Arizona Cardinals

2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals suffer their fourth defeat of the season, this one to the Carolina Panthers, see themselves in lower half of NFL Power Rankings

After the Arizona Cardinals dropped to 3-4-1 on the season and suffering a few more injuries, the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for them. After the first half of the season concluded, the Cardinals still sit in second place behind the Seattle Seahawks.

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer had his best day of the season going 35-46 with three touchdowns and one interception, which was a really great play by Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy. All of that despite being sacked a career-high eight times.

Now the Cardinals can take the weekend off to heal some bruises but also just let guys rest. The Cardinals lost left tackle Jared Veldheer for the season with a torn triceps. They lost safety Tyrann Mathieu with a shoulder injury for the next three to six weeks. They also reached an injury settlement with tight end Ifeanyi Momah.

The Cardinals still have plenty to play for however. They are just a game and a half behind the Seahawks, who play at home this Monday night against the Buffalo Bills. So where do the Cardinals sit in our first edition of the NFL power rankings this season? Now is when teams really start positioning themselves for the playoffs.

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) tries to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

32. Cleveland Browns (0-8)

The Cleveland Browns are well..still the Cleveland Browns. Each week they seem to find new ways to lose football games.

This can be said about them, they do make things interesting. However when your team is fighting to win games and you are on your fifth quarterback, you have issues.

They play close for the most part. Last week against the New York Jets was prime example. Josh McCown returned at quarterback for the Browns. They had an early lead but couldn’t hold it.

In the end the Jets beat them 31-28 in Cleveland. The Browns remain winless but something tells me that isn’t going to last long. One of these Sunday’s the Browns are going to figure out how to finish games, not just start them.

Week nine doesn’t bring much hope however. The Browns host the 6-1 Dallas Cowboys. I would look for the Browns in this same ranking next week.

Oct 27, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive end Angelo Blackson (95) goes for the tackle on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)

The Jaguars are not much improved over a season ago. This was to be the breakout season for Jacksonville and compete for not only a winning record but a playoff spot.

After their miserable performance against the Tennessee Titans last Thursday night in Nashville, it is safe to say the Jaguars might just not be improving, but regressing.

The maturation of quarterback Blake Bortles isn’t going as planned. If anything, he also looks worse this season. They managed some garbage points against the Titans but it’s when the game is on the line is when it counts.

The Jaguars may not win many more football games this season. Early on they were competitive and should have had a couple of more wins but again this is a team finding new ways to lose. When you don’t compete though like in the Tennessee game, there’s no chance.

Life doesn’t get much better this week. The Jaguars visit Kansas City. Good luck.

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) runs the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

30. New York Jets (3-5)

It truly is amazing that the Jets have three victories. First they can’t decide on who their quarterback will be after a disaster of a Monday Night Football game in Arizona. Then backup turned starting quarterback Geno Smith injures himself and is out for the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick again becomes the starting quarterback. The Jets had a nice victory over the Baltimore Ravens in week seven. They followed that up last week with a win over the Cleveland Browns.

While the Jets have won two in a row, they need to start proving they can beat their division opponents. With Fitzpatrick behind center, it probably doesn’t happen for them in 2016.

The Jets also need to keep feeding running back Matt Forte the ball. Forte had 25 rushes for 82 yards against the Browns. While just a 3.3 per carry average, the Jets at least are showing they care about trying to win football games.

October 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly (center) talks to quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi

29. San Francisco 49ers (1-6)

The 49ers lone victory came in week one over the Los Angeles Rams. Since then it has been all downhill for head coach Chip Kelly and company.

The 49ers have been competitive in some games, not so much in others. They are coming off the bye week. I believe they were the underdog but the final score wasn’t reported.

They do have some very talented players on both sides of the ball. They left a lot to be desired however after their 34-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week seven.

Colin Kapernick is not the answer at quarterback but then again neither was Blaine Gabbert. Whatever Kapernick had in 2012 en route to the Super Bowl is completely gone.

Truth is it doesn’t really matter who the quarterback is for the 49ers. They will be lucky to get three or four wins under their belt. This week they host the New Orleans Saints.

28. Chicago Bears (2-6)

Give the Bears credit. This past Monday night, not many gave them a chance to beat the Minnesota Vikings. They came out however and proved a lot of people wrong.

