Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL groups. The rankings will take note of not simply weekly efficiency, accidents and roster depth, however how properly every staff measures up as Super Bowl contenders.
Here are the rankings heading into Week 9:
1. Philadelphia Eagles (7-1, No. 2)
Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 38-31
Up subsequent: vs. Cowboys
The Eagles wanted three straight touchdowns within the fourth quarter to lastly draw back, however they as soon as once more proved their mettle. It helps to have Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, who linked for 2 landing passes to assist cowl for a protection that allowed 26 first downs and 6.8 yards per play. Brown has blossomed right into a famous person in Philly, changing into the primary participant in NFL historical past with 125-plus receiving yards in six consecutive video games. All eyes will probably be on the standing of Hurts’ injured knee heading into an intriguing matchup towards Dallas.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2, No. 1)
Last week: Loss vs. Broncos, 24-9
Up subsequent: vs. Dolphins in Germany
Was that clunker in Denver only a unhealthy day or a trigger for concern? Dealing with flu-like signs, Patrick Mahomes had one in every of his worst performances in a Chiefs uniform, throwing two interceptions and failing to document a landing move for the primary time since Dec. 5, 2021. The lack of receiving expertise round tight finish Travis Kelce is extra obvious than ever, and Kansas City was solely in a position to muster 62 speeding yards. Once within the driver’s seat, the Chiefs now discover themselves in a crowded race for the highest seed within the AFC.
3. Ravens (6-2, No. 3)
Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 31-24
Up subsequent: vs. Seahawks
The win in Arizona was a Rorschach take a look at for the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes. Did Lamar Jackson’s uneven efficiency towards the Cardinals’ drop protection reveal a blueprint for potential playoff opponents? Is Gus Edwards ok to hold the operating recreation down the stretch? Should Baltimore be involved by the shortage of manufacturing from free agent receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor? Is the protection susceptible to lapses towards inferior opponents? Just how good is a secondary that should proceed to depend on Geno Stone and Brandon Stephens? There’s little doubt the Ravens have been enjoying properly sufficient to be thought-about a title contender, however basic supervisor Eric DeCosta is making a giant guess on this group by not making any significant additions on the commerce deadline.
4. Miami Dolphins (5-2, No. 5)
Last week: Win vs. Patriots, 31-17
Up subsequent: vs. Chiefs in Germany
When the Dolphins’ stars are shining, they’re exhausting to beat. Tua Tagovailoa leads the league with 2,416 passing yards, Tyreek Hill is the primary participant within the Super Bowl period to high 1,000 receiving yards by eight video games and cornerback Jalen Ramsey intercepted a move in his staff debut, serving to push Miami to 6-2 for the primary time since 2001. When left deal with Terron Armstead comes again and the offensive line will get nearer to full energy, the Dolphins might look even higher.
5. Dallas Cowboys (5-2, No. 6)
Last week: Win vs. Rams, 43-20
Up subsequent: at Eagles
When the whole lot clicks, the Cowboys positive are spectacular. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb torched the Rams’ protection, whereas DaRon Bland recorded his NFL-leading third pick-six and Micah Parsons wreaked havoc within the backfield. Dallas additionally excelled on particular groups, with Sam Williams blocking a punt for a security and KaVontae Turpin returning the following kick 63 yards. The Cowboys failed their first huge take a look at in a blowout loss to the 49ers, however they’ll get the possibility to show themselves this week towards Philadelphia.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2, No. 7)
Last week: Win vs. Steelers, 20-10
Up subsequent: Bye
The Jaguars have been removed from dominant, however they haven’t began the season 6-2 since 1999. Winning ugly in Pittsburgh is sort of a ceremony of passage for any AFC contender, and Jacksonville completed that regardless of turning the ball over on two of its three journeys contained in the purple zone. The Jaguars are anticipated to get 4 injured starters again after the bye week, which will probably be essential in retaining tempo in a decent convention race.
7. San Francisco 49ers (5-3, No. 4)
Last week: Loss vs. Bengals, 31-17
Up subsequent: Bye
Make that three straight losses for the staff that topped these rankings simply three weeks in the past. Poor protection and expensive errors on offense have been a poisonous combine, as quarterback Brock Purdy dedicated three turnovers within the second half Sunday whereas Joe Burrow ruthlessly picked the 49ers’ secondary aside. When Purdy is outgaining Christian McCaffrey on the bottom, you realize one thing is incorrect. Perhaps the addition of Commanders defensive finish Chase Young will assist reignite a move rush that has curiously struggled to document sacks regardless of boasting a surplus of expertise up entrance.
