week 9 power rankings

(5-2) W1

I think for this Detroit Lions team, it is absolutely time to make it to at least the NFC Championship. I truly think they can make it there too, it's simply going to be a matter of staying healthy.

(7-1) W4

I think the Colts being this good, let's be honest, is even a shock to them. That's why I think the goal realistically for this team is to win one playoff game. Obviously I think the ceiling is high for this team, as they are super well rounded and have an elite offense, but this franchise needs to re-establish itself as contenders first. There is enough here for them to be competitive for years.

(5-2) W1

This is a Super Bowl team. End of story. Maybe the most complete roster in the NFL, a top defense that is getting Witherspoon and Love back as well. People will eventually see just how good this team is.

(6-2) W1

I think the bar for Tampa is to win a playoff game. They will win their division, but this team will have to make some sort of deep run for this season to mean anything. They might start losing some pieces this offseason.

(5-2) W1

The Bills realistically just need to make it further than the Chiefs in the playoffs, but it's not ridiculous to say that this team is Super Bowl or bust. They've been fringe for years, and last year was as good a shot as they could ask for. This year, even with the Chiefs heating back up, they still are going to be favorites when it comes time, it will be a matter if they can pull it off.

(5-2) W2

The Rams gotta find a way to win the division. This is an uber-talented squad, and so far this season the team has looked very capable, but they are going to need all the help they can get when it comes to the playoffs.

(6-2) W2

I think it is clear to many that this team has regressed at least a little bit from last year, That's why their outlook is to make it back to the NFC championship. Obviously they are still a super bowl team, but the bar has lowered a little bit.

(5-1-1) W3

This Packers team has all the talent in the world, and it feels like they just put it together against the Steelers. I think this team has to be going for a deep playoff run considering the cap hit they will have for years to come with Love and Parsons contracts.

(6-2) W5

Sean Payton straight up just needs to win a playoff game to prove he is worth something without Brees. Certainly possible, and realistically this team is very young and will likely compete for a few more years, so getting at least one playoff win under the belt would be huge.

(5-3) W3

I mean when you have the pedigree that the Chiefs have, I think it's not ridiculous to say they need to make it back to the AFC Championship. That is the streak that they are holding, and with some people thinking they have fallen off, that will be the ultimate test to know if they have or not.

(6-2) W5

The Patriots are in year one of the Vrabel era, and are very young all around, so simply making the playoffs will say a lot about this team and their future.

(5-3) W1

The Chargers clearly have the QB and coach, they just need to show up in the playoffs. Seems simple enough, but they either miss them, or get blown out in the first game. In order for the narrative around them to change, that must change first.

(3-4) W1

The Texans need to establish that CJ Stroud is still that guy, because he is. The strength of the team is clearly defense, but they need to show a little more on offense to win the division, something that is slipping away with the Colts current record.

(5-3) L1

The story of the Niners has been the same for the past few years: Injured. Something has to change for them in that department. But it's clear that this team can be dangerous when the right players are on the field, which is why the rest of the NFC really hopes they don't sneak into the playoffs.

(4-3) L2

Despite the hot start, the Jags have cooled off a bit recently. They aren't quite the top dog that we all thought they were perhaps, but I think for year one of a new system, getting a winning record is a realistic goal.

(4-3) L1

Much like the Jaguars, the Bears are in year one of a new system, so achieving a winning record is a huge win for the franchise. This is a tough division, so a winning record in the NFC North means more than it seems.

(4-3) L2

I think Pittsburgh fans are tired of mediocrity, so any finish to the season that isn't mediocre would be a win for the Steelers. Whether it be good or bad.

(3-5) L3

I think the Commanders are in an odd spot. It's starting to seem that last season was a cinderella run, but that Jayden Daniels is still the guy, and there's plenty to build off of. I would imagine that the goal for this team is to build for the future, as this season is beginning to look like a wash.

(2-5) W1

The Ravens have been injured to a massive extent to this point in the season, but the roster and talent is there. It's not unrealistic for this team to aim for a winning record, because a winning record could put them in first place in their division.

(3-4-1) L1

The Cowboys have pieces to build for the future, via the Parsons trade, so leaning into seeing what some of their young guys can do the rest of this year would be wise. Not saying they can't be competitve this year, just what would be best for the franchise.

(3-4) L2

The Vikings need to commit to developing JJ McCarthy. That's it. If theres anything that the Vikings are the best at, it is developing and molding young QB's to their full potential. Put JJ McCarthy in a position to grow.

(2-5) L5

I don't know if this is a popular opinion, but despite the competitive nature of this team, I think a little rebuild/retool is neccesary. Kyler might be on his way out.

(4-4) L1

I think the Panthers would consider the season a success if they could float around .500. It would show growth for the franchise and organization, and allow them to continue to develop Bryce Young.

(3-4) L2

The Falcons are a lot like the Steelers, where another mediocre finish doesn't help the team. Either they need to lock in and play like the team that stomped the Bills, or tank like the team that got shut out by the Panthers.

(3-5) L1

Tank. Even if this team had Burrow, they wouldn't be playing good, so they need as many assets as they possibly can get their hands on.

(2-6) W1

A total rebuild is inevitable for the Dolphins. The Coach nor the QB is working out.

(2-6) L2

I think the Giants need to just have fun. That sounds like an odd projection, but the season is a wash record and injury-wise, so I think they just try to make the most of it the rest of the way, and maybe fire Daboll.

(2-6) L1

I think Kevin Stefanski probably needs to be relieved of his coaching duties. So far it has been a disaster, and he has been a key cog in putting them in this spot.

(2-5) L1

The Raiders just need to establish a new culture in Vegas. Don't even have to necessarily win that many games, just give yourselves a clear identity.

(1-7) W1

Tank. I think this franchise is lost in so many ways, so any sort of cleaning house would likley help.

(1-7) L3

Tank. Although QB isn't the biggest need, it's hard to feel motivated as a team that feels extremely lost at the position.

(1-7) L3

Tank. This team needs assets to build around Cam Ward, and getting a high draft pick will help him.