They proved a lot of people wrong for one night. They also proved what many suspected all along, the Vikings have no offensive weapons. They scare no one with their offense.

The Bears held their own and were able to put 20 points up on the board on the vaunted Vikings defense. I still would keep the jury out on the Bears though.

The way the NFL is standing today, 18 teams are at or under .500. Anyone can beat anyone on any given Sunday. That saying is no less true in 2016.

The Bears have their bye in week nine. After that they head to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers, who are now struggling as well. It could be a time for Chicago to continue getting better.

Oct 23, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Chris Moore (10) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Ravens 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

27. Baltimore Ravens (3-4)

What has happened to the Ravens? After starting 3-0 on the season, they are now 3-4 after four straight losses to teams most thought they would have no trouble with.

Their last loss was to the New York Jets on October 23rd. That one likely didn’t sit well with many Ravens fans. Now coming off the bye they have a rivalry game against the Pittsburgh Steelers coming up this Sunday.

The positive here is that the Ravens had two weeks to prepare for the Steelers. That bad news? It’s still the Steelers, who are 4-3.

The Ravens performances against the Oakland Raiders, Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and Jets over the last four weeks has left a lot to be desired and left very little confidence they can beat anyone in the NFL right now.

A loss to the Steelers will likely have the Ravens looking forward already to 2017. With the Steelers facing some injuries, this is the time for the Ravens to strike.

Oct 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dadi Nicolas (52) tries to elude Indianapolis Colts tackle Joe Haeg (73) as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks for an open receiver at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

26. Indianapolis Colts (3-5)

The Colts are a hard team to figure out. This much is known, they are going nowhere in a hurry. They’ve blown leads and comeback from blown leads.

Last week in a 30-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts are also left wondering what’s next? They allowed Chiefs backup quarterback Nick Foles to throw a couple of touchdowns on them.

The Colts have a tough schedule ahead of them over the next three weeks. They go on the road to face the Green Bay Packers and then host the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It can’t be all about quarterback Andrew Luck. His offensive line is poor and they have no running game. It would also help if guys like receiver T.Y. Hilton stayed healthy. Hilton is quite the playmaker and has shown that in 2016.

Right now it looks like the Colts are an easy out. Even the Jets in four weeks may be licking their chops.

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) breaks up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

25. San Diego Chargers (3-5)

The Chargers were another team that had a hard time finding ways to win in fourth quarters early on in the season. Then it appeared they could be turning things around sitting at 3-3 after six weeks.

The Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos in week six on Thursday Night Football. Then they had a nice comeback in defeating the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta in week seven.

However the Broncos got their revenge on the Chargers this past Sunday in Denver 27-19. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw three interceptions in the loss.

Running back Melvin Gordon continues to shine in his sophomore season. He carried the ball 23 times for 111 yards in last Sunday’s loss.

The Chargers have also been decimated by injuries however. They get to host the Tennessee Titans this Sunday at home. It won’t be easy and the Chargers shouldn’t take the Titans lightly much less anyone else.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs with the ball Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

After losing 43-28 on Thursday Night Football to the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers might be looking to next year once again. Although they are still in the hunt for a wild-card spot, they are now three back in the NFC South with eight to play.

Quarterback Jameis Winston threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons but the Bucs defense has a hard time stopping anyone. The Bucs have given up 30 or more points in five of their eight games.

Tampa has a chance to get back on the winning side of things next week when they host the Bears. However the Bears appear to be on the mend and improving, so nothing against them is a given at this point.

With all the Bucs injuries however, it will be difficult to beat anyone, especially if Winston is injured. Mike Glennon replaced Winston in the fourth quarter against the Falcons.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

23. Carolina Panthers (2-5)

Here is another team that is showing who they really are when they have their players healthy. Last Sunday in a 33-20 victory over the Cardinals, their defense was dominating. They sacked Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer eight times.

Their offense still sputters at times but has enough balance to beat others. If running back Jonathan Stewart can stay healthy the rest of the way, which is a big if, then there is no reason why the Panthers can’t climb back into the playoff race.

They’ve done it before. Two years ago they rattled off a huge winning streak at the end of the 2014 season to vault them into the playoffs and win the NFC South.