8. Buffalo Bills (5-3, No. 8)
Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 24-18
Up subsequent: at Bengals
Don’t neglect concerning the Bills. While Buffalo teetered on the sting of catastrophe in latest weeks, it rebounded properly Thursday night time behind a strong efficiency on each side of the ball. Josh Allen’s proper shoulder damage didn’t appear to trouble him an excessive amount of, and Khalil Shakir may need introduced himself because the third receiver the Bills have been searching for. Buffalo additionally addressed a obvious weak spot on the deadline, buying veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas from the Packers after being compelled to depend on apply squad call-up Josh Norman.
9. Detroit Lions (6-2, No. 9)
Last week: Win vs. Raiders, 26-14
Up subsequent: Bye
The Lions shortly put a humbling loss behind them and confirmed maturity in ending off the Raiders on Monday night time. Three Detroit turnovers, together with a pick-six by Marcus Peters to tug Las Vegas inside two factors within the fourth quarter, and a 1-for-5 efficiency within the purple zone saved the Lions from operating up the rating as they piled up 486 yards and allowed simply 157. Six sacks, together with two from defensive deal with Alim McNeill, continued a powerful begin to the season for the protection. The addition of Browns broad receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones can also be a pleasant swing for a staff that would use a giant physique on the surface.
10. Seattle Seahawks (5-2, No. 12)
Last week: Win vs. Browns, 24-20
Up subsequent: at Ravens
If not for an interception that deflected off security Jamal Adams’ helmet with 1:57 remaining Sunday, the Seahawks may need suffered a regrettable defeat. But due to that play and a few nice throws from Geno Smith on Seattle’s ultimate drive, the Seahawks have a half-game lead within the NFC West. There have been sufficient struggles on offense and a few disappointing moments from the protection Sunday to really feel unsure about Seattle’s division title prospects, however given the state of the NFC, this staff would possibly already be a playoff lock.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3, No. 11)
Last week: Win vs. 49ers, 31-17
Up subsequent: vs. Bills
Welcome again, Joe Burrow. The Bengals star quarterback completed 28 for 32 — together with 19 straight completions at one level — for 283 yards and three touchdowns to steer a dominant win over what’s nonetheless thought-about the most effective groups within the league. It was a far cry from Burrow’s statuesque performances as he handled a calf damage throughout Cincinnati’s 1-3 begin. Don’t overlook the Bengals’ floor recreation, both, which helped make play-action passes from below heart — one thing Burrow mentioned he labored exhausting on all offseason — more practical.
12. Cleveland Browns (4-3, No. 10)
Last week: Loss vs. Seahawks, 24-20
Up subsequent: vs. Cardinals
Given the combo of expertise and potential, this could be probably the most irritating staff within the league. The lack of readability with quarterback Deshaun Watson, each in his means and his availability, has created a clumsy state of affairs that has threatened to derail the season and coach Kevin Stefanski’s tenure. Backup P.J. Walker, who has only one landing move and 5 interceptions in three video games, is just not ok. Even if Watson does come again from his shoulder damage quickly, it could be some time earlier than we all know whether or not Cleveland is really a playoff contender.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (3-4, No. 21)
Last week: Win vs. Bears, 30-13
Up subsequent: at Jets
With a wholesome Justin Herbert, the Chargers are harmful. Playing with out a glove for the primary time since fracturing the center finger on his left hand in Week 4, Herbert accomplished his first 15 passes and led Los Angeles to factors on every of its first 5 drives in a dominant win. Austin Ekeler led the staff in receiving yards, and rookie Quentin Johnston even acquired concerned. There’s nonetheless a protracted approach to go, however the Chargers have saved their playoff hopes alive.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3, No. 13)
Last week: Loss vs. Jaguars, 20-10
Up subsequent: vs. Titans
Injuries to quarterback Kenny Pickett (ribs) and security Minkah Fitzpatrick (hamstring) don’t bode properly for a staff that has been profitable by the slimmest of margins all season. While Pittsburgh’s protection has been ok to maintain the staff in each recreation, it should be even higher if the offense has to depend on backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky and an ineffective operating recreation.
