead in the NFC South.

9) Seattle Seahawks

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 8
  • Playoff Odds: 75.8%

The Seattle Seahawks had a bye week after winning their last two games. Seattle heads to Washington next week to begin a stretch of three road games in four weeks, including a trip to face the Rams in Week 11.

8) Philadelphia Eagles

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 7
  • Playoff Odds: 91.6%

The Philadelphia Eagles avenged their earlier loss to the Giants with a comfortable 38–20 home win behind Jalen Hurts’ four-touchdown performance. Saquon Barkley rushed for 150 yards and scored two total touchdowns after gaining just 58 yards on the ground in the Week 6 loss.

The Eagles hold a comfortable lead in the NFC East heading into their bye week. They will return with games against the Packers, Lions, and Cowboys.

7) Denver Broncos

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 9
  • Playoff Odds: 84.9%

The Denver Broncos didn’t need any late-game miracles to win at home against an NFC East opponent this week. The Broncos dominated the Cowboys, putting up 44 points while holding Dallas’ dangerous offense to just 24.

The Broncos, who sit in first place in the AFC West, will visit Houston next week before hosting the Raiders and then welcoming the Chiefs to Denver.

6) Buffalo Bills

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 6
  • Playoff Odds: 86.3%

Coming out of a bye week, the Buffalo Bills overcame a sluggish first half in Carolina to roll to a 40–9 road win. James Cook led the way for the Bills with 216 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 19 carries.

Jonathan Taylor house call: pic.twitter.com/OkMuz1iII6

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 26, 2025

The Bills now return home for their annual regular-season showdown with the Chiefs. A win would give Buffalo at least a two-game lead over Kansas City, plus the tiebreaker for home-field advantage. However, the Bills remain in second place in the AFC East behind the Patriots.

5) Detroit Lions

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 4
  • Playoff Odds: 80.9%

The Detroit Lions had a bye week and return to action at home against the Vikings. Detroit will then play back-to-back road games against the Commanders and Eagles before beginning a three-game homestand that includes a Thanksgiving showdown with the Bears.

4) Green Bay Packers

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 5
  • Playoff Odds: 87.0%

The Green Bay Packers used a dominant second half to rally and earn an impressive road win against the Steelers. Jordan Love passed for 360 yards and three touchdowns with his former teammate Aaron Rodgers watching from the other sideline.​

The Packers now head home for two straight games, starting with the Panthers and then the Eagles, a matchup that could play a significant role in determining the top seed and which team will have home field advantage in the NFC.

3) Los Angeles Rams

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 3
  • Playoff Odds: 84.1%

The Los Angeles Rams enjoyed their bye week after their win over the Jaguars in London. Los Angeles will host the Saints next week before facing the 49ers, Seahawks, and Buccaneers in the following weeks.

2) Kansas City Chiefs

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 2
  • Playoff Odds: 76.0%

The Kansas City Chiefs continued their hot streak with a 28-7 victory over the Commanders on Monday night. It was their fifth straight game scoring at least 28 points after averaging just 20 points over their first three contests.

November will be a pivotal month for Kansas City, with three road games on the schedule. The Chiefs travel to Buffalo on Sunday before their bye week, then face Denver on the road, host the AFC-leading Colts, and visit Dallas for Thanksgiving.

1) Indianapolis Colts

  • Last Week’s Ranking: 1
  • Playoff Odds: 98.0%

The Indianapolis Colts kept rolling with a 38–14 blowout win over the Titans at home. Jonathan Taylor rushed for two touchdowns, and Daniel Jones threw for three more.

Jonathan Taylor house call: pic.twitter.com/OkMuz1iII6

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 26, 2025

Indianapolis will visit Pittsburgh next week before traveling to Germany to face the Falcons. After a Week 11 bye, the Colts return to action with a road game in Kansas City.

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