NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Bills up, Cowboys down, plus Something Scary for every team

In a nod to the nation celebrating Halloween this week, the Power Rankings have searched far and wide for Something Scary for each team. For some of these teams, like the rolling Lions, we had to look hard. For others, like the reeling Panthers, it was way too easy.

In the end, we still have Detroit atop the rankings, but there was plenty of movement after that.

Last week: 1

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 52-14

Something Scary: They’re peaking too early?

That’s about the only thing we can find to worry the Lions right now. Detroit is averaging 43 points per game since Week 4 and its average margin of victory in that span is 22.8 points. Jared Goff passed for 85 yards Sunday, and the Lions scored 51 points. For the season, the Lions lead the league in rushing success rate (47.5 percent) and are second in expected points added through the run game (.12 per carry), according to TruMedia.

Up next: at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Last week: 4

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 27-20

Something Scary: It’s still the wide receivers

DeAndre Hopkins had two catches for 29 yards in his first game as a Chief. He’ll get better as he gets more familiar with Patrick Mahomes’ improvisational style. However, it might only get so good. The 32-year-old Hopkins has topped 750 yards in a season just once in his last four full seasons. He had 202 yards in seven games last year. He’s never had a quarterback like Mahomes, but he will probably never be 2018 DeAndre Hopkins again.

Up next: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, 8:25 p.m. ET

3. Green Bay Packers (6-2)

Last week: 5

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 30-27

Something Scary: Jordan Love under pressure

Green Bay got a win Sunday, but its young quarterback is a bit of an adventure. Love was 14 of 22 for 196 yards and an interception Sunday, finishing with a 73.3 passer rating against the Jaguars. Love is 31st in the league among quarterbacks with more than 100 attempts in EPA when being blitzed this season. That’s worse than Bo Nix, Andy Dalton, Gardner Minshew and barely better than Deshaun Watson. On top of that, Love had to leave Sunday’s game after aggravating a groin injury.

Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Last week: 7

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 31-10

Something Scary: The turnover margin

Right now, it’s great. The Bills lead the league at plus-11. Quarterback Josh Allen, somewhat famous throughout his career for giving the ball away, has thrown only one interception, making him the only quarterback in the league who has more than 200 passing attempts with so few. Buffalo, and particularly Allen, get credit for making these numbers so good, but there’s a lot of evidence that luck plays a role in turnovers. If the Bills’ luck here changes, it could make a difference against the Chiefs and 49ers of the world.

Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 6

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 23-20

Something Scary: The second-year jump hasn’t happened

After C.J. Stroud’s debut season, a step forward offensively was baked into the high expectations for the Texans. Instead, Houston’s offense has been basically the same and maybe a little worse. The Texans were 20th in offensive success rate in 2023 (43.6 percent). This year, they are 28th (40.7 percent). Stroud was seventh in the league in EPA per dropback (.11) last season. He has slipped to 19th this year (.04). And yet, this team still leads the AFC South by two games.

Up next: at New York Jets, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Last week: 2

Sunday: Lost 29-24 to Cleveland Browns

Something Scary: Defensive slippage

One year after losing defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens are 26th in the league in defensive EPA (minus-7.3 per 100 snaps) and 23rd in defensive success rate (57.6 percent) under first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr. There’s a reason Baltimore brought in 75-year-old Dean Pees as a consultant. The Jameis Winston-led Browns had 401 yards Sunday and handed the Ravens their second loss. Winston had 334 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m.

Last week: 8

Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 18-15

Something Scary: Jayden Daniels’ ribs

If anything happens to the rookie quarterback, Washington fans might never recover. Daniels clearly was not at full strength late in Sunday’s showdown against Caleb Williams and Chicago, although it didn’t keep him from throwing a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown as time expired to lift the Commanders to another win. Daniels is second in the league in EPA per dropback (.25) and quarterback rushing yards (424).