15. New Orleans Saints (4-4, No. 23)
Last week: Win vs. Colts, 38-27
Up subsequent: vs. Bears
Now we all know how good the Saints offense could be. Derek Carr hit a number of lengthy passes to Rashid Shaheed, Michael Thomas and Chris Olave as New Orleans averaged 17.7 yards per reception and recorded 511 whole yards, its most since 2020. Taysom Hill, on the proper moments, stays an efficient weapon. After hitting a tough patch, the Saints are nonetheless tied for first within the NFC South.
16. Atlanta Falcons (4-4, No. 15)
Last week: Loss vs. Titans, 28-23
Up subsequent: vs. Vikings
While the Falcons have been saying all the correct issues in relation to Desmond Ridder, we would have seen the start of a quarterback change Sunday. After Ridder was sacked 5 instances and misplaced his sixth fumble of the season, he was changed by Taylor Heinicke, who completed 12 of 21 for 175 yards and a landing as Atlanta scored 20 second-half factors. Given a division title is inside attain, the Falcons can’t be too affected person with their second-year quarterback.
17. New York Jets (4-3, No. 19)
Last week: Win vs. Giants, 13-10 (OT)
Up subsequent: vs. Chargers
The Jets snatched victory from the jaws of defeat Sunday, as a missed 35-yard area aim try by the Giants’ Graham Gano with 28 seconds left gave Zach Wilson sufficient time to finish two lengthy passes to arrange the game-tying area aim on the finish of regulation. Wilson then helped lead the Jets down the sector on their first possession of additional time — aided by a move interference penalty — earlier than Greg Zuerlein kicked the game-winning 33-yarder. It was an unsightly win that featured a mixed 24 punts, 15 penalties and 4 third-down conversions on 34 makes an attempt, nevertheless it places the Jets above .500 as they await the potential return of Aaron Rodgers.
18. Minnesota Vikings (4-4, No. 14)
Last week: Win vs. Packers, 24-10
Up subsequent: at Falcons
Kirk Cousins’ time in Minnesota could be over. The 35-year-old quarterback reportedly suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s win, and his contract voids on the finish of the season. The Vikings should now grasp their playoff hopes on Joshua Dobbs, who was acquired on the commerce deadline after an up-and-down stint because the Cardinals’ starter.
19. Tennessee Titans (3-4, No. 25)
Last week: Win vs. Falcons, 28-23
Up subsequent: vs. Vikings
The Titans may need their reply at quarterback. Rookie Will Levis threw 4 landing passes in his NFL debut, and whereas a lot of these deep throws required loads of luck, the previous Kentucky star offers the offense some much-needed juice. It helps to have DeAndre Hopkins on the receiving finish, too. How Levis performs in a brief week towards a powerful Steelers protection will assist reply some questions on his potential.
20. Houston Texans (3-4, No. 17)
Last week: Loss vs. Panthers, 15-13
Up subsequent: vs. Buccaneers
After a blazing begin, rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has cooled off not too long ago, which first-year coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned is the results of defenses seeing extra movie of the Ohio State star and making changes. How the No. 2 total decide adjusts himself would be the most attention-grabbing storyline to observe for the remainder of Houston’s season.
21. Los Angeles Rams (3-5, No. 16)
Last week: Loss vs. Cowboys, 43-20
Up subsequent: at Packers
The Rams’ season hinges on the well being of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has an ulnar collateral ligament sprain in his proper thumb and is each day. But he hasn’t been very efficient when he does play, finishing simply 59.7% of his passes and rating twenty fourth in passer score. Coach Sean McVay might want to work some magic to maintain this staff afloat.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4, No. 18)
Last week: Loss vs. Bills, 24-18
Up subsequent: at Texans
Three straight losses have shortly overshadowed a powerful begin for Tampa Bay. An ineffective speeding assault has put an excessive amount of on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield, who hasn’t been ok to raise the offense by himself. The Bucs have averaged simply 16.3 factors per recreation, which ranks twenty sixth within the league.
23. Denver Broncos (3-5, No. 24)
Last week: Win vs. Chiefs, 24-9
Up subsequent: Bye
It may need felt prefer it at instances, however that is removed from the worst staff within the league. Ending a 16-game shedding streak towards the Chiefs might be a turning level for Denver, which could have discovered a profitable method behind operating again Javonte Williams and an efficient floor recreation. Maybe Russell Wilson is popping the nook, too.