It won’t be easy though. Keeping quarterback Cam Newton will need to stay healthy. That too is a big if. He has taken a lot of shots to the legs, the head, and yes has only missed one game due to concussion.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) rushes for a one-yard touchdown against the Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

22. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1)

The Bengals are a hard team to gauge. One minute they look great, the next minute they look like a college team could beat them. Last week they ended in a 27-27 tie in London against the Washington Redskins.

The good news for the Bengals is they play in a relatively weak AFC North this season. No one is running away with that division.

The Bengals are sitting in second place right behind the 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers. They can easily still win the division. However nothing will be easy for them looking at their second-half schedule.

After the bye week in week nine, they will travel to face the New York Giants and then face the up and coming Buffalo Bills. They also still have a date at home with the Pittsburgh Steelers and two games against the Baltimore Ravens.

The divisional games is where the Bengals will need to take care of business. The Bengals are 20th in points scored in the NFL. That will need to improve a bit if they want to stay in the playoff hunt.

Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws for a 66 yard towchdown pass in the game against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Buffalo Bills 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

21. Miami Dolphins (3-4)

One week they look bad. They struggle to beat the Cleveland Browns. Then they look great, they handle the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill hasn’t been hearing as many boo birds as of late but the Dolphins are just another average NFL team at this point. They are coming off their bye week in week eight.

The Dolphins ride a two-game winning streak coming out of the bye so it will be interesting to see if they can keep the momentum going. Their next four games in November are very winnable.

They host the Jets this week, followed by road trips to San Diego and Los Angeles, then back home to face the 49ers. They easily could come out of that swing 4-0 and really put themselves in a position to fight for a wild-card spot in the AFC.

Then again, these are the Dolphins. The 4-0 will likely not happen and the Dolphins will end up helping a team that has little business fighting for anything but a good draft position.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks to the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

20. Houston Texans (5-3)

How in the world do the Texans have five wins? Well after defeating the Detroit Lions last Sunday in Houston, they do in fact have a winning record at 5-3. Let’s also remember they play in the AFC South.

They did beat the Lions and then had a nice fourth quarter comeback against the Colts a few weeks ago. Outside of those victories, let’s not forget they beat the Bears as well. However, they have a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Texans also have battled some injury issues. That’s nothing new to them though. Their biggest weapon on offense, deep threat receiver Will Fuller, has been questionable for most of the past month. After a nice September, he’s all but disappeared in October.

There is plenty of football left but five of their last eight games are on the road. They head east to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 13th after a bye this week.

Oct 23, 2016; London, ENG; quarterback Case Keenum (17) of the Los Angeles Rams runs through a gap during the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

19. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

After a miserable opening week, at time the Los Angeles Rams have looked tough to beat. Other times they look very beatable. Right now they sit in third place in the NFC West at 3-4.

They had their bye week last week after a trip to London netted them a loss to the New York Giants. Coming off that bye they host the Panthers this Sunday.

They have four games at home and four on the road in the second half of the season. The Rams may have a tough time finding offense against some of their competition.

They have road trips at the Jets, Patriots, Saints, and Seahawks still remaining. In addition to the Panthers, their home contests include the Dolphins, Falcons, 49ers, and finish out against the Cardinals .

They have already beaten the Seahawks and Cardinals. This is not the time for coach Jeff Fisher to be calling another fake punt from deep inside their own territory.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws during the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

18. Detroit Lions (4-4)

The Lions are in the thick of things in the NFC North. They didn’t do themselves any favors however in last Sunday’s loss to a subpar Texans team 20-13 in Houston.

The Lions have experienced some injuries but quarterback Matthew Stafford has remained healthy. Outside of the loss to the Texans, they’ve lost to the Titans, Packers, and Bears.

The next three weeks may clear a lot up for the .500 Lions. They looked good against the Philadelphia Eagles a few weeks ago. That was their arguably their best win in 2016. But now they get to face the Vikings two of their next three games.

They travel to Minnesota this week, then have a bye week before hosting Jacksonville and then Minnesota on Thanksgiving day. They need to hope for a split at worst with the Vikings to remain in the division hunt. Three of their last five games will be on the road.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Deone Bucannon (20) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina won 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

17. Arizona Cardinals (3-4-1)

The Cardinals could easily be 6-2. They also could be 2-6 if not for a good second half against the 49ers and a missed Seahawks field goal in overtime a couple of weeks ago.

