NFL POWER RANKINGS
WEEK 9
L.A. Rams 8-0 (last week’s ranking: 1):
They are off to their best start since 1969. Next on their tough schedule: Saints, Seahawks and Chiefs.
New Orleans 6-1 (3):
After winning on the road against the Ravens and Vikings, the Saints play three of four at home.
New England 6-2 (2):
Until Monday night, when Devin McCourty had a pick-six, the Patriots had gone 40 games without a defensive touchdown.
Kansas City 7-1 (4):
The Chiefs have scored a league-high 290 points. They’ve scored at least 30 points in seven of eight games.
L.A. Chargers 5-2 (5):
After beating Tennessee in London, the Chargers had their week off. They trail the Chiefs by 1½ games.
Pittsburgh 4-2-1 (6):
The Steelers have a threegame winning streak, including victories over Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Carolina 5-2 (8):
The Panthers have won four of five. If they beat Tampa Bay, they’ll have a threegame winning streak.
Washington 5-2 (9):
Washington has a threegame winning streak, and it’s the only team in the NFC East with a winning record.
Cincinnati 5-3 (12):
The Bengals beat Tampa Bay by three points after losing their previous two games.
Seattle 4-3 (16):
The Seahawks play the Los Angeles teams in their next two games. Their next four opponents are a combined 21-7-1.
Minnesota 4-3-1 (7):
Even though the Vikings lost at home to New Orleans, they still lead the NFC North.
Houston 5-3 (14):
The Texans have recovered from the awful 0-3 start to win five straight games. They are at Denver before their open date.
Chicago 4-3 (15):
A quirk in the schedule has the Bears playing four consecutive games against the AFC East.
Green Bay 3-3-1 (10):
After their close loss against the Rams, the Packers are in third place in the NFC North.
Philadelphia 4-4 (21):
Carson Wentz continues to improve. The Eagles beat Jacksonville in London. After their week off, they’ll host Dallas.
Baltimore 4-4 (11):
The Ravens have suffered back-to-back defeats. They’ve fallen behind Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the AFC North.
Miami 4-4 (13):
After getting blown out by the Texans, the Dolphins return home against the Jets.
Atlanta 3-4 (18):
The Falcons bounced back to post consecutive victories before getting their open date.
Indianapolis 3-5 (27):
The Colts may be the second-best team in the AFC South. They’ve averaged almost 40 points in their last two wins.
Detroit 3-4 (17):
The Lions wasted a great opportunity when they lost at home to Seattle. Now they’re in last place in the NFC North.
Denver 3-5 (19):
After losing at Kansas City, the Broncos fell farther behind the Chiefs and Chargers in the AFC West.
Dallas 3-4 (22):
The Cowboys get a chance to showcase new receiver Amari Cooper in their Monday night game at home against Tennessee.
Tampa Bay 3-4 (20):
The Bucs have lost four of five. They’ve replaced Jameis Winston at quarterback with Ryan Fitzpatrick.
N.Y. Jets 3-5 (23):
If the Jets can win at Miami, they’ll tie the Dolphins for second in the AFC East. Neither has a chance of catching the Patriots.
Tennessee 3-4 (25):
After their 3-1 start, the Titans have lost three consecutive games. They play Monday night at Dallas.
Jacksonville 3-5 (24):
The Jaguars lost to Philadelphia and get a week off. They’ve got a fourgame losing streak.
Cleveland 2-5-1 (26):
A tough debut for interim coach Gregg Williams. he Browns host the Chiefs, the league’s highest-scoring team.
Buffalo 2-6 (28):
After losing at home to New England on Monday night, the Bills have failed to score a touchdown in five games this season.
Arizona 2-6 (32):
The Cardinals escaped their ranking as the NFL’s worst team by defeating San Francisco behind Josh Rosen’s two TD passes.
N.Y. Giants 1-7 (29):
Their off week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Giants, who have a five-game losing streak.
Oakland 1-6 (30):
During the Raiders’ threegame losing streak, Derek Carr has 654 yards passing, four touchdowns and one interception.
San Francisco 1-7 (31):
Since Jimmy Garoppolo was lost for the season with a torn ACL, the 49ers have lost six consecutive games.