24. Indianapolis Colts (3-5, No. 20)
Last week: Loss vs. Saints, 38-27
Up subsequent: at Panthers
While the Colts offense has been surprisingly good with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, his 9 turnovers in 4 begins have been pricey. And as promising as first-year coach Shane Steichen has been because the offensive play-caller, his unwillingness to depend on a operating recreation that averaged 6.8 yards per carry Sunday was puzzling. Jonathan Taylor had only one carry after speeding for 94 yards within the first half, whereas Minshew completed with 41 move makes an attempt.
25. Washington Commanders (3-5, No. 22)
Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 38-31
Up subsequent: at Patriots
The Commanders are clearly pondering long run, for higher or worse. After arising simply quick towards the Eagles, they traded a pair of promising move rushers, sending Montez Sweat to the Bears for a 2024 second-round decide 2024 and Chase Young to the 49ers for a 2024 compensatory third-round choice. Washington now has 9 draft picks subsequent yr, together with 5 within the first three rounds. It’s sensible enterprise, contemplating each gamers are pending free brokers, nevertheless it’s actually disappointing to surrender on the season this early.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (3-5, No. 29)
Last week: Loss vs. Lions, 26-14
Up subsequent: vs. Giants
The return of Jimmy Garoppolo was not sufficient to elevate the Raiders offense, as he completed 10 of 21 passing for 126 yards and an interception whereas taking six sacks. Davante Adams had only one catch on seven targets, and Jakobi Meyers had only one reception on the one move thrown his manner. The protection led by Maxx Crosby is competing exhausting, however that effort is being wasted.
27. Chicago Bears (2-6, No. 26)
Last week: Loss vs. Chargers, 30-13
Up subsequent: at Saints
While backup quarterback Tyson Bagent and the Bears’ speeding assault couldn’t get a lot occurring offense, it was the protection that was a a lot greater disappointment. Chicago didn’t power a punt till the center of the third quarter and allowed the Chargers to transform on 7 of 12 third downs. According to ESPN, the Bears didn’t generate strain on 30 of Herbert’s 40 dropbacks. Perhaps the addition of Sweat will enhance the move rush, although it’s a curious commerce contemplating he might be a half-season rental.
28. New England Patriots (2-6, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Dolphins, 31-17
Up subsequent: vs. Commanders
Given how badly Mac Jones has struggled this season, it appears seemingly the Patriots will probably be drafting a quarterback in April. New England is on tempo to have a top-five decide, one thing it hasn’t completed since taking defensive finish Willie McGinest at No. 4 total in 1994.
29. Green Bay Packers (2-5, No. 31)
Last week: Loss vs. Vikings, 24-10
Up subsequent: vs. Rams
Maybe surrounding Jordan Love with the league’s youngest group of move catchers wasn’t such a good suggestion. The first-year starter has seemed overwhelmed throughout a four-game shedding streak, throwing 4 landing passes to seven interceptions. The protection has been equally disappointing, rating twenty eighth in effectivity based on FTN Fantasy’s DVOA.
30. New York Giants (2-6, No. 28)
Last week: Loss vs. Jets, 13-10 (OT)
Up subsequent: at Raiders
Nobody anticipated Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito to be main the offense, however recording minus-9 passing yards in an NFL recreation is embarrassing, irrespective of the circumstances. The Giants rank final within the league in scoring, averaging 11.2 factors per recreation, and don’t appear to have any solutions. After receiving a brand new contract this season, it’s as much as Daniel Jones to show he’s able to lifting the offense out of this rut.
31. Carolina Panthers (1-6, No. 32)
Last week: Win vs. Texans, 15-13
Up subsequent: vs. Colts
Bryce Young picked an excellent time to ship his finest recreation as a professional, because the No. 1 total decide helped ship Carolina’s first fourth-quarter comeback since 2018. Rumblings about Stroud being the higher choice started after the No. 2 decide’s robust begin to the season, however Young confirmed sufficient progress Sunday to be ok with the route of the franchise.
32. Arizona Cardinals (1-7, No. 30)
Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 31-24
Up subsequent: at Browns
The actual season could be about to begin for Arizona. Coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned Monday there’s an opportunity Kyler Murray might begin as he will get set to return from ACL surgical procedure. The solely truthful analysis of this staff ought to include Murray below heart, nevertheless it might take some time for him to get again on observe as he adjusts to a brand new group of gamers and coaches.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com