Up next: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 3

Thursday: Lost to Los Angeles Rams 30-20

Something Scary: Dallas Turner’s start

The No. 17 pick in this year’s draft has one sack and three quarterback pressures through seven games. That’s not great but wouldn’t be cause for alarm unless you dug deeper into the numbers. Turner, a 247-pound outside linebacker, has played only eight snaps in the last two games. In fact, his snap count has gone down each week, starting at 35 in Week 1 and going all the way down to three on Thursday night against the Rams. Turner’s only statistical contribution in his last four games is one tackle assist.

Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

Last week: 12

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 37-17

Something Scary: The passing game’s ceiling

Jalen Hurts had his best game of the season Sunday against a struggling Bengals defense, completing 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards and registering a .58 EPA per dropback, twice as good as his previous season high. The Eagles might be on to something, but history tells us Philly will get only so much out of its passing game with Hurts, who is 27th in the league in SPLINT percentage (9.9 percent), which measures sacks and interceptions per dropback. That means one of every 10 attempts results in something pretty to really bad.

Up next: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Last week: 9

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 26-18

Something Scary: The schedule down the stretch

The Steelers have built an impressive record so far, but they still haven’t entered division play. That means they have to play the Ravens, the new-look Browns and the potentially dangerous Bengals twice each down the stretch.

Up next: Bye

11. San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

Last week: 15

Sunday: Beat Dallas Cowboys 30-24

Something Scary: National Tight Ends Day is only once a year

George Kittle had 128 receiving yards Sunday on the fake holiday that he basically created out of thin air in 2018, and the 49ers looked more like the team we were expecting this season. However, that was Kittle’s first 100-yard game of the season and second since Week 10 of last year. With Brandon Aiyuk out, San Francisco will need more from Kittle. Does the 31-year-old have it to give?

Up next: Bye

12. Seattle Seahawks (4-4)

Last week: 10

Sunday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 31-10

Something Scary: The run defense

The Seahawks are 23rd in yards allowed before contact per rush (1.78) and 28th in yards per carry allowed (4.9). Although first-year head coach Mike Macdonald got the job based on the play of his Baltimore defense, run defense wasn’t the Ravens’ strength either. Baltimore was 25th in the league last season, giving up 4.5 yards per carry. Buffalo’s James Cook rushed for 111 yards Sunday, and the Bills had 164 overall. Seattle gained only 32 yards on the ground.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Last week: 11

Sunday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-26

Something Scary: The pass rush curse

Baker Mayfield threw 50 passes Sunday. The Falcons did not register a sack or a quarterback hit. This is not a new-coaching staff problem, though. This apparently is just Atlanta’s destiny. The Falcons are last in the league with six sacks. Since 2020, they are last with 116 sacks. Since 2010, they are last with 420. Since 2000, they are next to last (777) but only because the Texans didn’t start playing until 2002.

Up next: vs. Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)

Last week: 14

Sunday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 31-26

Something Scary: The wide receivers room

With Mike Evans out for several more weeks and Chris Godwin out of the season, Tampa Bay ran 72 plays against Atlanta and only 15 of them went to wide receivers. Rakim Jarrett led the way against the Falcons with three catches for 58 yards. They were his first three catches of the season. He had four last year. That’s not a plan for long-term success even if the Bucs did have 432 yards against a struggling Falcons defense.

Up next: at Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

15. Denver Broncos (5-3)

Last week: 17

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 28-14

Something Scary: The number of short drives

Denver is 20th in the league in scoring (21.63 ppg), but it is 30th in first downs per drive (1.4). That means a lot of short possessions, which is putting a lot of pressure on quarterback Bo Nix. The rookie was good Sunday, completing 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns as the Broncos had a season-high 400 yards. Denver has scored 61 points in the last two weeks.

Up next: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 18

Sunday: Beat New Orleans Saints 26-8

Something Scary: What Jim Harbaugh is doing to Justin Herbert

The No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft, the player who has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, is 22nd in the league in attempts. We knew Harbaugh would play this way, and who’s to argue with Los Angeles in the playoff race, but it still feels like we’re being robbed of something. Four times this season, Herbert has been under 180 yards passing. It gets even worse if you look at air yards per target (7.8), where he ranks 16th. Let the big boy throw the ball and throw it deep!