The Cardinals really should feel lucky then that 3-4-1 is where they stand considering all the injuries that have mounted for them this season and the subpar play, especially from an inconsistent offense.

The Cardinals offensive line was just plain offensive in the 33-20 loss at Carolina last Sunday. Carson Palmer might have had his best day as a Cardinal quarterback but he’d be the first tot ell you he’d give it all back for a team victory.

The Cardinals bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. They have time to heal the minor bruises and a chance to think about what needs to change to win more in the second half of the season.

There is likely to be some roster change. With five of the last eight games on the road, the road to the playoffs will be tough but nowhere near impossible.

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Paul Kruger (99), right, celebrates their victory with safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) against the Seattle Seahawks at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

16. New Orleans Saints (3-4)

The New Orleans Saints vaulted themselves right back into the playoff picture with their biggest win of the season last Sunday at home. They defeated the Seahawks 25-20.

After losing a tough one to the Chiefs the week before and then winning an offensive battle with the Panthers the week before that, the Saints should be taken seriously. Drew Brees still leads the ship, so never count them out.

Their defense is still suspect but their offense is rolling. After a trip to the bay area this weekend to take on the 49ers, they have back to back games against last season’s Super Bowl participants.

They host the Denver Broncos before going on Sunday Night Football to play at the Panthers on November 20th. They also have trips to Atlanta and Arizona in the second half of the season. It should get very interesting down the stretch. They currently sit two games behind the Falcons which can be cut down on Sunday with a win.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

15. Washington Redskins (4-3-1)

The Redskins are hanging in there. A tie last Sunday in London against the Bengals however did not help their cause in the NFC East.

They are going to have a tough time repeating as NFC East champions with the Dallas Cowboys sitting at 6-1. The Skins do have another shot at the Cowboys on Thanksgiving in Dallas however.

The three week strech that starts on Thanksgiving will tell you everything you will need to know about the Skins chances of securing a playoff spot. After Dallas, they have two more consecutive road games at Arizona and at Philadelphia.

The schedule may not have been too kind to the Redskins in late November and early December but if they want to repeat as division champs, this is a stretch that can help that mission.

One thing is for sure, they can’t miss easy field goals and can’t blow leads if they want to make the NFC Playoffs.

Oct 23, 2016; London, ENG; Quarterback Eli Manning (10) of the New York Giants hands the ball off to running back Rashad Jennings (23) during the third quarter of the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

14. New York Giants (4-3)

The New York Giants may be 4-3 but they sure don’t look like a 4-3 team. You have to give them this, aside from the Vikings game where they lost 24-10, they’ve been in every contest.

They handed the Cowboys their only loss of the season on opening weekend but since then have not won a game by more than four points. They last played in week seven in London where they squeaked by the Rams 17-10.

It hasn’t been the year many had expected from receiver Odell Beckham, however as of late he’s been much more involved. He just needs to learn to control his temper and his actions. It could eventually cost them down the line.

That being said, the Giants do play the next three games at home. They face the Eagles, Bengals, and Bears. If they win all three, they pose a serous threat to the Cowboys in the NFC East.

Oct 27, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) celebrates after a defensive stop in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

13. Tennessee Titans (4-4)

No the Titans haven’t been world beaters and may be ranked slightly higher here than they deserve but they should be recognized for the job they’ve done to improve. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has improved as well as the addition of a healthy running game.

The running game was bolstered by the addition of DeMarco Murray, who has rushed for at least 107 yards or more in four of the Titans games. Two other games saw him rush for 89 and 95 yards respectively.

The trick will be to see it through until the end. The Titans have beaten the Browns and Jaguars in their last two victories and their last loss was to the Colts.

This week the Titans are at San Diego. It is a game that they certainly can win if they maintain a healthy balance of running and passing the ball. The Titans are third overall in rushing and should continue to use Murray as much as possible without overloading him.

Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws the ball against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

12. Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

With a rookie quarterback at the helm, it was only a matter of time before the Eagles came back down to Earth a bit. Carson Wentz hasn’t been terrible by any stretch of the imagination.

In fact, I’d take Wentz over half the other starters in this league right now. Since whipping the Steelers in September, the Eagles have dropped three of four games, including two divisional losses to the Redskins and Cowboys.

As the Eagles fall back to the rest of the pack at or near .500 now they are in for a real fight. After losing in overtime to the Cowboys last Sunday night, their next four games are going to be very tough.