Up next: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

17. Chicago Bears (4-3)

Last week: 13

Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 18-15

Something Scary: Caleb Williams against the blitz

The Bears rookie quarterback is 31st in the league in EPA per dropback when opponents send five or more pass rushers (minus-.23). He’s 21st against four or fewer rushers (.01). Washington must have gotten the memo. Williams was 10 of 24 for 131 yards and had the second-worst EPA per dropback of his season (minus-.23) against the Commanders. Chicago was coming off back-to-back 30-point games and a bye before Sunday’s stinker.

Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Knocked ’em outta FG range ‼️

📺 #CHIvsWAS CBS pic.twitter.com/vboVNBQ7jx

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 27, 2024

18. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

Last week: 24

Thursday: Beat Minnesota Vikings 30-20

Something Scary: The defense

The Rams offense looked like itself again Thursday night with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both in the lineup, and after the game, Sean McVay essentially said, “What Cooper Kupp trade? Never heard of it.” But the defense may not be good enough to make it matter. The Rams are 28th in defensive success rate (55.1 percent) and near the league’s bottom in both defensive passing EPA and rushing EPA, according to TruMedia.

Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

19. Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

Last week: 21

Sunday: Beat Miami Dolphins 28-27

Something Scary: The scoring defense

Arizona’s opponents are averaging 2.64 points per drive. That’s the second-worst in the league this season and ranks 474th out of 480 since the 2010 season. The Cardinals are 29th in the league in defensive EPA per snap (minus-8.5). They gave up 377 yards to Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins on Sunday but still came away with a win.

Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

20. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)

Last week: 19

Sunday: Lost to Philadelphia Eagles 37-17

Something Scary: The defense

The Bengals are 30th in defensive success rate (54 percent) and 27th in the league in defensive EPA per play (minus-7.4 per 100 snaps). Since its Super Bowl loss following the 2021 season, Cincinnati is 28th in the success rate (57.3) and 23rd in EPA per play (.3). The Bengals gave up 397 yards and 20 unanswered points in the final 18 minutes Sunday.

Up next: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. Indianapolis Colts (4-4)

Last week: 20

Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 23-20

Something Scary: Anthony Richardson’s completion percentage

Indianapolis’ second-year quarterback has completed 44.4 percent of his passes this year. That ranks 813th out of 814 qualifying quarterbacks, according to TruMedia. Richardson was 10 of 32 for 175 yards Sunday. At halftime, he was 2 of 15 for 81 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Colts backup quarterback Joe Flacco is 71 of 108 for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while filling in for Richardson this season, which he had to do for one play Sunday after Richardson removed himself from the game because he was tired.

Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

I asked #Colts HC Shane Steichen if QB Anthony Richardson is the team’s starting QB:

“Today he is, yes.”

Is he the starting QB for Sunday’s game against the #Vikings:

“We’re evaluating.” | @TheAthleticNFL

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 28, 2024

22. Dallas Cowboys (3-4)

Last week: 16

Sunday: Lost to San Francisco 49ers 30-24

Something Scary: The run game

Ezekiel Elliott led the Cowboys with 10 carries for 34 yards on Sunday. Dallas, whose owner Jerry Jones said the team couldn’t afford to pursue Derrick Henry in free agency, is last in the league with 519 rushing yards this season. The Ravens, who did sign Henry, have triple that. Ten individual players have more than that. The Cowboys have lost two straight, and their wins have come over the Browns, Giants and Steelers.

Up next: at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

23. Cleveland Browns (2-6)

Last week: 31

Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 29-24

Something Scary: What might have been?

Deshaun Watson did not pass for more than 300 yards in any of his 19 starts for the Browns. Jameis Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. Last season, Joe Flacco made five starts for the Browns. He passed for more than 300 yards in four of those games. Cleveland thought Watson was the missing piece. Instead, he was an anchor around the neck of what might have been a good Browns team.

Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

24. New Orleans Saints (2-6)

Last week: 22

Sunday: Lost to Los Angeles Chargers 26-8

Something Scary: The Justin Herbert play

Things have gotten bad in New Orleans, but the Saints made it worse on themselves Sunday with the most questionable play of the day when defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd attempted to twist Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to the ground using his lower leg. Chargers offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman dove onto Shepherd to stop the play, earning internet fame and a game ball from his head coach.

Up next: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m.

Bradley Bozeman the enforcer pic.twitter.com/2ybL6tK9YL

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) October 27, 2024

25. New York Giants (2-6)

Last week: 23

Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 26-18

Something Scary: Their aversion to the end zone

Before Tyrone Tracy scored on a 45-yard run in the fourth quarter, the Giants had gone an NFL-worst 24 consecutive drives without a touchdown. Even with Tracy’s score, the Giants are 31st in the league in scoring (14.63 ppg). Their 10 offensive touchdowns also rank 31st in the league.

Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

26. Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)

Last week: 26

Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 27-20

Something Scary: The ground game

The Raiders are averaging 79 rushing yards per game. Since 2000, the only time they have averaged less was in 2014 (77.5 per game). That team went 3-13, and this one might be on the way to that. Alexander Mattison led Las Vegas on Sunday with 14 carries for 15 yards. As a group, the Raiders rushed 26 times for 33 yards. That’s gross.

Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Last week: 29

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 25-22

Something Scary: The Drake Maye injury

The rookie quarterback is about the only bright spot for the Patriots and now he’s in concussion protocol after taking a helmet to the back of the head Sunday. Maye threw only six passes but did rush for a touchdown before leaving the game. Of course, bright spots in this New England season don’t have to be that bright. Maye’s passer rating in his limited action (92.6) is 27th in the league.

Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

28. New York Jets (2-6)

Last week: 25

Sunday: Lost to New England Patriots 25-22

Something Scary: The lack of options

The Jets have tried pulling the “fire the head coach” lever. They’ve tried the “trade for a big-name wide receiver” lever. And still, New York has lost five in a row. Since Week 4, it is 24th in the league in point differential (minus-35). On Sunday, the Jets held New England under 250 yards, scored more than 20 points and didn’t turn the ball over.

Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

29. Miami Dolphins (2-5)

Last week: 27

Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 28-27

Something Scary: The ultimate payoff to all this

The Dolphins have made headlines throughout the Mike McDaniel era (which is now two and a half seasons long) with a splashy and fun offense, but it’s worth wondering how much long-term success that’s going to yield. Tua Tagovailoa returned Sunday and the Dolphins gained 377 yards and converted 11 of 15 third downs and still lost. Miami has lost in the wild-card round in both full seasons under McDaniel and will be fortunate to make the postseason this year.

Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)

Last week: 28

Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 30-27

Something Scary: It’s going to get worse now

Christian Kirk suffered a broken collarbone after catching two passes for 59 yards. That’s going to leave rookie Brian Thomas Jr., the team’s leading receiver with 573 yards, feeling very lonely. Kirk is second on the team with 379 yards and took some of the pressure off Thomas, who had three catches for 60 yards and his fifth touchdown against Green Bay.

Up next: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

31. Tennessee Titans (1-6)

Last week: 30

Sunday: Lost to Detroit Lions 52-14

Something Scary: The return on investment

Tennessee committed more than $300 million in the offseason to signing free agents and extending players on their existing roster. They added name brands at wide receiver (Calvin Ridley), center (Lloyd Cushenberry), cornerback (Chidobe Awuzie), running back (Tony Pollard) and linebacker (Kenneth Murray). In exchange, they have gotten one win. At least Ridley had his first big game Sunday, catching 10 passes for 143 yards.

Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (1-7)

Last week: 32

Sunday: Lost to Denver Broncos 28-14

Something Scary: The point differential

The Panthers are losing games by an average of 18.4 points per game. That’s on pace to be the worst number in the NFL since at least 2000, and it’s not close. The next-worst point differential (the 2009 Rams) is a full two points better. Bryce Young was thrust back into the lineup Sunday because of an Andy Dalton injury and passed for 224 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Panthers lost for the 23rd time in their last 26 games.

Up next: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Top photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)