They take a trip to face the Giants, then it is home for the Falcons, at the Seahawks, and home for the Packers. It could be all over except for the shouting for the Eagles as they enter December.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) is chased out of the pocket by New England Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin (58) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

11. Buffalo Bills (4-4)

The Bills, just like every other at or near .500 team look good some weeks, bad others. They are coming off a lackluster performance against the New England Patriots.

They lost to the Patriots 41-25, this after shutting out the Tom Brady-less Patriots 16-0 in week four. The Bills have defeated the Cardinals, Rams, and 49ers.

This week they head to the northwest to face the Seahawks. A win and they sweep the NFC West. That game may not be as daunting as it sounds. The Dolphins went up there in week one and almost and should have beaten them.

The Bills will have to play error-free ball to come out on top though. Even one mistake could prove costly to the Bills, not only for that game but going forward. Their schedule shows some very winnable games down the stretch but they need to show they can play with the big boys if they want to be there with them in January.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)

Without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers are average. With him, they still are just slightly better than average, hence the 4-3 record.

After their week eight bye last weekend, the Steelers look to return to winning football. They’ve lost their last two games to AFC opponents, the Dolphins and Patriots.

Now they have a rivalry game against the Ravens this Sunday. Anything can happen in these games. Throw the records out, well for the most part anyway.

The Ravens just aren’t very good right now and even without a healthy Big Ben to quarterback the team, this years Steelers should be able to defeat this years Ravens.

Looming on November 13th is the Cowboys at home before they take to the road for the next two games in Cleveland and Indianapolis after that. Beating the Ravens is a must. Do so and they could be in the drivers seat for the division championship.

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after scoring a two point conversion against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Packers 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

9. Green Bay Packers (4 -3)

Will the real Packers please stand up? They put up a good fight until the end last Sunday in Atlanta, falling just short 33-32.

They’ve not looked great by any stretch of the imagination at any point this season. They struggled to beat Jacksonville early. They didn’t look good against Dallas and couldn’t put the Bears away until late.

Just four of the last nine games for the Packers this season are at home. One of them is this weekend against the Colts. This should be a fairly easy win for the Packers if they are able to put four quarters into the game.

It is easier said than done though with this years Packers. They have very little running game to speak of without Eddie Lacy or James Starks. Now they need to depend on guys like Knile Davis and Ty Montgomery to run the ball. Not a good spot to be in.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) takes a handoff from quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

8. Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

The Falcons continue to ride high. They started out week nine with a 43-28 victory over the Buccaneers. Quarterback Matt Ryan continues his resurgence.

Ryan is most definitely a candidate for MVP at this point, if not the front-runner. Sure, it helps to have good receivers but Ryan isn’t making the same mistakes that have dogged him over the past several seasons.

The Falcons are averaging 315 yards passing per game, which is second in the NFL. They even have a healthy running game at 114.2 yards per game this season.

Last week in the 33-32 victory over the Packers though, receiver Julio Jones disappeared for awhile. He didn’t contribute a whole lot.

On one hand the Falcons should be happy they can win without big contributions from him but on the other they are going to need him big time in November and December. Now the Falcons rest until facing the Eagles in week 10.

Oct 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs receiver Chris Conley (17) tries to elude Indianapolis Colts corner back Rashaan Melvin (30) in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Chiefs won 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

7. Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

The Chiefs seem to be the strangest 5-2 team but a team that also seems to be on the rise. They crushed the Colts last Sunday 30-14 despite losing their starting quarterback Alex Smith. Smith left with a possible concussion.

In his place, backup quarterback Nick Foles threw a couple of touchdowns. He’s going to get that chance again this week as they are home to face the Jaguars. Alex Smith will not play due to concussion protocol.

The Chiefs also put running back Jamaal Charles on injured reserve this week. They will also be without running back Spencer Ware. However it is the Jaguars and the Chiefs should be looking at a 6-2 record headed into Carolina next week.

The Chiefs just need to hope when they build their lead this week that they keep it. They’ve had two near-misses this season with blown leads. It shouldn’t be an issue against the Jags.

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) scores the game winning touchdown in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 . Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

6. Oakland Raiders (6-2)

Who puts up an NFL-record 23 penalties against them and still wins in today’s NFL? That would be the now 6-2 Raiders. They are tied for first place in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos.

The Broncos are their opponent for Sunday Night Football in week nine. Winner will take over sole possession of first place in the division. They won’t get another crack at each other again until New Year’s Day in week 17.

If they commit all those penalties against the Broncos this week like they did against the Buccaneers though, the outcome will be much different. The Broncos will make them pay for any big penalties.

That being said, the Raiders, even if you hate them, you have to respect the job head coach Jack Del Rio is doing with this group. The Raiders so far have lived up to their preseason hype. Might be the best game on the schedule in week nine.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

5. Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

Now the real Sam Bradford has showed up. The problem there is the Vikings defense has disappeared too. After starting 5-0, they’ve now dropped two straight to the Eagles and then the Bears this past Monday night.

Realizing head coach Mike Zimmer is defensive minded, he needs to do something to spark something in the lethargic Vikings offense. Going in though we all knew without Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson, it was going to be a tough season offensively for the Vikings.

The Vikings still lead the NFC North however at 5-2. The lead is just one game over the Packers though. There isn’t a lot of margin for error right now.

This week the Vikings have another division matchup with the Lions at home. After that, the head on the road to face the Redskins before coming back home to take on the Cardinals. Not the easiest stretch of games.

Oct 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs from the New Orleans Saints defense in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-2-1)

The Seahawks sure don’t look or feel like they should be 4-2-1. They lost in week eight to the Saints 25-20. Not before a lot of complaining though.

They shouldn’t have too many complaints looking at the NFC West standings, that’s for sure. They lead the Cardinals by a game and a half. If they defeat the Bills on Monday Night Football this week, they will be up two games on the Cardinals.

The tie against the Cardinals a couple of weeks ago hurt the Cardinals more but it certainly could still come into play for the Seahawks later on. After this week it’s back out on the road though.

They have a very tough one in week 10 at the New England Patriots. Then the Seahawks come home to face the Eagles. It is an important time in the schedule for the Seahawks if they want to re-gain their NFC West crown.

Oct 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) reacts to a special teams play in the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

3. Denver Broncos (6-2)

The Broncos have suffered some injuries but they’ve been able to maintain a lead in the AFC West despite that and also not playing well at times. They are tied for first place with the Raiders.

Speaking of, that is a huge game for the Broncos. They head to California to take on the Raiders on Sunday Night Football. The game couldn’t have come at a better time for either team.

Week nine will be a good gauge of where both teams are at. The Broncos will have to be road warriors in the second half of the season. Their next home game isn’t until November 27th.

December does bring the Patriots to Denver and they do finish the season out at home against the Raiders. The Broncos need to survive this next stretch of games though to stay in competition for the AFC West division crown.

Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) celebrates his overtime touchdown catch with quarterback Dak Prescott (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Eagles 29-23. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Dallas Cowboys (6-1)

The only blemish on the record is Kickoff Sunday back on September 11th against the Giants. They lost 20-19. Since then rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has been great and even broke a record for most passes attempted without throwing an interception to start a career.

Imagine if receiver Terrance Williams was able to make it out of bounds to stop the clock and attempt a long field goal to try to beat the Giants. They’d be the only undefeated team at 7-0.

But they aren’t 7-0, they are 6-1. Tony Romo isn’t ready yet to return to game action although he’s been practicing for the last two weeks. If I am the Cowboys, I wouldn’t be in any kind of hurry to put Romo back out there with the way Prescott is performing.

This week the Cowboys head to Cleveland in week nine action. This after an overtime victory over the Eagles last Sunday night.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) tries to break a tackle by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the second half at New Era Field. The Patriots beat the Bills 41-25. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

1. New England Patriots (7-1)

Then there was one. One quarterback better than the rest. Tom Brady. He’s been nothing short of great since returning following his four-game suspension to start the season.

He took care of the Bills last Sunday to revenge the loss they suffered to them without him in September. The Patriots get a bye this week, a week which saw linebacker Jamie Collins traded to the Browns. After the bye, they face the Seahawks at home.

The Patriots victory over the Steelers in week seven 27-16 was the closest game they’ve had since Brady returned to the lineup. They may have some closer ones over the next few weeks given the opponent.

This is clear though, the Patriots are the NFL’s best team. At this point the only way they likely lose is by beating themselves. Their toughest second half road test will be in Denver in December on the 18th.